Valvoline Cummins India has announced a major product launch, introducing All Fleet Full Synthetic CK-4, which it claims is India’s first full synthetic CK-4 engine oil in the heavy-duty engine oil space.

The oil is specifically engineered for modern heavy-duty diesel engines and offers a significant leap in protection, providing 60 percent cleaner pistons and 60 percent better wear protection compared to a market-standard oil meeting CK-4 specifications. This advanced formulation is suitable for all commercial vehicles meeting BSVI emission standards and is also backward compatible with BSIV, a feature that offers great relief to fleet operators by enabling them to use a single full synthetic oil across all engine platforms.

The oil's robust properties, including a high viscosity index, ensure it maintains optimal thickness across extreme temperatures, reducing wear and enabling smooth flow in India's harsh and varied driving conditions.

Furthermore, the company said, its better oxidation control shields the engine from oxidation under extreme operating temperatures. For fleets operating in colder regions, its excellent low-temperature properties ensure rapid oil circulation even during cold starts, minimising metal-to-metal contact and providing vital protection from the moment the engine fires up, which reduces startup wear and improves reliability.

The new Valvoline CK-4 Full Synthetic is a cost-effective and long-lasting choice for fleet operators due to its lower volatility, which results in reduced evaporation losses and lower oil consumption. Its strong oxidation stability and robust formulation help the oil resist degradation over extended service intervals, ensuring long-term engine protection and cleaner engine internals. The oil is also fully compatible with modern after-treatment systems such as EGR, DPF, SCR and DOC, thanks to its low SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulfur) formulation. This compatibility is crucial as it helps prevent filter blockage, maintains emissions compliance, and supports peak engine performance across both new-generation and legacy commercial vehicles. Speaking on the launch,

Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director, Valvoline Cummins, said, “India is a key market for Valvoline, and we remain focused on bringing advanced, reliable solutions that support its evolving commercial vehicle landscape. The launch of Valvoline CK-4 Full Synthetic, the first of its kind in the country underscores our commitment to innovation built around real-world performance. Designed for demanding operating conditions, this product offers cleaner engines, longer drain intervals, and stronger wear protection, ultimately helping fleets reduce downtime and improve overall efficiency.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Aurangabad-based auto component maker Dhoot Transmission Group has appointed Naveen Kumar as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, a key move aimed at accelerating its global growth and strengthening its leadership.

In his new role, Kumar will report directly to Founder and Managing Director Rahul Dhoot.

A Mechanical Engineering graduate from Manipal Academy of Higher Education and an alumnus of the senior management program at the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Kumar comes with over three decades of experience across the automotive, manufacturing and technology sectors, with a strong focus on strategic expansion, operational restructuring and forging international partnerships.

Prior to joining Dhoot Transmission, Kumar was the Group CEO of Napino Auto & Electronics. During his tenure there, he successfully scaled the company's revenues, dramatically improved operational performance, established a dedicated R&D centre and secured significant global joint ventures with major firms like Continental and ZF TRW.

Rahul Dhoot, said, "His extensive leadership experience, vision for innovation, and proven ability to deliver sustainable growth make him the ideal choice to lead Dhoot Transmission into its next chapter.”

The appointment aligns with the company's strategic focus on boosting innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and driving significant global expansion. Since its founding in 1999, Dhoot Transmission Group has grown to become a leading supplier of wiring harnesses for a wide range of vehicles – from two-wheelers and three-wheelers to commercial vehicles, off-road, farm and electric vehicles. Over the last 25 years, the Group has also diversified its offerings to include automotive switches, connection systems, advanced electronic components and comprehensive electric mobility solutions, such as charging equipment and battery assemblies.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nupur Recyclers, one of the leading players in the recycling and waste management sector, has announced a significant step in its forward integration strategy with the all-cash acquisition of Tycod Autotech for an enterprise value of INR 240 million.

The deal is set to pivot Nupur Recyclers from primarily a scrap processor to a manufacturer of high-value aluminium alloys and precision-engineered automotive components.

The acquisition is central to Nupur Recyclers’ ambition to move up the value chain, capturing greater profit margins beyond its core scrap processing and recycling operations. By acquiring Tycod, it instantly gains capabilities in value-added manufacturing for the automotive sector.

Following the deal, Nupur Recyclers has committed an additional INR 100 million to modernise Tycod’s production infrastructure. This investment includes the installation of High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC), VMC and CNC machinery, upgrades designed to increase manufacturing capacity and help attract new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partnerships in the coming quarters.

Rajesh Gupta, Managing Director, Nupur Recycling, said, “This acquisition is a strategic forward integration that allows us to capture greater value from our recycling operations. Tycod gives us the capability to not only expand our aluminium alloy ingot sales but also venture into precision manufacturing for the automotive sector. “We’re already dispatching over 100 tonnes of aluminium alloy ingots monthly to Tycod and are ensuring consistent quality and on-time delivery for our key OEM clients. Looking ahead, we’re targeting 300 tonnes per month to support in-house manufacturing of auto components by the year of FY2026-27.”

Tycod Autotech is a profitable entity operating out of a large facility within the 200-acre Tata Vendor Park in Rudrapur, Pantnagar. The company currently manufactures engine components for Tata commercial vehicles and supplies to key OEM partners, including Tata Motors, Sundaram Fasteners and Interpump Group.

The acquired facility features a 90,000 sqft industrial shed and robust infrastructure, making it a ready-to-scale manufacturing base.

Since the takeover, Nupur Recyclers has scaled Tycod’s operations, which currently employ about 175 people. The synergy between the two companies is already evident in the supply chain. NRL is currently dispatching over 100 tonnes of aluminium alloy ingots monthly to the Tycod facility.

The company is setting aggressive expansion targets, aiming for 300 tonnes per month of alloy supply to support in-house manufacturing of auto components by the fiscal year 2026-27.

Daksh Maheshwari from Tycod Autotech, said, “Joining hands with Nupur Recyclers has accelerated our growth trajectory. With a reliable raw material supply and new investments in advanced machinery, we are now poised to become a leading Tier-1 supplier to OEMs.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

MAHLE, a leading automotive supplier, has announced a significant leadership transition. At a Supervisory Board meeting on 25 September 2025, Dr. Michael Macht was elected as the new Chairman, a role he will officially begin on 1 January 2026. He will succeed Professor Dr.-Ing. Heinz K. Junker, who is retiring after nearly three decades with the company, first as CEO and more recently as Chairman.

The appointment of Macht, a seasoned veteran of the automotive industry, comes as part of a carefully planned succession process. Junker, who has served on the Supervisory Board for 10 years, has been preparing Macht for the role over the last few months. Macht is no stranger to MAHLE, having been a member of its Supervisory Board since 2020.

“It has been a great honour for me to serve MAHLE for almost three decades, first as CEO and then as Supervisory Board Chairman. Following the successful reorganisation, I see the group well-positioned for the future with its strategy MAHLE 2030+ and a clearly defined product portfolio. I would like to thank the entire workforce, the Management Board and my direct colleagues for the trust they have placed in me for many years and to wish the company a good future in challenging times. I would also like to thank my successor Dr. Michael Macht for his willingness to take over as Chairman and wish him a sure hand in the performance of this demanding task,” said the departing Chairman of the Supervisory Board Professor Dr.-Ing. Heinz K. Junker.

Arnd Franz, Chairman of the Group Management Board and CEO, MAHLE, said, “Prof. Heinz K. Junker, who is now leaving MAHLE, is a personality who has been closely connected with this company. On behalf of the MAHLE workforce and the Management Board, I would like to thank him for his extraordinary passion and the dedication with which he has shaped our company over three decades. With farsightedness and untiring commitment, he has made a key contribution to the success of MAHLE and most recently guided the company through its transformation with extreme care. I would like to thank him for his close cooperation and his confidence in our Management Board. Even in challenging times, we could always rely on his expertise and support. For his future, he has the sincere best wishes of the entire MAHLE team.”

Boris Schwürz, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, MAHLE, said, “On behalf of the employee representatives, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Prof. Heinz K. Junker for the many years of trustful cooperation. We wish him all the best for the future. We look forward to constructive cooperation with Dr. Michael Macht to position MAHLE for the future in these challenging times.”

This strategic plan, which focuses on electrification, thermal management and sustainable internal combustion engines, was largely shaped under Junker’s leadership. He also oversaw the company's largest acquisition to date, the purchase of the former Behr Group, which significantly bolstered Mahle’s thermal management business.

Macht brings a wealth of experience to his new position. A mechanical engineer by trade, he began his career at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG in 1991, rising through the ranks to become its CEO in 2009. From 2009 to 2014, he also served on the Board of Management of Volkswagen. His extensive background in the automotive sector makes him an ideal successor to guide Mahle through the ongoing industry transformation.

Dr. Michael Macht, said, “On behalf of the entire MAHLE Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Prof. Heinz K. Junker and to express my sincere appreciation for his work as Chairman. In his many years as Chairman, he has guided the Supervisory Board through demanding phases with considerable commitment and expertise and a calm hand, laying the foundations for the future-oriented development of the company. He has my best wishes for the future.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

French tier 1 supplier Valeo has announced that it has secured a significant contract to supply its Dual Layer HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system to a major Chinese automaker.

The contract is one of 10 new deals Valeo has secured in China with five different customers, bringing the total value of these contracts to EUR 700 million. The project is currently in the design phase, with production slated to begin in 2026. This collaboration not only strengthens Valeo’s ties with Chinese manufacturers but also positions the company at the forefront of automotive HVAC technology.

Valeo's Dual Layer system is designed to provide better thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption. According to the company, the system can deliver a 25 percent improvement in energy efficiency during cabin warm-up in cold conditions (–15deg C) compared to standard HVAC units. This is a crucial feature for electric vehicles, as it can help extend their driving range.

The technology features a unique ‘Tulip design’ and a dual-layer, four-zone modular structure. This design efficiently directs fresh air to the windscreen for rapid demisting, while simultaneously circulating warm air to the passengers' feet. This two-pronged approach allows for faster cabin heating – up to 50 percent quicker in cold climates.

The system also integrates smart AI temperature and air volume algorithms, which adjust airflow and temperature based on the driver and passenger positions, ensuring a more personalized and comfortable experience.

Xavier Dupont, CEO, Valeo Power Division, said, “This new contract demonstrates Valeo’s continued breakthroughs in cabin thermal management, particularly in the field of advanced HVAC technologies. Thanks to its innovative design and low energy consumption, our solution will help differentiate our customer’s models in the market. Our dedicated team, localised in China, will support this strategic program with research and development capabilities to respond quickly and effectively to our customer’s needs.”

The Dual Layer HVAC system is adaptable for various vehicle platforms, including internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), making it a versatile solution for the evolving automotive landscape.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!