Sonax Launches Profiline Red Max Rim Cleaner Range

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Sonax, the worldwide product specialist for the surface care and cleaning of vehicles and machines, has added Profiline Red Max Rim Cleaner range of professional cleaning products.The Sonax range for professional vehicle valeting is not only notable for the latest technologies in the preparation and long-term sealing of paintwork, but also for highly effective cleaning products. With these products, professionals can work efficiently and achieve optimum customer satisfaction. This is especially true for the new.

New Formula  

The new formula is based on a particularly high proportion of active cleaning substances, which achieve faster and even more thorough rim cleaning. Especially stubborn dirt on the wheels – such as burned-on brake dust, oil and rubber residues – can be removed even faster and with no residue. “Sonax Profiline Red Max Rim Cleaner” is particularly impressive for the way it clings to the surface of the wheel rim evenly and more lastingly, which optimises the effective duration of the application and intensifies the cleaning effect.

Material Compatibility

The product is suitable for all steel and alloy wheels and achieves outstanding cleaning results on painted, chrome-plated or polished surfaces. Typically for Sonax, its developers also place great importance on the material compatibility of professional cleaning agents: In spite of its excellent cleaning power, the pH-neutral formula attacks neither wheels, badges nor wheel nuts. This means that the product can also be used with no difficulty for cleaning wheels with TPMS.

For applying the product the experts from Neuburg recommend the “Pressure Pump Sprayer for Acid/Alkaline Products”, which delivers an even, flat spray pattern. Depending on the level of soiling, Sonax recommends an application time of up to four minutes. An optimum duration is indicated by the typical red colouring, the so-called activity indicator. The more the better – but for the efficient use of the cleaning fluid, it is advisable in practice to loosen any especially stubborn dirt using a soft brush or a professional cleaning brush. This can be achieved with no difficulty thanks to “Red Max” power, before the wheels are rinsed with a powerful water jet or a high-pressure cleaner on a low setting.

Along with the well-established “Profiline Acid-Free Rim Cleaner”, the “Sonax Profiline Red Max Rim Cleaner” is available ready for use. Sonax offers the new product in container sizes from 5 to 200 litres, tailored to meet the needs of specialist companies. (MT)

Maruti Suzuki India Inaugurates 5,000th Arena Service Point

Maruti Suzuki Arena

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has attained another milestone of inaugurating its 5,000th Arena Service touchpoint.

The landmark facility, located in Coimbatore, is spread across 3,200 sqmt. It features four service bays and four bays dedicated to body repair, equipped with advanced tools to offer complete service solutions.

The new service point contributes to Maruti Suzuki's overall network, which now comprises over 5,640 service touchpoints across 2,818 cities. This extensive network includes Arena and Nexa workshops, as well as specialised formats such as Rural workshops and Service-on-Wheels. In Tamil Nadu alone, the brand now has over 400 authorised service touchpoints.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we believe that easy access to trusted service is fundamental to a hassle-free ownership experience. Customers value proximity, affordability, genuine parts and above all, the speed at which we resolve issues. Our expanding service network ensures faster, more reliable care, wherever they are. It is our consistent endeavour to be by the side of our customers and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our dealer partners for their continued support in building this robust and expansive service network. We plan to continuously expand our network in future as well. In FY2024-25, we opened 460 service touchpoints under Arena and Nexa channels, and in FY2025-26, we plan to add a total of 500 service workshops to our network.”

Maruti Suzuki has demonstrated robust service capacity, having serviced over 27 million vehicles in the FY2024-25 – the highest number ever recorded by the company in a single financial year. The overall service network is capable of servicing more than 30 million customer vehicles annually.

Shell Launches New Range Of Lubricants For Automotive Aftermarket

Shell Lubricants

Shell Lubricants India has launched three new lubricant products, developed using technology, to serve customer needs across passenger cars, two-wheelers and pickup trucks. The new products reinforce Shell’s commitment to technical excellence.

The new products include:

  • Shell Spirax S4 GX 75W90: This product is the only Shell Branded product globally in this viscosity and is India’s first Shell Branded synthetic gear oil under the Spirax category. It is designed for manual transmissions in passenger cars and LCVs. The company claims that it provides gearbox protection, smoother gear shifts and cost savings. It is approved under API GL-4 and ZF-TE-ML-08 standards and is compatible with OEMs including Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors. It comes in 1L (INR 540) and 2.5L (INR 1300) packaging.
  • Shell Advance AX6 5W30: Targeted at the growing BS VI scooter market, this oil provides 360-degree protection for daily commuters. Formulated with synthetic technology, it offers performance under urban conditions, including traffic and frequent stop-start riding. The 600 ml bottle is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, is priced at INR 355 and is available nationwide.
  • Shell Rimula Pick-Up: This is an engine oil crafted and tested specifically for pickup trucks navigating city traffic, offering performance and extended drain intervals. The range is available for both BS IV and BS VI engines in 5L and 7L packaging, launched nationwide.

Shell Lubricants recently launched the new Shell Helix Ultra, engineered to deliver performance and protection. It uses Shell’s PurePlus Technology – which converts natural gas into 99.5 percent pure base oil – to offer up to 1.8 percent more engine power, 3.4 percent improved responsiveness and 100 percent engine power retention.

Kia India Hits 100th Green Workshop Milestone

Kia Green Workshop

Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has inaugurated its 100th Green Workshop, signalling a major commitment to sustainable aftersales service. The milestone facility, located at Bright Kia in Kanpur, follows the first Green Workshop launched in Rohtak in 2023.

The company's Green Workshop initiative is a key part of its environmental efforts and aims to expand the network to over 150 workshops by 2026.

Kia's Green Workshops are fitted with advanced sustainability measures, including rainwater harvesting, natural lighting and motion-sensor systems for greater energy efficiency. They also utilise effluent treatment plants, steam wash systems to cut water usage and waterless urinals.

Crucially, the 100 workshops collectively generate 7.9 MW of solar power. This renewable energy capacity allows Kia India to prevent nearly 9,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year, which the company states is equivalent to the absorption power of 450,000 mature trees. Kia has also implemented a comprehensive recycling programme for automotive waste such as used batteries and oil.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “Achieving the milestone of 100 Green Workshops within a short span of two years underscores Kia India’s commitment to building a sustainable mobility ecosystem. Each workshop brings us closer to a world where progress doesn’t come at the planet’s cost. This initiative, alongside our portfolio of three EVs, is a significant reflection of our continued efforts to reduce environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and shape a cleaner, smarter mobility for our future generations.”

CarXpert To Expand Into Western India, Starting With Gujarat

CarXpert

Delhi-NCR-based CarXpert, a multi-brand car service network, is set to expand its footprint into the western Indian market, with a primary focus on Gujarat. The move aims to upgrade local, independent garages into professional service centres by providing them with modern tools, training and brand recognition.

The company's business model is designed to help local mechanics professionalise their operations. CarXpert provides standardised processes, diagnostic technology and skill development programs, allowing garages to offer more reliable service and build long-term customer trust.

Rachit Dhawan, Head of Department at CarXpert, said, “We are happy to announce our expansion plans to other parts of India. Gujarat is one of the growing markets for job creation. Many of these workshops operate without modern tools, standardised systems, or access to training. We are working to change this by giving these workshops an opportunity to become part of an organised, trusted network.”

With over 50 centres already operational in locations across northern India, the company's expansion into Gujarat will cater to the state's growing number of vehicle owners.