The Government of Maharashtra has announced that owners of vehicles sold prior to 1 April 2019 must register for HSRP installation through the Maharashtra Transport Department website. The deadline for installation is 31 March 2025. Vehicles registered after 1 April 2019 are already being fitted with HSRPs – license plates – that claim to improve traceability of vehicles. HSRPs have advanced security features to deter theft and unauthorised use. HSRPs are made of a rare aluminum alloy and have a unique serial number, making them tamper-proof.
While the contract to make and fit the HSRPs has awarded to private companies like Yavatmal-based Real Mazon, the price for tractors and two-wheelers has been determined at INR 531. For three-wheelers it is INR 590 and for larger vehicles, it is INR 879. The prices include snap lock fees and GST. 
The documents necessary to order HSRPs are, Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC), proof of identity such as an Aadhar Card, PAN Card or Driving License and proof of address such as a recent utility bill or Aadhar Card. 
 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Autoverse Mobility has announced the launch of its Quick Commerce Program and Franchisee Program. These initiatives were introduced during the Garage Leadership Summit 2026 in Bengaluru, which was attended by garage owners, automotive experts and stakeholders.

The Quick Commerce Program allows garages to order spare parts – such as clutches, suspension components, filters and brake parts – through the Autoverse platform, with dispatch from local stores in 15 minutes starting with Bengaluru. The Franchisee Program enables entrepreneurs to open stores using Autoverse’s technology, sourcing and supply chain network.

Mihir Mohan, Founder & CEO, Autoverse Mobility, said, "India's independent garages are the backbone of the country's automotive service ecosystem. As vehicles become more connected, software-driven and technologically advanced, garages need more than just access to spare parts; they need knowledge, training, digital tools and a strong ecosystem that helps them compete and grow. The two initiatives launched by the company today are aimed at solving critical challenges faced by workshops, including faster access to spare parts and improved inventory management."

"Garage Leadership Summit 2026 reflects our commitment to building that ecosystem. Our vision is to empower every independent garage with the technology, expertise and trusted partnerships required to deliver world-class service while building profitable, future-ready businesses," added Mohan.

Rama Shankar Pandey, Co-Founder, Autoverse Mobility, said, "Independent garage owners today are looking beyond repairs; they are focusing on building brands, adopting technology and redefining customer experience. The conversations at the Summit highlighted the industry's readiness to embrace change and reinforced the importance of continuous learning and collaboration."

The summit included discussions on garage profitability, technical sessions on lubrication, E20 fuel and workshops on diesel particulate filter regeneration. A presentation titled ‘Before WhatsApp, Open Autoverse’ demonstrated how the company’s digital tools assist with spare parts sourcing and business operations.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

NBC Bearings, a brand of National Engineering Industries, has launched a range of automotive aftermarket products.

The expansion includes the introduction of wiper blades, brake pads, belts, steering rods and components for two-wheelers, three-wheelers and passenger cars.

This move marks a shift in the company’s business strategy to diversify its portfolio beyond its existing bearings and engineering offerings.

Rohit Saboo, President & CEO, NBC Bearings, said: "The Indian automotive aftermarket is witnessing unprecedented growth driven by increasing vehicle ownership, longer vehicle life cycles, and rising demand for quality replacement parts. As a trusted brand with decades of engineering excellence, NBC Bearings is uniquely positioned to leverage this opportunity. The launch of our expanded auto parts portfolio is a strategic step towards diversifying our business, strengthening our market presence, and creating new avenues of growth beyond bearings."

The company stated that the new products are intended to meet its established standards for performance and reliability. The range will be distributed through a network across India to reach dealers, workshops and customers.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

European auto major Stellantis will participate in Automechanika Frankfurt 2026, held from 8 to 12 September in Germany, where it plans to utilise the event to showcase the Eurorepar Car Service network and its multi-brand aftermarket support ecosystem.

Stellantis will recreate a workshop environment at the event to demonstrate its support framework for independent repairers. The network currently includes over 6,200 workshops worldwide, with more than 4,900 located in Europe.

The Stellantis aftermarket offering for independent garages includes:

• Parts Supply: A multi-brand portfolio featuring Mopar, Eurorepar, SUSTAINera and various supplier ranges.
• Logistics: Distribution via the Distrigo network.
• Operational Support: Training, diagnostic assistance, digital management tools, and marketing resources.
• Technology: Access to field expertise, analytics, and AI-powered tools.
• Circular Economy: Integration of SUSTAINera solutions, covering remanufactured, repaired, reused, and recycled components.

Francesco Abbruzzesi, Head of Enlarged Europe Parts & Services, Stellantis, said, “Independent repairers operate in an increasingly complex environment, where access to parts, expertise and tools is essential. Stellantis supports this evolution with a structured, multi-brand approach designed to strengthen daily operations and long-term performance, and we’ll showcase it at the Automechanika”.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced the commercial launch of its first-ever quick-service format, ‘Skoda Express Care’, which aims to further boost its domestic brand equity.

The inaugural facility was opened at Kun Motor Enterprises in Perungudi on OMR Road, Chennai. Operating as a specialised tier under the umbrella of the Skoda Super Care program, the concept is engineered to shorten vehicle turnaround times for routine maintenance without compromising factory service protocols.

The inauguration scales Skoda’s footprint in Tamil Nadu to 31 customer touchpoints across 14 cities, contributing to a wider nationwide service network that now numbers over 335 touchpoints across 185 cities.

The new facility occupies a 27,900 square foot footprint and features 16 mechanical service bays. Rather than operating via traditional workshop scheduling, the Express Care centre relies on a highly synchronised, high-throughput assembly line approach to routine check-ups.

The quick-turnaround framework is driven by four integrated operational changes – digital check-in architecture, parts pre-kitting, parallel service execution and eligibility parameters.

The Express Care rollout serves as a physical touchpoint extension for the brand's long-term Skoda Super Care program, which includes a standard four-year manufacturer warranty, four years of roadside assistance and four labour-free scheduled services. By optimising workshop space efficiency and vehicle throughput metrics, the company aims to improve dealer profitability while lowering the total cost of ownership friction for retail buyers in critical Southern Indian markets.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “2026 has been a year of strengthening our connection with customers through a focused product offensive, customer-first initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to delivering greater value throughout the ownership journey. The inauguration of our first Express Care facility in Chennai is a natural extension of that philosophy. Introduced under the Skoda Super Care programme, which offers customers four years of standard warranty, four years of roadside assistance and four labour-free services, Skoda Express Care further strengthens our commitment to delivering greater convenience and peace of mind. As we continue to expand our network and get closer to customers, Chennai and Tamil Nadu remain important markets for us, and through this new facility and our growing network, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing customers with the highest standards of care and support.”

Arun Uppuswamy, Dealer Principal, Kun Motor Enterprises, added, “Kun Motor Enterprises shares a long-standing and successful partnership with Skoda Auto India, with multiple sales and aftersales Touchpoints serving customers across Tamil Nadu. We are proud to further strengthen this association by launching Skoda Auto’s first-ever Express Care facility in the country. This new facility reinforces Skoda Auto’s commitment to delivering an enhanced ownership experience through efficient processes, skilled manpower, and high-quality service standards.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!