UFI Filters, an industry leader in filtration and thermal management solutions, today launched a cabin air filtration, SOFIMA D+FEND Anti-virus, which delivers a 99.5% reduction in viruses and a 99.9% in bacteria.

According to UFI Filters,  the laboratory tests have certified the capacity of the new filter to neutralize coronaviruses from the SARS-COV family (kill rate 99.5%), as well as influenza A H1N1, H3N2 and H7N9, in addition to various types of dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and staphylococcus aureus (kill rate 99.9%).

For the Indian market, innovative SOFIMA D+FEND Anti-virus filters will be produced at SOFIMA FILTERS INDIA Plant in Bahadurgarh. It belongs to product code family ending with KN2 and caters to the aftermarket space.

Luca Betti, Group Aftermarket Business Unit Director, said, "We are extremely proud of the results achieved thanks to the collaboration of our Innovation Centers in China, India and in Italy. UFI Filters Group has chosen to give a meaningful name to this innovative D+FEND Anti-virus filter media, which has been certified according to ISO 11155-1:2001 standard having a filtration efficiency of more than 95 percent for aerosol particles, with dimension equal to 0.3 microns. When applied to cabin air filters, this innovative material thus offers a clear improvement in the quality of the air inside vehicles, during a historical period in which the health of the individual is absolutely paramount."

Hridesh Sharma, CEO of UFI Filters India, said, “The investment made by UFI Filters Group in Research and Development is ongoing. This innovative product bears testament to our desire to remain at the cutting edge when it comes to innovation and is evidence of the exceptional ability of our technicians to work with laboratories and certified institutions at international level."

SOFIMA D+FEND Anti-virus incorporates the antimicrobial and antiviral active substances into the fibers themselves, which are made up of polymeric material. Thanks to the prolonged release of ions from the two elements embedded in the fibers, the filter has the power to destroy the bacterial and viral load over a prolonged period, unlike other solutions on the market today, the properties of which are diminished after just a few working cycles following the installation of the filter on the vehicle. (MT)

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Ayvens, a global sustainable mobility and fleet management company, has announced its 2029 strategic plan, outlining targets for fleet expansion, operational efficiency improvements and service diversification through 2029.

The company projects growth in its funded fleet of at least 3 percent between 2026 and 2029, alongside a target to lower leased fleet carbon dioxide emissions from 101g/km in 2025 to between 75g/km and 85g/km by 2029.

Under the growth pillar of the strategy, Ayvens plans to expand its retail segment fleet by 15 percent over the 2026–2029 period to reach over 900,000 vehicles, up from 780,000 vehicles in 2026.

The light commercial vehicle segment is targeted to grow by 10 percent to exceed 580,000 vehicles by 2029. To support service margin growth, the company aims to increase insurance and damage cover penetration from 53 percent in 2026 to 56 percent in 2029, while expanding its electric vehicle charging solution, Ayvens Power, across 15 countries.

Operational plans target an improvement in the cost-to-income ratio from approximately 53 per cent in 2026 to around 49 percent in 2029. The company intends to achieve a 30 percent efficiency gain across eight core processes in commercial, finance, and operations functions through artificial intelligence automation.

Furthermore, Ayvens plans to reduce net spend on its EUR 2.6 billion service cost base by approximately 2 percent through sourcing adjustments and cost control measures across its 3.1 million vehicle fleet. IT intensity ratio is projected to drop from approximately 15 percent to around 12 percent.

In the used car leasing market, Ayvens projects a 13 percent compound annual growth rate between 2026 and 2029, aiming for a fleet exceeding 100,000 vehicles. Financial guidance for the 2027–2029 period projects earning assets growth of approximately 10 percent between December 2026 and December 2029.

Annual funding targets include retail deposit net collections of EUR 1 billion to EUR 2 billion, securitisation issuances of EUR 1 billion to EUR 2 billion, and bond issuances of EUR 2 billion to EUR 3 billion.

Philippe de Rovira, CEO, Ayvens, said, “I am pleased to share today Ayvens 2029 strategic plan. As the execution of the PowerUP 2026 plan is about to reach its successful conclusion with the integration of ALD and LeasePlan and the delivery of strong financial results, Ayvens will now enter into a new development phase based on resuming profitable growth and putting operational excellence at the heart of all our processes and actions. The execution of this strategic and financial roadmap will lead to strong value creation for all stakeholders and upgraded financial targets, notably a Return on Tangible Equity in the range of 14 percent to 16 percent. I would like to thank our employees for their unwavering commitment and professionalism to better serve our customers every day.”

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TVS Automobile Solutions (TVS ASL), part of the TVS Mobility Group and owner of the automotive aftermarket brand myTVS, has secured INR 4.25 billion in a Series D funding round led by CE-Invests, the strategic investment arm of UAE-based Crescent Enterprises.

The capital raise will support myTVS’ plans to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology infrastructure to target a 25–35 percent near-term growth rate and prepare for eventual public-market readiness. The partnership also aims to expand the myTVS technology and service model into international markets, focusing initially on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The company achieved EBITDA breakeven in FY2026. Prior to this round, myTVS had raised approximately INR 6.90 billion, including INR 2.03 billion from Lingotto in 2022 and INR 4.87 billion from Castrol in 2023. NAFA Sustainable Finance acted as the financial advisor to TVS ASL for the capital raise.

The myTVS platform integrates digital operations with physical service centers, supplying vehicle maintenance, parts, accessories, tyres, batteries, insurance and roadside assistance to retail customers and fleet operators across India.

Badr Jafar, CEO, Crescent Enterprises, said, "Built over generations of trade, enterprise and human connection, the UAE–India relationship is becoming ever more important – not only to both countries, but to economic growth across MENA, Asia and beyond. The strongest economic corridors carry more than capital: they move technology, ideas and operating expertise in both directions. When India’s scale, talent and innovation connect with the UAE’s capital, infrastructure and regional reach, each market becomes a platform for the other’s growth. That reciprocal model creates value far beyond either country and reflects principles that have long shaped Crescent Enterprises’ investment and partnership strategy."

R Dinesh, Director, TVS Automobile Solutions, said, "We are delighted to have CE-Invests as an investor. myTVS has scaled up its technology-led services and parts platform to serve the end customer directly and by working with various corporate partners and vehicle manufacturers in India. This investment is a further proof that this technology-led platform is capable of delivering a similar experience in other markets. This will further enable the company to scale up its operations in India and the MENA region and continue to maintain its profitable growth. This partnership will only further increase its rate of growth, and CE Invests is the perfect partner for the Middle East."

Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO and Head of Investments, Crescent Enterprises, said, "myTVS has demonstrated that an integrated, technology-enabled platform can bring meaningful improvements in service quality, transparency and vehicle uptime at scale. This investment fits squarely with CE-Invests’ strategy of backing established, well-governed businesses with strong fundamentals, proven operating models and the potential to expand across the MENA–Asia corridor. Alongside capital, we will bring market insight, commercial relationships and regional execution support to help myTVS establish a strong UAE presence and grow across MENA."

Ameya Prabhu, CEO, NAFA Group and Director at NAFA SF, said, "We are pleased to have advised TVS Automobile Solutions on this strategic capital raise and to have facilitated the partnership with CE-Invests. We believe this provides a strong platform for myTVS to accelerate its growth in India while exploring opportunities for expansion in the MENA region. We congratulate both teams on the successful transaction and look forward to seeing the partnership create significant value in the years ahead."

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Studds Accessories, a leading two-wheeler helmet manufacturer, has launched the Raider Youth Looney Tunes Edition in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products at prices starting at INR 1,395.

The helmet features character graphics from the Looney Tunes franchise integrated onto Studds’ full-face youth helmet architecture.

The graphics incorporate characters including Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Daffy Duck, Taz, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote alongside the Looney Tunes logo across the shell, rear, and chin-bar. The series is produced in six base colours: Blue, Baby Pink, Flame Blue, Pastel Green, White, and Black.

The helmet carries Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS/ISI) certification and is manufactured in XXS (520 mm) and XS (540 mm) sizes.

Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director, Studds Accessories, said, "For young riders and individuals with smaller head sizes, finding a helmet that balances uncompromised full-face safety with expressive design has historically been a challenge in the market. With the Raider Youth Looney Tunes Edition, our intent was to bridge that gap by integrating safety engineering with design philosophy that brings instant joy and nostalgia. This collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery is not just about adding graphics, it is about making helmets that young riders are genuinely excited to wear every day, and at the same time are safe."

The base Raider Youth model was introduced in August 2026 for riders with smaller head dimensions. The Looney Tunes variant retains the mechanical specifications of the original helmet, including an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) shell, expandable polystyrene (EPS) liner, top air exhaust ventilation, scratch-resistant quick-release visor, quick-release chin strap and micro-fibre lining.

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Tier 1 automotive supplier Uno Minda has launched its new 4-channel audio amplifier, model UNO-AMP-4-100, targeting the automotive aftermarket sector.

The amplifier measures 191 mm by 105 mm by 48 mm, allowing for installation in confined areas within vehicles, including underneath seats. It produces power outputs of 150 W per channel at 2 Ohm and 100 W per channel at 4 Ohm across four speaker channels. In bridged mode, the system converts to a 2-channel setup delivering 320 W per channel at 4 Ohm to power subwoofers or higher-capacity speakers.

Technical specifications for the device include a total harmonic distortion rate of equal to or less than 0.05 percent, a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 96 dB and an operational frequency response range from 10 Hz to 20 kHz. Input sensitivity ranges between 400 mV and 6 V to enable connection with factory-fitted and aftermarket head units. Electrical protection is supplied via twin 40 A fuses.

Anand Kumar, Business Head, Uno Minda Aftermarket, said, “At Uno Minda, we understand the evolving expectations of car owners who seek enhanced in-car experiences without compromising on practicality. With our new 4-Channel Amplifier, we have combined powerful audio performance with a compact, palm-size form factor to offer greater flexibility in installation. The amplifier's versatile output, wide compatibility and audio performance make it a suitable solution for customers looking to enhance their existing car audio systems while making efficient use of available space.”

The UNO-AMP-4-100 is priced at INR 13,999 and is distributed through physical automotive retail stores alongside e-commerce portals including Uno Minda Kart, Amazon and Flipkart.

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