TVS Automobile Solutions Ltd (TVS ASL) announced that it has picked Google Cloud as its technology partner to build its digital transformation strategy. Through this deal, the company will advance its goal of creating a ‘Digital Ecosystem’ that will empower thousands of small entrepreneurs across automotive retailers and garages.

The company has migrated its on-premise data centre infrastructure and existing public cloud deployments onto Google Cloud to develop the ‘platform of platforms’ tailored to the needs of the automotive industry. This new innovative initiative will bring vehicle owners, retailers, garages and insurance companies from a fragmented market place into one seamless digital technology architecture to provide service, parts, roadside assistance and insurance.

G Srinivasa Raghavan, Managing Director, TVS Automobile Solutions said, “The range of solutions include Connected Vehicle (passenger cars, two wheelers and commercial vehicles), Diagnostics & Predictive Service Management on Cloud, Mobility solutions for all stakeholders to address their requirements and real time integration with all stakeholders for fulfilment. The innovative initiative will be seen as an accelerator in Digitising the Global aftermarket landscape.

We selected Google Cloud for its superior tech stack across Cloud, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Big Data, Marketing & Marketplace solutions that will enable us to scale globally with shorter time to market.”

Karan Bajwa, Managing Director, Google Cloud India said, “TVS Automobile Solutions is partnering with Google Cloud to accelerate their digital transformation journey. They are unlocking the potential of their business data at scale using machine learning to automate and optimise their supply chain, and leveraging managed services so they can focus their engineering effort on IT-led business initiatives that will pave the path for a strong digital future.” (MT)

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ReadyAssist, an Indian AutoTech firm, has launched its ‘Project Shakthi’ to increase female participation in the automotive service sector. The initiative aims to train 300 women across 15 Indian cities over the next two years, offering an earning potential of up to INR 50,000 per month.

The programme focuses on Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune, with an initial goal of onboarding 25 women within the next six to 12 months. Project Shakthi is designed to create technical, field-based career pathways for women in an industry where they have been historically underrepresented.

The initiative prioritises accessibility, requiring no minimum education or prior technical background. Eligible applicants include women of legal working age, possessing a valid driving licence and be able to operate a two-wheeler. The future technicians undergo a 10-day, zero-cost training programme that combines classroom instruction with hands-on field experience. Training starts with GPS and Dashcam fitment, covering installation, configuration and diagnostics. Graduates are onboarded as service partners under a flexible, freelance model, allowing them to choose their working hours.

ReadyAssist aims to move beyond a pilot phase in Bengaluru, where the first batch of technicians has already been deployed — to a nationwide rollout. The company plans to collaborate with women’s empowerment organisations, training institutes and government bodies to scale the programme.

Vimal Singh SV, Founder & CEO, ReadyAssist, said, “At ReadyAssist, we believe talent and capability are not defined by gender, but by opportunity and support. Through Project Shakthi, we are creating structured pathways for women to step into technical and on-ground customer facing roles with the right training, tools, and opportunities.”

ReadyAssist stated that early data from the Bengaluru pilot indicates high levels of customer satisfaction and technical proficiency from female technicians. Following the initial focus on GPS and dashcam fitment, participants will have the opportunity to upskill into broader automotive service areas.

By removing traditional barriers to entry, ReadyAssist intends to build an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of its customer base while providing sustainable financial independence for women.

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PB Wheels, a brand of PolicyBazaar Fintech Group, aims to centralise fragmented vehicle management tasks into a single application.

Beyond its core insurance business, the service now incorporates vehicle information, maintenance scheduling, FASTag management and compliance tracking for PUC and traffic challans.

PB Wheels is currently operational in over 185 cities, providing access to a network of multi-brand garages. The platform's model focuses on transparent pricing and digital tracking to improve the traditional maintenance experience.

Sarbvir Singh, Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech, said, “Insurance is often where the relationship with the customer begins, but vehicle ownership goes far beyond that. With PB Wheels, we are building a single, dependable platform that brings together everything a vehicle owner needs, from servicing and maintenance to compliance and on-road safety. Our goal is to make managing a vehicle as simple, transparent, and hassle-free as possible.”

The platform is designed to handle the entire vehicle lifecycle through several key features:

• Maintenance: Users can book services with pickup and drop-off options and receive real-time updates on repairs.
• Compliance: The system provides active tracking for traffic fines and the status of mandatory certifications.
• Road Safety: The brand recently introduced ‘Safe Drive Home’ in Delhi NCR, a complimentary driver service intended to reduce drink-driving incidents.

By combining insurance claims processing with preventive maintenance, PB Wheels seeks to create a connected ecosystem that benefits both the consumer and the insurer through proactive vehicle care. The expansion reflects a broader strategy to move from a transaction-based insurance model to a long-term ownership relationship.

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Spinny has introduced a comprehensive Seller Protection Policy to manage legal and operational risks for car owners during the vehicle ownership transfer process.

The initiative addresses common concerns in the used car market, where delays in transferring the Registration Certificate (RC) can leave sellers liable for traffic fines, legal notices and accidents occurring after the vehicle has been handed over.

Under the new policy, Spinny will assume full accountability for the vehicle from the moment of handover until the official transfer of ownership to the new buyer is complete.

The company says its full-stack operational model allows for greater control over the documentation lifecycle compared to traditional intermediaries. It reports a 95 percent RC transfer completion rate within 12 months of a buyer purchasing the vehicle. This structured approach aims to provide a more predictable timeline and reduce the period of legal exposure for the original owner.

The service includes the verification of essential seller and buyer documentation, such as PAN and bank details, to ensure all transactions remain compliant with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) regulations.

The Seller Protection Policy provides several layers of security for car sellers:

• Challan Management: Spinny takes responsibility for any traffic challans issued after the vehicle is handed over to their custody.
• Legal Representation: The company provides legal support and representation in the event of disputes or accidents involving the vehicle during the interim ownership period.
• Misuse Protection: Coverage is provided against any unauthorised use of the vehicle while it remains in Spinny’s possession.
• Documented Custody: Spinny maintains verified documentation to establish a clear paper trail of when physical custody of the vehicle was transferred.

Beyond legal protection, the platform has integrated features to streamline the sale process. Sellers receive final price offers typically within 3–4 percent of the initial online estimate, with payments processed on the same day as vehicle handover. The entire process is supported by digital tracking, allowing sellers to monitor the status of their RC transfer in real time.

By formalising these protections, Spinny aims to build long-term trust in the used car ecosystem, ensuring that the transition from seller to buyer is transparent, fast and legally secure.

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has inaugurated its 500th service workshop in Chandkheda, Ahmedabad, marking a major expansion of its aftersales network.

This milestone brings the company’s total service touchpoints to 800 across 391 cities, supporting a customer base that now exceeds 1.5 million vehicle owners.

The new facility, operated by West Coast Kia, is one of the brand's largest in the country, spanning 76,069 square feet. It is equipped with 57 service bays and 100 parking bays, with the capacity to service up to 40,000 vehicles annually. The workshop is staffed by 90 trained professionals and includes a ‘Shine Zone’ dedicated to premium exterior treatments like ceramic coating.

As part of Kia’s transition toward electrification and responsible growth, the Ahmedabad facility includes a 90 kW DC fast charger capable of supporting two vehicles simultaneously. The workshop features 145 kW solar power generation, rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems. It is part of 124 ‘green workshops’ Kia has established nationwide, which collectively generate 8.90 MW of solar energy.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO, Kia India, said, “The inauguration of our 500th Service Workshop is a proud milestone that reflects our deep commitment to customer-centricity. This achievement is not just about scale, but about ensuring that every Kia customer experiences convenience, transparency, and trust throughout their ownership journey. As we continue to expand our network, our focus remains on delivering a future-ready, sustainable, and digitally enabled aftersales ecosystem.”

The workshop supports Kia’s ‘contactless’ service model, which utilises RFID tracking and digital health reports accessible via the My Kia App. Beyond technical services, West Coast Kia has launched a green drive in collaboration with local authorities to plant 10,000 trees across Ahmedabad to support community sustainability.

Baljeet Singh Bagga, Dealer Principal, West Coast Kia, added, “Achieving the 500 workshops milestone is a matter of immense pride for us. Our association with Kia India since its inception has been strong and progressive. This new workshop represents another meaningful step in bringing the Kia brand closer to our customers, while elevating service accessibility and experience in the region.”

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