To fight Covid19 and support social distancing Bridegestone India has introduced contactless service. Called 'Bridgestone Bookmyservice,' the platform enables customers take appointment online: https://bridgestonebookmyservice.in. They will then get SMS with details of booking, store & location.
While booking, stores in the vicinity of the customers will pop up, and they can select their preferred store accordingly. Once booked, customers will get SMS with booking details, store details, and location of the store.
The planner will also allow Bridgestone channel partners to implement appropriate social distancing measures at the outlets, which are necessary in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the country unlocking gradually, tyre servicing will be a need for many, due to the prolonged parking of vehicles. However, safety concerns may prevent customers from availing this necessary service, as they recommence the usage of their vehicles. Therefore, as an organization who prioritizes safety as a core value, Bridgestone India has developed this service, to ensure that the safety of its customers and partners is not compromised, while they purchase or service their tyers.
“Safety is our core value, and it reflects in everything we do, be it our products, services or the way we do business. We are committed to serving our customers, and channel partners as their needs evolve. As the economy reopens, our customers would be more reliant on personal mobility, and therefore, this becomes an essential service for them. The safety of our consumers and channel partners is our top priority, and we aim to provide the right solutions, with the utmost ease. This initiative is true to our values as we enable our customers to avail our services in a safe environment” said Parag Satpute, Managing Director Bridgestone India.
The COVID 19 situation continues to rise and therefore, such initiatives which help the customers avail the necessary services while maintaining social distancing, are the need of the hour. Bridgestone has always been proactive when it comes to the measures essential for the safety of its customers, employees, business partners and communities.
“As the lockdown norms have been eased in many areas and vehicles are back on the roads, customers need tyre servicing and/or replacements. Contactless servicing ensures minimum waiting and a sanitized environment at the Bridgestone outlets. Bookmyservice not only enables the customers to plan their visits but also helps our dealer partners maintain social distancing norms in their outlets- ensuring safety for everyone.’ said Rajarshi Moitra Executive Officer, Consumer Business, Bridgestone India. (MT)
Kia Opens 500th Workshop In Ahmedabad, Expand Network To Over 800 In India
- By MT Bureau
- April 24, 2026
Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has inaugurated its 500th service workshop in Chandkheda, Ahmedabad, marking a major expansion of its aftersales network.
This milestone brings the company’s total service touchpoints to 800 across 391 cities, supporting a customer base that now exceeds 1.5 million vehicle owners.
The new facility, operated by West Coast Kia, is one of the brand's largest in the country, spanning 76,069 square feet. It is equipped with 57 service bays and 100 parking bays, with the capacity to service up to 40,000 vehicles annually. The workshop is staffed by 90 trained professionals and includes a ‘Shine Zone’ dedicated to premium exterior treatments like ceramic coating.
As part of Kia’s transition toward electrification and responsible growth, the Ahmedabad facility includes a 90 kW DC fast charger capable of supporting two vehicles simultaneously. The workshop features 145 kW solar power generation, rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems. It is part of 124 ‘green workshops’ Kia has established nationwide, which collectively generate 8.90 MW of solar energy.
Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO, Kia India, said, “The inauguration of our 500th Service Workshop is a proud milestone that reflects our deep commitment to customer-centricity. This achievement is not just about scale, but about ensuring that every Kia customer experiences convenience, transparency, and trust throughout their ownership journey. As we continue to expand our network, our focus remains on delivering a future-ready, sustainable, and digitally enabled aftersales ecosystem.”
The workshop supports Kia’s ‘contactless’ service model, which utilises RFID tracking and digital health reports accessible via the My Kia App. Beyond technical services, West Coast Kia has launched a green drive in collaboration with local authorities to plant 10,000 trees across Ahmedabad to support community sustainability.
Baljeet Singh Bagga, Dealer Principal, West Coast Kia, added, “Achieving the 500 workshops milestone is a matter of immense pride for us. Our association with Kia India since its inception has been strong and progressive. This new workshop represents another meaningful step in bringing the Kia brand closer to our customers, while elevating service accessibility and experience in the region.”
Uno Minda Launches Advanced Engine Coolant Range For All-Weather Protection
- By MT Bureau
- April 23, 2026
Tier 1 automotive supplier Uno Minda has launched a new range of tropical and anti-freeze engine coolants for the Indian aftermarket. Engineered to address increasing engine stress caused by fluctuating temperatures and diverse climatic conditions, the new range aims to enhance engine efficiency and service life.
The coolants are developed using Organic Acid Technology (OAT), which provides superior thermal stability and long-lasting protection against rust, corrosion and oxidation. The range is designed for both high- and low-temperature environments, ensuring efficient heat dissipation during extreme summers and preventing freezing in colder climates.
The OAT-based formulation is said to enhance service life and reduces the need for frequent maintenance by preventing scale buildup and corrosion. The tropical variant is optimised for heat management, while the anti-freeze variant ensures smooth operation in sub-zero temperatures. The concentrated design allows for flexible dilution, making it compatible with a wide variety of vehicle makes and models.
The Tropical Coolant is priced at INR 272, while Anti-Freeze Coolant is introduced at INR 575.
Anand Kumar, Business Head, Uno Minda Aftermarket, said, “As vehicles today operate across varied and often demanding conditions, the need for dependable engine protection is more important than ever. Our new coolant is engineered to offer consistent performance, durability, and flexibility, ensuring enhanced engine life and efficiency for our customers.”
Automechanika Riyadh Announces New Venue And January Dates For 2027
- By MT Bureau
- April 22, 2026
Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia has announced that Automechanika Riyadh will return from 11–13 January 2027 at a new location – the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC).
The strategic shift to January positions the event as the Kingdom’s first major automotive aftermarket gathering of the year, aimed at capturing early-year commercial opportunities and fostering international participation.
The 2027 edition is expected to host more than 500 exhibitors and see over 19,000 visitors. The move comes as Saudi Arabia’s automotive aftermarket is projected to reach USD 9.6 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2 percent. This growth is heavily supported by the infrastructure and mobility goals outlined in Vision 2030.
Key Features of the 2027 Edition
- Automechanika Academy: The event will feature a series of high-level discussions focusing on EV readiness, digitalisation, smart workshops and supply chain localisation.
- Enhanced Sourcing: The new venue provides expanded capacity for country pavilions and regional buyers to establish cross-border partnerships.
- Early Business Cycle: By moving to January, the show aligns with the beginning of the fiscal year for many distributors and industry stakeholders, facilitating immediate dealmaking.
Martyn Cox, Show Director, Automechanika Riyadh, said, “Automechanika Riyadh 2027 represents an important evolution for the brand. The move to January and our new home at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre strengthens the show’s position as a key enabler of industry transformation in the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its automotive ambitions, the event will play a central role in supporting the development of a more integrated, innovative and globally competitive aftermarket sector.”
Chris Lee, Portfolio Director, Mobility & Logistics Division, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, added, “The strength of the Saudi automotive aftermarket continues to attract significant international interest, and Automechanika Riyadh provides a proven platform to unveil that opportunity. The 2027 edition will deliver an even more comprehensive and high-quality experience, bringing together the right audiences, the right solutions and the right conversations to drive business forward.”
Nippon Paint India Launches FX10 Automotive Care Range
- By MT Bureau
- April 20, 2026
Nippon Paint India, a subsidiary of Nippon Paint Holdings, has launched FX10, a high-performance automotive aftercare range. The introduction coincides with the company’s 15th anniversary in India and represents an expansion of its presence in the consumer car care market. The company intends to use India as a primary market before exporting the range to global territories.
The FX10 portfolio comprises eighteen products designed for both interior and exterior maintenance. The range includes hydrophobic coatings, waterless wash solutions and surface restoration formulations. These products are engineered to allow vehicle owners to achieve results comparable to professional detailing through do-it-yourself applications. Distribution will be managed exclusively through digital channels, including the brand’s official website and Flipkart.
The product line focuses on ease of use and environmental compliance, featuring lab-tested, eco-friendly formulations. By incorporating water-saving technologies and preventive care solutions, the range addresses a growing consumer segment that prefers self-directed vehicle maintenance over traditional service centre visits.
Jenender Anand, Vice-President, Automotive Refinish, Nippon Paint India, said, “With FX10, we are going beyond conventional car care by putting professional-grade results directly in the hands of consumers. Today’s car owners don’t just maintain their vehicles; they take pride in them. FX10 combines Japanese precision with easy-to-use formulations to deliver a visible transformation every time, making car care effortless yet uncompromising.”
Manav Narula, GM – Marketing and E-commerce, Nippon Paint India, added, “India’s automotive landscape is evolving, with younger consumers increasingly viewing their vehicles as an extension of their personality. FX10 is a comprehensive car and bike care range that builds on Nippon Paint’s deep understanding of surfaces, extended into automotive aftercare. Each product delivers a distinct ‘X factor’ through visible, high-performance results, while remaining simple and intuitive to use. With FX10, we are making professional-grade automotive care more accessible for everyday enthusiasts.”
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