SMK, the premium brand of Studds Accessories Ltd, launched the SMK Cygnus helmet and a new collection of riding gear at India Bike Week 2025. The company, part of the world’s largest helmet manufacturer by volume, introduced several models and a complete riding jacket line-up following their debut at EICMA.

The SMK Cygnus features a 180deg rotating chin bar, a flip-back innovation that allows the helmet to convert between full-face and open-face modes. This mechanism enables the helmet to sit differently to suit various postures, such as an upright position for cruisers or a tucked position for sport riding.

The helmet is one of the few in India with P/J Certification, allowing it to be used safely in both open and closed positions. It is constructed with an Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic (EIRT) shell and a multi-density EPS liner. Features include a wide anti-scratch visor with Pinlock MaxVision @120, an integrated sun visor, a double D-ring fastener, and a removable hypoallergenic liner. The Cygnus is expected to retail between INR 17,000 and 20,000 in the coming months.

SMK also announced the arrival of the Ares and Nova models. The Ares includes a detachable sun peak and sun visor, while the Nova features an eyeglass-friendly harness and an optically corrected field of vision. These models will be priced at INR 6,350 and INR 3,900 respectively.

For urban and touring needs, the brand introduced the Delta City and Delta Tour demi-jet helmets:

Delta City: A lightweight helmet for commuting with an internal clear visor and moisture-wicking fabric.

Delta Tour: Designed for long distances with an external dual visor, contoured cheek pads, and pockets for Bluetooth communication systems. Prices for the Delta series start from INR 3,299.

The brand displayed its full riding jacket collection, all of which are CE Level A certified. The Infinity Rush and Gladiator models are designed for summer with mesh panels and waterproof liners. The Apex Adventura is a 3/4-length touring jacket with thermal liners and a hydration pack system. For women, the Athenova provides a winter solution with waterproofing and ergonomic styling.

Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director, STUDDS Accessories, said: “India Bike Week has always been about celebration of the evolving spirit of riding in India. As demand grows for premium motorcycles and high-quality riding gear, SMK has been at the forefront of leading this shift with our commitment to premium design, advanced safety and superior comfort, for diverse riding styles. We are proud to introduce our new helmet range, led by the Cygnus, along with refreshed graphics and an expanded jacket collection. The overwhelming response from riders today further validates SMK preference as a premium helmet Brand in India.”

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Automechanika Dubai, one of the leading automotive aftermarket exhibitions, has announced that its 2026 edition will move to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City. The event is scheduled to take place from 10–12 November 2026, marking a shift from its previous venue to accommodate growth in the automotive aftermarket sector.

The relocation follows the 2025 edition, which recorded 50,308 visitors and 2,273 exhibitors. The new venue at DEC will offer 110,000 sqm of space, allowing for more international pavilions and product sections. The site is located near Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, aligning with the D33 economic agenda to enhance Dubai's role as a logistics hub.

Market analysis suggests the Middle East and Africa automotive aftermarket will reach a value of USD 87 billion by 2034. This growth is linked to an increase in vehicle numbers, digitalisation of supply chains, and electrification. Several companies, including Hankook & Company, Hanon Systems and National Paints, have confirmed participation for the 2026 event.

Tommy Le, Show Manager, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “Our move to the Dubai Exhibition Centre in 2026 is closely aligned with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which places trade, investment and global competitiveness at the heart of the Emirate’s long-term vision. As the future epicentre for mega events and international business gatherings, DEC represents the next phase of Dubai’s evolution as a world-leading exhibition and logistics hub.”

The 2026 exhibition will maintain its focus on sustainability, electrification, and innovation. Features such as Innovation4Mobility, Fleet FWD and the Automechanika Dubai Awards will continue at the new location to support knowledge exchange and industry partnerships.

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Motul India has launched the French lubricant brand IPONE in India. The company is positioning IPONE as a motorcycle-dedicated brand to connect engineering with the identity of riders. The brand uses a visual identity influenced by Japanese culture and Manga to target adventure, off-road and track racing segments.

The product hierarchy is organised via a judo belt progression system to categorise lubricants by riding intensity.

The Black Belt Racing range, led by the Shogun flagship, uses PAO and Ester-based technology for track use.

The Blue Belt Sport range consists of synthetic oils for road and off-road engines, while the Green Belt Advanced range offers semi-synthetic formulations for daily use. The Yellow Belt Standard range provides lubricants for commuting.

IPONE is supported by the industrial and distribution network of Motul. The company reports that synthetic oils represent 25 percent of its sales in India.

Nagendra Pai, CEO, Motul India & South Asia, said, "Motul has built its global authority on the science of performance lubricants. A premium and synthetic oils alone account for a quarter of our sales, and that foundation is non-negotiable. As a leading player in the category, we see a strong shift towards younger riders who are passionate about adventure riding, off-roading and performance-led experiences. IPONE launch sits at the intersection of two things we are deeply committed to: bringing the best lubrication technology to market, and premiumisation that is meaningful, not cosmetic. To support this, Motul's distribution network, both offline and online, is stronger than it has ever been, giving IPONE the reach to meet these riders wherever they are.”

The market rollout will begin across 6 core and 14 regional markets.

IPONE currently serves as the lubricant supplier for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the MXGP Championship. Through this launch, Motul India aims to increase its share in the motorcycle engine oil segment.

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German technology supplier ZF continues to be upbeat on the potential growth in the Indian aftermarket segment. In a recent comprehensive briefing on the shifting dynamics of the automotive aftermarket, Philippe Colpron, Head of ZF Aftermarket and Executive Vice President of ZF Group, shared his views on the Indian market, bridging cutting-edge digital solutions with deep-rooted local industrialisation.

In CY2025, ZF’s global aftermarket revenue reached an estimated EUR 3.5 billion (with a broader EUR 4.8 billion impact across the ZF Group), Colpron highlighted India as a cornerstone of the company’s ‘Mobility Uptime’ vision.

He noted that India’s transition into a self-sustainable world economy has made it a ‘very special market’ for ZF, where the company has maintained a presence for over 60 years.

“India is a very strong country – not just in culture and people, but also as a strong world economy. Becoming self-sustainable as a digital hub where multinationals have established themselves is creating an evolution of its economy and its people, leading to massive growth in infrastructure and mobility,” Colpron said.

A key highlight of ZF’s strategy is the expansion of its digital platforms. Following a successful European rollout for SACHS and WABCO, ZF has extended its CorExpedia platform to include ZF and TRW parts.

Colpron noted that while India remains primarily a ‘repair market’ today, he indicated that CorExpedia could be introduced as the market matures toward remanufacturing.

“With the growth of connected vehicles, the use-cases are changing,” Colpron remarked. He also pointed to the successful response to ZF MultiScan, the company's new multi-brand diagnostic tool and the expansion of the ZF [pro]Tech network, which now counts over 400 workshops in India.

Furthermore, ZF is banking on a ‘higher share of local industrialisation’, which is further set to accelerate between the second half of 2026 and 2028. The company’s portfolio already covers between 14-95 percent of automotive segments in India, ranging from two-wheelers to heavy-duty trucks.

Colpron expressed that he was ‘positively surprised’ by current coverage and expects the 2026 fiscal year to perform better than initial estimates.

Responding to the impact of electrification in the aftermarket segment, Colron pivoted from hardware to the human element. He noted that the challenge for workshops isn't just the battery, but the high-voltage systems and extensive software.

“It is important to make the mechanics and workshop comfortable to handle the EVs, so that they don’t lose out on business tomorrow,” he explained. “They need training, awareness, and education. We want to make sure our partners have a profitable business; that is a key driver for us.”

Despite the market's price sensitivity, Colpron remained firm on quality. Whether dealing with new high-value vehicles or legacy parts, the specification remains identical.

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BASF-backed paint protection solutions company RODIM has opened its first brand store in India named Perfect Finish in collaboration with Pranav Sharma, CEO of Perfect Finish, in Faridabad.

The facility also marks RODIM’s first exclusive global brand store, positioning India as its first launch market worldwide.

RODIM is expanding its footprint through stores that focus on installation standards. The Faridabad site functions as a training centre where partners learn installation techniques to reduce material waste during PPF applications.

The inauguration was attended by representatives from BASF, including Andy Wong, Sooraj Kapur and Ram Kumar Gaur. They were joined by Ruchir Malhotra and Sachin Ahuja, Managing Partners of Sheen Automotive 360 LLP, the distributors for RODIM in India.

The company intends to roll out the store concept across the country. India was the location for the brand's product launch and remains part of expansion plans.

Andy Wong, Head of Business Management, Direct Importers, APAC, BASF, said, “This brand store represents RODIM’s long-term commitment to the Indian market. Our vision is to transform the largely unorganised detailing sector into a professional, structured business ecosystem.”

Amresh Khar, Senior Vice-President, BASF, said: “The milestone marks a significant step towards building a structured, technology-driven, and premium ecosystem for the automotive detailing industry in the country. The presence of leading automotive detailers from across India reflects the rising demand for premium protection solutions. We are balancing global technological excellence with Indian market sensibilities, affordability, and emotional value.”

Ruchir Malhotra, added, “Professional detailers have embraced RODIM’s global quality post-Automechanika. These premium outlets will accelerate growth while setting new benchmarks for service quality.”

Sachin Ahuja, noted, “The company plans to empower existing channel partners to upgrade their studios into world-class facilities.”

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