HSRPs Made Mandatory In Maharashtra On Vehicles Sold Before 1 April 2019
- By MT Bureau
- December 29, 2024
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.
Steelbird Launches FEC-3 Helmet At INR 4,499 With Triple Safety Certification In India
- By MT Bureau
- November 05, 2026
Steelbird Hi-Tech India, a leading manufacturer of two-wheeler helmet and riding gear, has launched the FEC-3 full-face helmet in India, featuring safety certifications across three international and domestic standards at prices starting INR 4,499.
The FEC-3 holds triple homologation under DOT (FMVSS No. 218), ECE 22.06 and BIS (IS 4151:2015) standards. The outer shell is constructed using a PC-ABS blend material designed to meet global impact criteria.
It features an aerodynamic profile, an integrated inner sun shield operated by a side slider mechanism, and a polycarbonate main visor featuring an anti-scratch coating paired with a Pinlock 30 anti-fog lens.
The helmet comes with a Double D-Ring fastening system, a visor locking mechanism, a quick-release visor system, a wind deflector and a nose protector. The model is produced in three sizes: Medium (580 mm), Large (600 mm) and XL (620 mm).
Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, "Diwali is a celebration of new beginnings, and we wanted to mark this festive season by introducing a product that reflects our continued commitment to rider safety and innovation. With the FEC-3, we are bringing together three important safety certifications, premium features and an aggressive sporty design in a single helmet. Our objective has always been to make advanced safety accessible to riders while ensuring that they do not have to compromise on styling, comfort or quality. We believe the FEC-3 will resonate strongly with today's motorcycle enthusiasts."
Steelbird SBA-20 Helmet Crosses Million Sales Milestone In India
- By MT Bureau
- October 31, 2026
Steelbird Hi-Tech India, one of the leading helmet manufacturers, has announced that its SBA-20 model has achieved cumulative sales exceeding 1 million units since its launch in January 2024.
The SBA-20 features a high-impact thermoplastic outer shell paired with a high-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) liner. Certified under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) safety specification IS 4151:2015, the helmet incorporates a flip-up mechanism, dynamic airflow ventilation, an integrated inner sun shield, a micrometric buckle and a polycarbonate rear spoiler.
It comes with a replaceable and washable interior liner, a wind deflector, reflective neck pads for low-light visibility and an anti-scratch polycarbonate main visor in smoke or chrome options. The model is sold across Steelbird's retail and dealer network in multiple sizes and finishes, with prices ranging between INR 1,869 and INR 2,459 depending on the variant.
Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, "The SBA-20 crossing the 10 lakh sales milestone is an important achievement for us and a reflection of the trust consumers continue to place in Steelbird. Our endeavour has always been to develop helmets that bring together safety, comfort, design and accessibility. The SBA-20 reflects this approach by offering riders a practical and stylish product for their everyday journeys. This milestone encourages us to continue innovating, strengthening our product portfolio and contributing to a stronger culture of helmet use and road safety in India."
SMK Launches Ares Dual-Sport Helmet In India Starting At INR 6,950
- By MT Bureau
- October 30, 2026
SMK Helmets has launched the Ares dual-sport helmet in India, introducing three variants comprising Ares Solid, Ares Claw and Ares Infinity across 18 colour options in gloss and matte finishes at prices starting at INR 6,950.
The helmet utilises an Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic (EIRT) outer shell produced in two shell sizes to match rider head proportions, backed by a multi-density EPS liner. The model meets ECE 22.06, DOT and ISI safety standards.
The Ares dual-sport features include an emergency quick-release system for cheek pads to assist first responders, a detachable sun peak, a main visor with a quick-release mechanism and an integrated internal sun visor.
For the Indian market, the helmet includes a Pinlock 70 lens fitted as standard. Additional specifications consist of an internal switch for the chin vent to accommodate chin-mounted cameras, removable and moisture-wicking inner liners, eyeglass grooves and options for either a double D-ring or stainless-steel quick-release buckle. The helmet weight figures stand at 1,575 grams for sizes XS to M and 1,625 grams for sizes L to XXL.
The Ares Solid is priced at INR 6,950, while the Ares Claw and Ares Infinity graphic variants are priced at INR 7,250. The range is available through SMK's authorised dealer network in sizes ranging from XS to XXL.
Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director & CEO, SMK, said, "We've been receiving enquiries about the Ares almost every day since we first showed it, well before it was ready to sell. Riders today want one helmet that works for the commute and the weekend ride out of the city in tougher terrains, and that's what the Ares is built for. Launching it alongside two new decals, Claw and Infinity, gives riders a real choice from day one, not just a single colour to wait on."
- EDEL ASSURANCE
- EXTENDED VEHICLE WARRANTY
- LUXURY CARS
- PREMIUM AUTOMOTIVE
- VEHICLE PROTECTION
- AUTOMOTIVE AFTERSALES
- MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COVERAGE
- LUXURY CAR OWNERSHIP
- MOTOR INSURANCE
- AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Edel Assurance Offers Long‑term Protection For Mechanical, Electrical Components In Premium Cars
- By MT Bureau
- October 28, 2026
In India’s fast‑growing premium automotive market, owning a luxury vehicle is no longer just about the drive, it’s about safeguarding the engineering excellence behind it. Edel Assurance, a specialist in extended vehicle warranties, has established itself in this critical space by offering long‑term protection for mechanical and electrical components in premium cars once the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Founded a decade ago, Edel Assurance has built its expertise around marquee brands such as BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, Range Rover, Audi, Jaguar and Land Rover. Its extended warranty plans are designed to give owners peace of mind well beyond the standard coverage period, ensuring that sophisticated components are repaired or replaced through authorised manufacturer workshops only.
Unlike motor insurance, which covers accident‑related damages, extended warranties address the everyday risks of component failures, a distinction that becomes vital for luxury vehicles where repair costs can run into lakhs. Edel Assurance offers flexible coverage ranging from three to ten years with policy values tailored to the vehicle category.
Annual plans typically range from INR 100,000–150,000 for entry‑level premium cars to INR 700,000–800,000 for high‑end models with most customers opting for policies in the INR 200,000–300,000 bracket. The cost is positioned in relation to the vehicle’s value and the potential expense of component replacements, while remaining competitive with similar warranty offerings
"When customers purchase a premium vehicle, they are investing in technology, engineering and an ownership experience," said Founder and CEO Sujeet Nair. "Our role is to provide an added layer of assurance once the manufacturer warranty comes to an end. There is also a clear need in the market to understand the difference between insurance and warranty, particularly when it comes to mechanical and electrical failures," he added.
With its nationwide presence and tie‑ups with authorised workshops, Edel Assurance is positioning itself as a trusted partner for India’s luxury car owners. The company is now strengthening its brand visibility and communication efforts to highlight extended warranties as an essential part of long‑term premium vehicle ownership.

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