Tier 1 supplier Schaeffler India has appointed Sharad Bhatia as the new Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (VLS), effective 2 December 2024.

In his new role, he is tasked to lead Schaeffler India’s efforts to strengthen presence in the mobility ecosystem.

Bhatia comes with over 24 years of experience in the automotive parts industry and will be instrumental in expanding Schaeffler India’s VLS business on the back of his deep expertise in aftermarket service parts sector.

Harsha Kadam, MD & CEO, Schaeffler India, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sharad Bhatia to Schaeffler India as Head of Vehicle Lifetime Solutions. The Vehicle Lifetime Solutions business is an important business division for the strategic growth of Schaeffler in India. His extensive background in the aftermarket business, combined with his experience in multinational markets, aligns well with our strategic goals. Sharad’s leadership will be pivotal in strengthening and enhancing the agility of our VLS business, further reinforcing our commitment to sustainable motion technology solutions in India.”

Sharad Bhatia, added, “I am excited to join Schaeffler India at a time when the automotive industry is rapidly transforming. My focus will be on expanding our aftermarket solutions portfolio by leveraging advanced motion technology to deliver value and innovation. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Schaeffler India to strengthen our Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division and provide our customers with sustainable, reliable, and forward-looking solutions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German luxury car maker Audi has introduced the Audi Dash Cam in India at INR 68,000, which is compatible with all existing and new Audi models.

The Audi Dash Cam offers crystal-clear QHD resolution, smart battery protection and seamless control using an advanced mobile app.

The company said that the dash cam addresses critical automotive security challenges with advanced parking mode functionality that records when motion or impact is detected while the vehicle is stationary.

This ensures Audi vehicle owners have necessary evidence in case of hit-and-run incidents or vandalism cases.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The launch of Audi Dash Cam is a reflection of our continued commitment to delivering advanced technology solutions that enhance the ownership experience for our customers. This system provides round-the-clock protection, offering complete peace of mind to Audi customers whether they are driving or parked. With comprehensive recording capabilities and smart connectivity features, the UTR sets new standards in automotive security technology.”

The Audi Dash Cam can be purchased at the time of new vehicle delivery and for existing Audi vehicle owners it can be retrofitted at any Audi dealership in the country.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pune-headquartered tier 1 supplier Varroc has launched two-wheeler VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) batteries for the aftermarket segment.

This strategic move marks the launch of the company’s Aftermarket division, with the first product aimed at meeting the growing demand for high-performance, reliable batteries in the two-wheeler space.

The VRLA battery technology is claimed to be completely maintenance-free and offers long-lasting performance, reliability and ease of use for everyday riders. It is being made available from 2.5AH to 9AH that is compatible with all major two-wheeler OEMs.

Varroc is also leveraging its retail network of around 730 distributors and 50,000 retailers to make available its range of batteries, which are covered by a 48-month pro-rata warranty.

The tier 1 supplier is betting on the robust automotive aftermarket battery segment in India.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Steelbird Helmets has announced the launch of the SBH-23 AVA Glossy cutting-edge half-face helmet. Designed to tackle the challenges of summer riding, it has six built-in air vents that promise exceptional airflow. 
Aimed at urban commuters, the half-face helmet has been crafted to offer comfortable and protection to the rider by using breathable, Italian-designed interiors that are of the ‘multi-pore’ kind, removable and washable. 
Ensuring hygiene and freshness even during prolonged use in hot and humid conditions, the interiors could be taken out for washing to keep them clean and devoid of any contamination. 
Featuring a high-impact ABS shell with multi-layer high-density EPS for superior impact absorption, the helmet is equipped with a polycarbonate anti-scratch visor and an inner black sunshield, which provides clear, glare-free visibility under intense sunlight and reduces eye fatigue. 
Including a European standard micro-metric buckle for quick and secure fastening, a neck protector for long-ride comfort and an anti-scratch coated visor for long-lasting clarity, the helmet is by BIS (IS 4151:2015) certified. 
It is available in a variety of vibrant, summer-friendly colours and sizes of M (580mm) and L (600mm). It is priced at INR 1,299, which makes it easily accessible to riders from various economic strata.
Speaking about the new helmet, Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Helmets, mentioned, “Summer rides come with their own set of challenges—heat, dust, and long hours on the road. With the SBH-23 AVA, there’s not only safety and ventilation on offer but also elegant Italian styling that riders will love.”
 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors has inaugurated its eighth Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) in India, located in Kolkata. The facility can dismantle up to 21,000 end-of-life (EoL) vehicles annually and is operated in partnership with Selladale Synergies India.

The Kolkata RVSF, capable of scrapping passenger and commercial vehicles as well as two-wheelers and three-wheelers from all brands, is Tata Motors' third such centre in eastern India. Other RVSFs are located in Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Chandigarh, Delhi NCR, Pune and Guwahati.

The launch event was attended by senior government officials and Tata Motors representatives, including West Bengal Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty and Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles.

Snehasis Chakraborty, said, “The inauguration of Tata Motors’ Re.Wi.Re is a welcome step towards building a cleaner and more efficient future for our people. This initiative will also support the adoption of newer, safer energy-efficient vehicles and create circular economy opportunities within the transport sector. We appreciate Tata Motors, Selladale Synergies and all partners involved for bringing this initiative to our state.”

The facility is fully digital, with paperless operations and designated dismantling areas for safe handling of tyres, batteries, oils, gases and other components. It includes cell-type dismantling lines for commercial vehicles and two- and three-wheelers, and line-type dismantling for passenger cars.

Rajesh Kaul, added, "Tata Motors is committed to driving sustainable mobility solutions while fostering a circular economy. The inauguration of West Bengal’s first Re.Wi.Re and the country’s eighth facility is a significant step in expanding our vehicle scrapping ecosystem. With the cumulative capacity of dismantling more than 1.3 lakh vehicles annually across eight Tata Motors RVSFs, we are proud to lead the way in transforming India’s vehicle scrapping ecosystem with a focus on safety, compliance and sustainability.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!