Volkswagen India has expanded its footprint in Kerala with the inauguration of city stores in Calicut, Trivandrum and Kochi besides an additional body shop facility in Kochi and two more sales and service facilities at Kodungallur as well as Palakkad. 

The addition of these outlets marks a significant expansion for Volkswagen in Kerala, growing its footprint to 21 sales and 16 service facilities in the state. This growth underscores the brand’s commitment to providing premium mobility solutions to the growing customer base in Kerala.

The new city stores will showcase Volkswagen India’s premium product portfolio of the 5-star GNCAP safety rated Taigun, Virtus as well as the brand’s globally acclaimed Tiguan SUV. The Calicut city store features a two-car display, while the Trivandrum and Kochi outlets will each house displays of three cars from the Brand’s product portfolio. 

The new body shop facility in Kochi, is equipped with 11 service bays and will also offer comprehensive services including Express Service and full-fledged body repair facilities This facility is designed to provide efficient, high-quality service to meet the needs of Volkswagen customers in the region.

Rejoicing the upcoming festive spirit, the Volkswagen brand has also launched a special celebratory Onam Edition on the Virtus and Taigun that will feature Front Parking Sensors, Dual Tone Horn, Puddle Lamps, TSI Fender Badge and more.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said, “Kerala has always been a key market for Volkswagen India with its dynamic economy and discerning customer base. The opening of these new touchpoints as well as the introduction of special celebratory Onam Edition of Taigun and Virtus, are a testament to our commitment to the Kerala market and our endeavor to provide premium, German-engineered vehicles to our valued customers here. With the expanded network, we are well-positioned to meet the increasing demand from the upcoming festive season while continuing to offer a seamless, transparent, and value-for-money products and services to our customers in Kerala.”

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Steelbird Hi-Tech India, one of the leading helmet manufacturers, has announced that its SBA-20 model has achieved cumulative sales exceeding 1 million units since its launch in January 2024.

The SBA-20 features a high-impact thermoplastic outer shell paired with a high-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) liner. Certified under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) safety specification IS 4151:2015, the helmet incorporates a flip-up mechanism, dynamic airflow ventilation, an integrated inner sun shield, a micrometric buckle and a polycarbonate rear spoiler.

It comes with a replaceable and washable interior liner, a wind deflector, reflective neck pads for low-light visibility and an anti-scratch polycarbonate main visor in smoke or chrome options. The model is sold across Steelbird's retail and dealer network in multiple sizes and finishes, with prices ranging between INR 1,869 and INR 2,459 depending on the variant.

Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, "The SBA-20 crossing the 10 lakh sales milestone is an important achievement for us and a reflection of the trust consumers continue to place in Steelbird. Our endeavour has always been to develop helmets that bring together safety, comfort, design and accessibility. The SBA-20 reflects this approach by offering riders a practical and stylish product for their everyday journeys. This milestone encourages us to continue innovating, strengthening our product portfolio and contributing to a stronger culture of helmet use and road safety in India."

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SMK Helmets has launched the Ares dual-sport helmet in India, introducing three variants comprising Ares Solid, Ares Claw and Ares Infinity across 18 colour options in gloss and matte finishes at prices starting at INR 6,950.

The helmet utilises an Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic (EIRT) outer shell produced in two shell sizes to match rider head proportions, backed by a multi-density EPS liner. The model meets ECE 22.06, DOT and ISI safety standards.

The Ares dual-sport features include an emergency quick-release system for cheek pads to assist first responders, a detachable sun peak, a main visor with a quick-release mechanism and an integrated internal sun visor.

For the Indian market, the helmet includes a Pinlock 70 lens fitted as standard. Additional specifications consist of an internal switch for the chin vent to accommodate chin-mounted cameras, removable and moisture-wicking inner liners, eyeglass grooves and options for either a double D-ring or stainless-steel quick-release buckle. The helmet weight figures stand at 1,575 grams for sizes XS to M and 1,625 grams for sizes L to XXL.

The Ares Solid is priced at INR 6,950, while the Ares Claw and Ares Infinity graphic variants are priced at INR 7,250. The range is available through SMK's authorised dealer network in sizes ranging from XS to XXL.

Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director & CEO, SMK, said, "We've been receiving enquiries about the Ares almost every day since we first showed it, well before it was ready to sell. Riders today want one helmet that works for the commute and the weekend ride out of the city in tougher terrains, and that's what the Ares is built for. Launching it alongside two new decals, Claw and Infinity, gives riders a real choice from day one, not just a single colour to wait on."

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In India’s fast‑growing premium automotive market, owning a luxury vehicle is no longer just about the drive, it’s about safeguarding the engineering excellence behind it. Edel Assurance, a specialist in extended vehicle warranties, has established itself in this critical space by offering long‑term protection for mechanical and electrical components in premium cars once the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Founded a decade ago, Edel Assurance has built its expertise around marquee brands such as BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, Range Rover, Audi, Jaguar and Land Rover. Its extended warranty plans are designed to give owners peace of mind well beyond the standard coverage period, ensuring that sophisticated components are repaired or replaced through authorised manufacturer workshops only.

Unlike motor insurance, which covers accident‑related damages, extended warranties address the everyday risks of component failures, a distinction that becomes vital for luxury vehicles where repair costs can run into lakhs. Edel Assurance offers flexible coverage ranging from three to ten years with policy values tailored to the vehicle category.

Annual plans typically range from INR 100,000–150,000 for entry‑level premium cars to INR 700,000–800,000 for high‑end models with most customers opting for policies in the INR 200,000–300,000 bracket. The cost is positioned in relation to the vehicle’s value and the potential expense of component replacements, while remaining competitive with similar warranty offerings

"When customers purchase a premium vehicle, they are investing in technology, engineering and an ownership experience," said Founder and CEO Sujeet Nair. "Our role is to provide an added layer of assurance once the manufacturer warranty comes to an end. There is also a clear need in the market to understand the difference between insurance and warranty, particularly when it comes to mechanical and electrical failures," he added.

With its nationwide presence and tie‑ups with authorised workshops, Edel Assurance is positioning itself as a trusted partner for India’s luxury car owners. The company is now strengthening its brand visibility and communication efforts to highlight extended warranties as an essential part of long‑term premium vehicle ownership.

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BMW Group India and Navnit Motors have opened a service workshop facility in Mumbai, designed in accordance with the manufacturer's Retail.NEXT standards.

Located in Andheri East, the facility covers approximately 115,000 square feet and operates 53 service bays, comprising six consultation bays, three diagnostic bays, 21 mechanical and electrical bays, and 23 body and paint bays.

The centre incorporates infrastructure for electric vehicle maintenance, high-voltage equipment, solar power generation covering 20 percent of electricity needs, rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems. Digital integrations include service scheduling via the MyBMW App, personalised video repair estimates with digital payment options, and real-time vehicle tracking. BMW Group India currently operates 56 service workshops across its national network.

Ralf Hattler, Senior Vice-President of Customer Support and Aftersales, BMW Group, said, "Aftersales is a strategic pillar of the BMW Group’s long-term relationship with its customers. As mobility evolves, our focus is to build a service ecosystem that is ready for every drivetrain, intelligently connected and consistently centred on individual customer needs. The new Retail.NEXT service workshop in Mumbai translates this global ambition into a powerful local reality - combining scale, specialist competence and responsible operations to safeguard vehicle performance. For our customers, this means peace of mind: knowing that BMW is always by your side and keeps you mobile throughout the entire ownership journey."

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, "Customer experience does not end with the purchase of a BMW, it continues throughout the ownership journey. With Navnit Motors, we have established one of India’s largest automotive service workshops and the country’s largest BMW service workshop facility, bringing together scale, digital innovation, sustainability and future-ready expertise under one roof. It is a significant expression of our ‘Relax. We Care.’ promise and our commitment to making BMW ownership effortless, transparent and rewarding."

Krishna Kachalia, Dealer Principal, Navnit Motors, said, "As we celebrate 30 years of a strong and enduring partnership with the BMW Group, this landmark facility is a significant milestone in our shared journey. Our deep understanding of Mumbai and the evolving needs of BMW customers have shaped our vision to create this world-class service facility. As the largest BMW service workshop, it reflects our commitment to setting new benchmarks in aftersales excellence. With significantly enhanced service capacity, advanced diagnostic systems, dedicated EV facilities, connected service technologies and highly skilled specialists, the facility combines scale with precision and personalised care for BMW customers across Mumbai."

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