Advik Hi-Tech Unveils 2025 Roadmap At Auto Expo 2023

New Renault Master Wins 2025 International Van of The Year Award

Advik Hi-Tech (Advik), a global tier 1 auto component supplier, unveiled an expansive portfolio of its latest technology solutions spanning across ICE, Electric Vehicles, CNG and hydrogen fuel segments, at the 16th edition of the Auto Expo – Components 2023, today, in Delhi, India. The Advik Hi-Tech Pavilion can be visited at Stand No 4.62 in Hall No 4GF of the Auto Expo, Pragati Maidan, from 12-15 January, 2023.

The company outlined its growth strategy for 2025 to double its growth in the next three years. It claims that it has earmarked a Capex of about INR five billion to meet its expansion requirements for product and capacity development over the next three years.

Some of the new products unveiled at the Expo by Advik include – 

Latest ICE product showcase: Next generation of oil pumps, water pumps and vacuum pumps. According to Advik, these products help meet the Euro 6 emission norms and will bolster the company’s strong ICE portfolio globally, further. Also on display are the new generation EGR valve, solenoid purge valve and solenoid air secondary valve. Advik states that these products will not only further reduce CO2 and particulate matter emissions but also improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles.

The company also announced the launch of new electric oil pumps and electric water pumps with three-way and four-way control valves for improved thermal management and lubrication for ICE and electric vehicles. This also includes an electric vacuum pump to aid braking in passenger cars and commercial vehicles in collaboration with Entecnia, Spain, as per Advik.

Launch of the latest generation hydraulic CBS disc braking system and mechanical CBS drum brake system: These will cater to the growing electric vehicle two-wheeler market in India.

CNG regulators: In the alternative fuel segment, Advik showcased the latest CNG regulators developed in collaboration with Nikki Co Ltd of Japan, for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, including the entire CNG system comprising CNG Electronic Control Units (ECU), injectors, filling valves and tank valves. Advik claims that with Nikki’s established technology and Advik’s manufacturing capabilities, the CNG regulators will cater to the passenger cars, commercial vehicles, industrial forklifts and stationary generator markets.

Hydrogen fuel cell power generators: While in the hydrogen fuel segment, Advik and H2X Global, Ltd (the Australian vehicle and powered products manufacturer) introduced their patented hydrogen fuel cell power generators to help advance the hydrogen projects in India and global markets, with the initial focus on the truck, bus and light commercial vehicles and stationary generator set markets.

Building on the strong expertise of Advik in technology component development and the global experience of H2X, with over 22 million kilometres of distance covered by vehicles with their hydrogen systems to date, the joint venture will further expand their footprint in the European and Asian markets, according to Advik. Production is expected to commence by the middle of 2023, and the products will be marketed under the H2X brand.

Advik states that the collaboration will also undertake the application of methanol fuel cells, providing another clean alternative to hydrogen in certain products, ensuring full capacity utilisation of the fuel cell division of the company.

Both the above launches in both the CNG and hydrogen fuel cell segment will help to forward Advik’s vision to create an innovative and sustainable ecosystem of technologies and services for reducing emissions, thus helping to expand the adoption of more green and clean technologies for the future. 

Speaking on the occasion, Aditya Bhartia, Managing Director, Advik Group of Companies, said, “Our technology showcase at the expo is the next step on our vision of becoming a leading solutions provider for the evolving multi-fuel market, both in India and globally. With all our products being manufactured in India, it underlines our responsibility to drive the industry and further the Government of India’s mandate for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. With Advik being selected for PLI, it is a testament to our commitment to adopt and indigenise leading global technologies for the Indian market. For example, the CNG regulator and electric vacuum pump are part of Advik’s approved PLI, and it will cater to OEM demand, both in India and international markets.”

Brendan Norman, CEO, H2X, who joined Advik for the exhibition, said, “The opportunity to expand our company using India, a trusted partner recently recognised by the Australia-India Free Trade Pact, and a world leader in technological advancement, together with Advik Hi-Tech, which is a company over the past 24 months we have seen offer top of the world quality and precision, and acts with total grace and class, is an amazing chance for us to grow our business strongly into the future. Through the course of the exhibition, we have met with several OEMs and have seen significant interest in the hydrogen space and the cooperation with Advik, and we see a number of opportunities to work together with these.”

As per Advik, the company is also aiming to become an end-to-end systems solution provider with a comprehensive portfolio of complete hydraulic disc braking systems, mechanical drum brake systems, thermal management systems, CNG fuel systems and hydrogen fuel cell systems to cater to both, domestic and global demand.

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.