Shell Lubricants joined hands with Hoopy, a unique technology-driven business, to introduce contactless, easily accessible, and immensely reliable two-wheeler doorstep servicing to India.

The concept of the service arose out of the need to create a steady source of income for the mechanic community, impacted severely by the COVID-19 pandemic

Shell and Hoopy, as partners, are keen to help with the safe recovery of the mechanic community as they gradually return to their workspace.  In the coming days, the partnership will be focused on training and generating business for up to 5,000 mechanics, with an aim to support them in overcoming adversities that have risen due to the pandemic's impact on their livelihoods. This would help in creating a community of empowered, self-sustaining mechanics equipped with the latest know-how from experts in the automotive industry. The partnership and programme will also ensure a steady business flow for mechanics with the possibility of making 30-40% higher income than they would in garages.

“During the thousands of virtual interactions that we have had with two-wheeler mechanics over the past few months, we realized that footfalls to their business and hence, their income itself has become very inconsistent. Many of them urged us to do something in this regard and this is an idea that stuck with us, an initiative to not just create better livelihood opportunities for them, but also to create greater self-reliance amongst them, ” said Raman Ojha, Country Head, Shell Lubricants India.

In this new normal, more customers are demanding contactless services while also ensuring affordability. Our collaboration offers a convenient option to avail economical services on a technology-driven platform where they can make bookings, track service request journeys on a real-time basis, and pay on the app and website, hassle-free from the comfort of their homes. Most importantly, get their vehicle serviced anywhere, anytime from a reliable and well-trained professional.

Shashank Dubey, Co-founder, and COO, Hoopy added, “We are thrilled to have Shell as our exclusive expansion and lubricant partner. Shell is synonymous with trust and quality, and this collaboration will enable us to deliver a much-desired combination of convenience, care, and quality to people’s doorstep in these trying times. Our partnership will set a benchmark for how customers can enjoy a safe and high-quality two-wheeler servicing experience amidst COVID-19.” (MT)

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Valvoline Cummins and Mahindra & Mahindra have announced a new strategic collaboration, deepening a relationship that has spanned over two decades. Under a new four-year agreement, Valvoline Cummins will now be the primary supplier of genuine lubricants for Mahindra's aftermarket business, including products sold under the Mahindra - Maximile brand.

This partnership will see Valvoline Cummins supply a range of high-performing lubricants, such as engine, transmission and axle oils, specifically tailored for Mahindra’s entire fleet of passenger vehicles, SUVs and pickups. These products will be distributed through Mahindra's expansive dealership and ‘Bazar’ networks in India's North, West and East zones.

Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director, Valvoline Cummins, said, “As a trusted partner with Mahindra for the past decade, we are excited for this evolution of our relationship. Today marks a major milestone that will enable significant business growth and reflects further confidence in our people, technology, innovation, serviceability and continuous commitment to customer centricity as a core value.”

Michael Dreyer, Senior Vice-President, Valvoline Global Operations, added, “Mahindra is fast becoming a trusted global brand, and Valvoline is well positioned to collaborate across geographies and support their global ambitions. This strategic agreement unites two trusted names with a shared focus on performance, innovation and sustainability. As Valvoline expands its role within the Mahindra ecosystem, the collaboration is set to deliver enhanced value across vehicles, and customer experiences — setting new benchmarks for excellence in automotive lubricant solutions.”

In a move that aligns with the sustainability goals of both companies, Valvoline Cummins will also introduce Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) packaging for its products supplied to Mahindra, reinforcing their commitment to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.

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Schaeffler India has launched the fourth edition of its Social Innovator Fellowship Program under its CSR initiative, HOPE. The programme aims to support young innovators aged 18 to 35 who are working on scalable solutions to address environmental and societal challenges.

Ten selected fellows will receive a grant of INR 175,000 each and participate in a 24-week hybrid mentorship programme at IIMA Ventures. The fellowship includes access to Schaeffler India’s innovation network and resources to help scale their projects.

Applications are open to individuals, groups, institutions and both for-profit and non-profit organisations across India. The focus areas include environmental sustainability, renewable energy, carbon neutrality, circular economy, natural resource management and the use of technology in the social sector. Applicants must present a working prototype, a clear target audience and a roadmap for growth and viability.

A multi-stage selection process, including interviews and a final pitch, will be conducted by a jury comprising Schaeffler India leadership and India Accelerator experts.

Harsha Kadam, Managing Director & CEO, Schaeffler India, said, “At Schaeffler India, we truly believe in innovation and development, and we have been investing in inclusive and sustainable programs. Through structured initiatives such as HOPE, we aim to empower and nurture visionary young innovators with a pioneering spirit who are developing technology-driven solutions for social sectors and environmental issues, making a meaningful difference through their unique approaches. Schaeffler aims to be both an enabler and catalyst in solving these issues, affirming its belief in innovation as a force for equitable progress”.

Shibi Mathew, Head of HR and CSR, added, “We are deeply committed to advancing the meaningful progress of our communities. We proudly announce the launch of the Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program for 2025, with the primary aim of harnessing and supporting the pioneering spirit of young and passionate innovators across India. This program offers a remarkable opportunity for talented individuals to bring improvements to social and ecological issues through their innovative solutions. We eagerly await the participation of outstanding leaders who will demonstrate a strong commitment to developing transformative solutions, resulting in more resilient systems, empowered communities, and positively impacted lives.”

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Tier 1 supplier Uno Minda has introduced its new range of advanced LED indicators for motorcycles in the Indian aftermarket at INR 1,137. These innovative blinkers aim to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and on-road safety for riders.

Designed to complement traditional motorcycles, the new LED indicators promise straightforward installation, improved visibility and enhanced durability. Uno Minda highlights their high-visibility lighting, which significantly boosts safety in low-light and busy traffic conditions. The indicators also boast an IP67 rating, making them waterproof and dustproof, capable of withstanding various weather and road conditions.

Anand Kumar, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Aftermarket Domain, Uno Minda, said, “At Uno Minda, we are committed to delivering solutions which help the modern motorcycle rider. Our new LED blinkers for Royal motorcycles offer superior safety, durability, and aesthetics, ensuring riders experience the best in performance and reliability. This launch is part of our ‘Driving the New Technology’ initiative, under which we aim to consistently introduce innovative, performance-driven products to the Indian aftermarket. With an IP67 rating, these LED blinkers are built to endure even the toughest weather conditions. Waterproof and dustproof, they are designed to function reliably in rain, snow, or dust, ensuring long-term durability and performance, regardless of the environment. The LED blinkers are designed with a sleek, unique look that effortlessly enhances the iconic Royal Motorcycles style and serves as a perfect aesthetic and functional upgrade, as these blinkers significantly improve rider safety by increasing visibility in low-light and high-traffic conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.”

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has further strengthened its aftersales network with the inauguration of its 5,500th service touchpoint in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Interestingly, in FY2025, the company serviced over 27 million vehicles, and with the new facility, it now has around 40,000 service bays across the country. Furthermore, Maruti Suzuki India aims to add around 500 more service touchpoints in FY2026.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “One of the key factors most customers consider when purchasing a new car is the availability of a proximate and convenient service workshop, one that offers genuine and reliable service at a reasonable price, giving them total peace of mind. To meet this need, we have been able to establish 5,500 service touchpoints across 2,764 cities, with the help of our dealer partners. In FY 2024-25, we added 460 new service touchpoints, which is more than one every single day. We plan to continue these efforts and aim to add around 500 new service touchpoints during this financial year, of which we have already set up 91 touchpoints.”

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