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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A new auto-care  brand named Detailing Notch has entered the Indian market with the mission to transform everyday vehicle maintenance. Founded by Shivam Budhiraja and Gautam Budhiraja, the founders of the automotive platform Team Car Delight, the company focuses on shifting maintenance from inconvenient external services to simple, reliable at-home routines. This creator-led perspective is informed by deep community engagement and a recognised gap in the market for consistently dependable products.

Developed and manufactured entirely in India across two dedicated facilities, the brand’s formulations underwent nearly two years of rigorous testing. Each product is engineered to perform reliably under diverse local conditions – from extreme heat and monsoon rains to heavy dust – ensuring effective results regardless of climate. The emphasis is on sustained performance and practical usability rather than temporary appeal.

Detailing Notch launches with a curated selection of solutions, including a Waterless Wash and a Microfiber Car Duster, alongside coatings and polishes. Designed for efficiency, these products require no special expertise and deliver quick results, such as a clean-and-wax finish in minutes or dust removal without streaks. The brand aims to serve a broad spectrum of vehicle owners, from daily commuters to enthusiasts, by making quality care accessible and straightforward.

Guided by a ‘Top Notch or Nothing’ ethos, the company prioritises building long-term trust through consistent performance and transparency. By offering tested, convenience-driven products, Detailing Notch seeks to set a new standard in the auto-care industry, moving beyond exaggerated claims to deliver practical and dependable everyday maintenance solutions.

Shivam Budhiraja, Co-Founder & Content Creator, said, “At some point, all of us have experienced the frustration of using a product that looks promising on the shelf but underdelivers the moment you apply it. As someone who has been part of the creator ecosystem for years, I’ve seen how strongly audiences value transparency and honest performance. That’s exactly what pushed us to build Detailing Notch, products that are tested internally, deliver what they claim and integrate effortlessly into daily routines.”

Gautam Budhiraja, Co-Founder of Detailing Notch, said, “Detailing and maintaining your vehicle shouldn’t feel time-consuming. Most people want their vehicles to look good but don’t always have the time or patience for multi-step routines. We built Detailing Notch for this exact reality: quick, convenient, dependable products that fit seamlessly into everyday life while still delivering a premium finish.”

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Gulf Oil Lubricants India has introduced Gulf Syntrac, a range of fully synthetic motorcycle engine oils, at India Bike Week (IBW) 2025. The launch marks the company's expansion into the high-performance motorcycle segment in India.

The Syntrac range is API SP compliant and utilises ester technology. It is positioned above the existing Gulf Pride range as the company’s flagship line for motorcycles.

The company stated that the formulation is engineered for engines, gearboxes, and wet clutches operating under high temperatures and loads. The range includes 11 stock-keeping units (SKUs) across several viscosity grades –10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-50, 15W-50 and 20W-50. It features advanced esters designed to maintain film strength at high RPMs. The Syntrac range is intended for city riding, highway touring and high-speed operations.

During the event, Gulf Oil also showcased the Gulf Trackhouse Racing Team’s MotoGP bike in its official livery. This display was intended to highlight the company's use of racing environments as a testbed for lubricant innovation. The brand pavilion also featured stunt performances by international Enduro rider Pol Torres.

Ravi Chawla, Managing Director & CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India, said, “India Bike Week is a true celebration of the spirit of motorcycling, and our third consecutive year with IBW has only strengthened our bond with India’s biking community. The unstoppable energy at IBW and turnout of riders from across the country perfectly mirrors Gulf’s own ethos of performance and passion. The launch of Gulf Syntrac at IBW is especially significant for us, it represents our commitment to high-performance, fully synthetic solutions inspired by motorsports and built for passionate riders. Through immersive experiences, motorsport showcases like the Trackhouse MotoGP bike in the Gulf Livery, and direct engagement with riders, IBW continues to be a powerful platform for Gulf to inspire ambition and grow alongside India’s vibrant motorcycling fraternity.”

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Spinny, a used car platform, has launched Spinny Circle, an application designed for New Car Dealers (NCDs) to manage the exchange and liquidation of used vehicles.

The app provides a structured pathway for dealerships to handle vehicle inspections, valuations, sales and settlements. It is intended to increase the speed of price discovery and provide predictable timelines for liquidating inventory, which assists dealers in managing working capital and operational efficiency.

The company stated exchange-led transactions are a key factor in new car sales in India. However, the process is often fragmented, with delays in pricing and inspection affecting dealer cash flows. Spinny Circle aims to standardise these operations by connecting dealerships to a single management framework.

The app was introduced at the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) Vyapar Gujarat forum. Spinny is collaborating with FADA to engage with dealers and move the exchange ecosystem toward a more organised model.

Gurveen Bedi, Senior Vice-President, Spinny, said, “Over the years, Spinny has worked to bring greater transparency, consistency, and trust to India’s used car market. With Spinny Circle, we are now extending this approach to the exchange ecosystem for new car dealers, an area that has required structure and clarity. By enabling a reliable and efficient pathway to liquidate older vehicles, Spinny Circle helps dealers to improve working capital management while supporting the broader growth of car sales and a more organised automotive retail ecosystem.”

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Castrol India has expanded its auto care portfolio with the introduction of an Aesthetic Care range for motorcycles and cars. The new line includes Castrol Ultra Protect Shampoo, Castrol Ultra Protect Wax, Castrol Glass Cleaner and Castrol Dash & Leather Dresser.

The products are designed for vehicle maintenance at home without the requirement for specialised tools. This expansion follows previous additions to the company's range, such as chain cleaners, lubricants and helmet cleaners.

The range comprises four specific solutions for vehicle upkeep:

• Castrol Ultra Protect Shampoo: A pH-balanced formula containing Carnauba wax. It is designed to lift dirt and road grime while providing a water-repellent finish.
• Castrol Ultra Protect Wax: A liquid wax that creates a layer on the paint to protect against sun, dust, pollution and water marks.
• Castrol Glass Cleaner: A solution for removing smudges and fingerprints from glass, plastic and rubber components to maintain visibility.
• Castrol Dash & Leather Dresser: A conditioner for interior surfaces including vinyl, plastic, leather and rubber. It is intended to prevent fading and cracking caused by heat and sunlight.

Kedar Lele, Managing Director, Castrol India, said, “This update brings more depth to our Auto Care portfolio. Today’s vehicle owners demand solutions that clean and protect at the same time. With these products, we are keeping everyday maintenance simpler while staying true to the quality our customers expect from us. This expansion marks our deliberate step into the wider vehicle maintenance ecosystem.”

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