Portronics Mopcop Compact And Portable Vacuum Cleaner
- By MT Bureau
- August 07, 2024
Portronics has introduced a compact and portable vacuum cleaner called as Mopcop with eye on those who would want to deep clean their automobiles from time to time.
Mopcop is designed for those who are looking for a solution that is more efficient than a broom but at the same time affordable than a large cleaning appliance.
Compact, cordless and affordable (it is priced at INR 1,300), the compact and portable vacuum cleaner has a strong 8000Pa suction power and multiple nozzles which ensure deep and effective cleaning of various surfaces including car interiors, carpets, upholstery and even hard floors.
The machine is engineered to not just get rid of dirt and dust, it is also laced with an eco-friendly HEPA filter that traps dust and allergens, preventing them from circulating and causing health problems for allergy and respiratory sufferers. The filter is washable and reusable, making it eco-friendly and easy to maintain.
With a built-in LED flashlight that illuminates even the darkest corners and under furniture, ensuring a spotless clean. The device comes with a powerful, long-lasting, rechargeable battery that provides extended cleaning sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
“We are thrilled to introduce our first vacuum cleaner, marking our entry into the home appliance segment. This launch reflects our commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions that enhance our customers' everyday lives. With its affordability, this vacuum cleaner stands out as one of the most cost-effective available, making high-quality home appliances accessible to all.” said, Jasmeet Singh, Founder and Director, Portronics.
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.”
Smart Garage Gets INR 24 Million Funding To Digitise Automotive Aftermarket
- By MT Bureau
- April 13, 2026
Smart Garage, an AI-driven automotive service marketplace startup, has raised INR 24 million in a Pre-Series A funding round.
This capital, the company said, represents the initial phase of a broader INR 150 million fundraising target. The company intends to secure the remaining INR 126 million over the next 12 to 18 months to support its expansion and reach a projected revenue run-rate of INR 800 million by the end of FY2027.
The platform operates on a B2B2C model, connecting a network of more than 500 partner garages across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities with fleet operators, insurance firms and vehicle owners.
It aims to provide structure to India’s fragmented automotive aftermarket, which is currently valued at approximately USD 11–14 billion and forecast to reach USD 20–25 billion over the next decade. Smart Garage plans to scale its network to 10,000 workshops by 2030 through its software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform.
The newly acquired funds will be utilised to advance deep-learning capabilities in vehicle diagnostics, damage assessment and predictive maintenance. Smart Garage also intends to standardise its workshop network through structured training and strengthen digital workflows.
While the current revenue model is driven by franchise operations and spare parts supply via Pikpart, the company plans to introduce commission-based and recurring SaaS subscription models for its diagnostic and inventory management tools.
Pawan Singh Raghuvanshi, Founder and CEO, Smart Garage, said, “This INR 24 million Pre-Series A round marks the start of our broader INR 150 million fundraising journey. While the industry often focuses on hardware fixes, we believe real impact comes from solving deeper operational inefficiencies through AI and technology. Our goal is to build a transparent, trusted, and fully digital automotive aftermarket ecosystem in India – one that empowers workshops and delivers a seamless experience to customers.”
Automechanika Riyadh Postponed Until 2027
- By MT Bureau
- April 08, 2026
Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia has announced the postponement of the upcoming edition of Automechanika Riyadh. Originally scheduled for 4-6 May 2026, the trade event will now focus on its return to the Kingdom in 2027.
The decision follows an assessment of the regional environment. The organiser stated that the move prioritises the safety and confidence of partners and staff while ensuring the event can maintain its international scale and value.
Automechanika Riyadh serves as a platform for the Saudi automotive aftermarket, connecting manufacturers, distributors, and service providers. The 2027 edition is intended to align with the growth of the sector under the country's Vision 2030 framework.
Martyn Cox, Show Director, Messe Frankfurt Middle East (MFME), said, “This is not a decision we have taken lightly. Automechanika Riyadh has quickly established itself as an important platform for the Saudi automotive aftermarket. However, our responsibility is to bring the industry together in a way that is safe, commercially valuable, and truly international in scale. In the current environment, and with the event only weeks away, this decision ensures we can deliver the strongest possible business outcomes for our exhibitors, partners, and visitors.”
Chris Lee, Portfolio Director for Mobility & Logistics at MFME, added, “We have taken the decision to focus on returning with a stronger, larger and more impactful event in 2027, one that reflects the ambition of the Saudi market and the strength of the global Automechanika brand.”

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