L-R: Ratan Singh, COO, Smart Garage; Deepak Baranwal, CTO, Smart Garage and Pawan Singh Raghuvanshi, Founder & CEO, Smart Garage.

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.”

Over 200 suppliers from Taiwan will participate in AAPEX 2026, North America’s leading automotive aftermarket exhibition, scheduled to take place at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas from 3rd November to 5^th November.

Presented by the International Trade Administration and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the delegation will exhibit under the Team Taiwan banner at Booth V19622.

The display features products across categories including components, electronics, lighting, tools and collision repair parts. The showcase incorporates an industry scenario zone, digital kiosks, and scheduled presentations.

The events during the exhibition include an opening ceremony, networking sessions, procurement meetings and pitch demonstrations focusing on maintenance equipment, diagnostics and advanced driver assistance systems.

Image for representational purposes only.

Indraprastha Gas has introduced Nawgati's artificial intelligence (AI) vehicle recognition and safety verification system at fuel stations in Delhi.

The rollout was inaugurated at the Shantipath CNG facility by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives for the North Circle at the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The initiative implements a three-pronged compliance framework to verify compressed natural gas cylinder hydrotest validity before refuelling.

The system incorporates the consumer-facing Nawgati app, the Aaveg compliance application used by queue marshals and automated license plate recognition cameras linked to digital LED displays and public announcement systems. Non-compliant vehicles with expired certifications trigger automated alerts to station staff to halt refuelling operations.

Ambuj Singh, Senior Vice President of Business and Operations, Nawgati, said, "Fuel retail safety relies on robust enforcement and friction-free technology. Having senior leadership inaugurate this rollout at IGL Shantipath is a testament to the urgency and impact of our solution. By combining our proprietary technology, the Aaveg Compliance app for queue marshals, and consumer-facing transparency through the Nawgati app, we are helping operators eliminate manual blind spots, prevent unverified cylinders from refuelling, and set a new benchmark for smart infrastructure safety."

The safety deployment is accompanied by public awareness campaigns across media channels and operational protocols implemented by Indraprastha Gas to support national energy targets and infrastructure expansion.

AXOR, the premium helmet brand from Vega Auto, has launched the Agera, a full-face helmet designed with aerodynamic engineering and ventilation features for high-speed riding.

The helmet features a shell profile with an integrated rear spoiler engineered to manage airflow, reduce aerodynamic drag, and lower neck strain at high speeds. The rear spoiler functions as an integrated exhaust vent to assist with thermal management and interior airflow extraction. The product will be retailed in domestic markets and exported across AXOR's international distribution network.

The Agera features a double D-ring retention system and an Emergency Quick Release System for cheek pad removal during emergency situations. The helmet is equipped with an optically correct, scratch-resistant, UV-protected Revo outer visor featuring a tool-free quick-release mechanism and Pinlock anti-fog compatibility, alongside an integrated internal smoke sun visor for glare reduction.

Uttam Chandak, Joint MD and Head of Research and Development, AXOR, said, "Aerodynamic engineering plays a critical role in the overall riding experience, particularly at higher speeds. With the Agera, our focus has been on developing a shell profile that manages airflow effectively. By combining aerodynamic considerations with functional ventilation and a race-inspired design, we aim to deliver a helmet that reflects our continued focus on engineering-led product development."

SMK Helmets has introduced a new graphic option, named Agnar Revv, to its Agnar full-face helmet lineup. First launched in 2024, the Agnar range features a graphic design inspired by the sweep of an engine tachometer, offered across six colour combinations in gloss and matte finishes.

The Agnar Revv is built using two distinct outer shell moulds rather than a single shell size with varied foam padding, maintaining outer shell proportions across head sizes from XS to XXL.

The helmet features an Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic outer shell paired with a multi-density EPS liner, carrying safety certifications for ECE 22.06, DOT and ISI standards. The ventilation system incorporates 21 stainless steel vents connected via internal airflow channels designed to manage thermal regulation and wind noise.

Varun Chopra, Vice President of IT and Creative Design, SMK, said, "Since its introduction, the Agnar has become one of the key products in our portfolio, reflecting our focus on combining distinctive design with certified safety, a sturdy build, and high-airflow ventilation. With the Agnar Revv, we are elevating the lineup by introducing vibrant decals with a fresh identity. Modern riders expect new global drops from a brand like ours, and the Agnar Revv bridges aggressive aesthetics with uncompromised daily comfort. We believe it will further strengthen our product portfolio and appeal to riders who demand bold styling without compromising on real world protection."

The helmet comes with a dual visor setup featuring a scratch-resistant outer visor with a quick-release mechanism, a retractable internal sun visor and a Pinlock 30 anti-fog lens supplied as standard in India.

The helmet incorporates a removable and washable hypoallergenic interior liner alongside a double D-ring chin strap closure. Designed at SMK's European studio and produced at its manufacturing facilities in India, the Agnar Revv is priced at INR 6,700 through authorised retail outlets, with online sales availability scheduled for a later release.