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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Steelbird Hi-Tech India, a leading manufacturer of two-wheeler helmet and riding gear, has launched the FEC-3 full-face helmet in India, featuring safety certifications across three international and domestic standards at prices starting INR 4,499.

The FEC-3 holds triple homologation under DOT (FMVSS No. 218), ECE 22.06 and BIS (IS 4151:2015) standards. The outer shell is constructed using a PC-ABS blend material designed to meet global impact criteria.

It features an aerodynamic profile, an integrated inner sun shield operated by a side slider mechanism, and a polycarbonate main visor featuring an anti-scratch coating paired with a Pinlock 30 anti-fog lens.

The helmet comes with a Double D-Ring fastening system, a visor locking mechanism, a quick-release visor system, a wind deflector and a nose protector. The model is produced in three sizes: Medium (580 mm), Large (600 mm) and XL (620 mm).

Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird Hi-Tech India, said, "Diwali is a celebration of new beginnings, and we wanted to mark this festive season by introducing a product that reflects our continued commitment to rider safety and innovation. With the FEC-3, we are bringing together three important safety certifications, premium features and an aggressive sporty design in a single helmet. Our objective has always been to make advanced safety accessible to riders while ensuring that they do not have to compromise on styling, comfort or quality. We believe the FEC-3 will resonate strongly with today's motorcycle enthusiasts."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!