Following its successful transition into the newly established AUMOVIO entity, the venerable VDO brand is marking a significant return to the independent automotive aftermarket. Beginning in December 2025, the comprehensive portfolio of electronics and mechatronics, previously marketed under the Continental brand since 2020, will be progressively reintroduced under the distinguished VDO brand. This extensive range includes critical components such as fuel systems, various engine management and tyre pressure monitoring sensors, engine control units, common rail diesel systems and turbochargers. The brand's commitment to innovation will be further demonstrated in 2026 with the inaugural introduction of sensors and cameras for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

This strategic brand transition is designed to be seamless for customers, with no impact on the availability, performance or renowned premium quality of existing and future products. Under the AUMOVIO umbrella, VDO will be strategically aligned with the premium brake brand ATE. This partnership will allow both brands to leverage a unified service infrastructure, which includes a dedicated technical hotline and a suite of certified training programmes for workshop professionals. According to company leadership, VDO is the ideal brand to spearhead the future of their electronic and mechatronic spare parts business, as it embodies original equipment manufacturer quality, safety and deep expertise in both contemporary and emerging automotive technologies.

The foundation for this future growth is a recently expanded product catalogue, which grew by approximately 50 percent, or 700 new parts, during the corporate spin-off. Building on this solid base, AUMOVIO Aftermarket has outlined ambitious plans for further portfolio extension in 2026. A key strategic move will be the establishment of ADAS products as a distinct new product group for VDO. This expansion will see the gradual introduction of sophisticated components like smart multifunction and surround-view cameras, alongside front and blind spot detection radars, directly addressing the evolving needs of the modern vehicle fleet.

Recognising that workshops today face complex challenges that extend beyond traditional repairs, VDO and ATE are combining their service expertise to offer holistic support. This collaborative approach provides workshops with practical assistance through a bundled offering of services. These include not only technical support but also comprehensive training on high-voltage systems for electric vehicles and business management, digital online courses and various partner loyalty programmes. This initiative reflects a deep commitment to a customer-centric model that aims to provide workshops with unparalleled, forward-looking support. The VDO brand, with a heritage of nearly a century in commercial vehicles and original equipment manufacturing, is thus powerfully positioned to channel its vast technological know-how into creating solution-oriented products and services for the independent aftermarket.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Power EZ Charge has commissioned an electric vehicle charging hub at New Mahakali Nagar in Malvani, Malad West, Mumbai.

The facility comprises eight parking bays and four fast-charging units, including one 120 kW unit and three 60 kW units that can be upgraded to 120 kW capacity.

The station operates continuously without parking fees for public and commercial fleet users. Situated near Mindspace Business Park and Infinity Mall, the location provides charging access for commuters and logistics fleet operators traveling through the Malad corridor.

With the addition of the Malad site, Tata Power’s EZ Charge network includes over 2,400 charging points across Maharashtra, with more than 1,800 points located within the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai municipal areas. The installed units support CCS2 charging standards to accommodate compatible electric vehicle models.

EV users can locate the station, view real-time charger availability and execute transactions using the Tata Power EZ Charge mobile application. Nationally, the EZ Charge infrastructure network encompasses more than 250,000 home charging setups, over 6,500 public and commercial charging points, and 1,200 electric bus charging points across 700 cities and towns.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone India has commissioned a new 'Select' store at Hinjewadi Phata in Pune to further strengthen its retail footprint in the region. The 'Select' store, called as Deepraj Tyres, is designed to offer customers a complete tyre and wheel care experience under. Along with premium tyres, customers can expect expert guidance, modern equipment and services that focus on safety, comfort and long-term performance.
Opening the store in response to the growing demand for reliable and high-quality tyre solutions in the region, the 'Select' store is set to serve as a convenient, one-stop destination for tyre and allied services for passenger vehicle owners. It will stock Bridgestone’s latest premium tyre range including the Turanza 6i and Dueler All-Terrain A/T002 besides providing services like wheel alignment and balancing, nitrogen air filling and tyre change. 
“Pune is an important market for Bridgestone. The opening of this Select Store in the city reflects our commitment to offering customers easy access to premium products and trusted services. Our focus is on building long-term relationships by delivering safety, quality, and a consistently good experience,” said Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director, Sales & Marketing, Bridgestone India.
 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!