Latest news with #SteelbirdHi-Tech
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Steelbird launches Vintage 3.0 helmet series, blending retro design with modern utility
Steelbird Helmets has introduced the Vintage 3.0 series, an open-face helmet that takes design cues from the 1970s but is built to meet the needs of today's two-wheeler riders. With cruiser motorcycles gaining traction and scooters dominating urban roads, this new model offers a functional yet style-conscious option for a wide range of users. The Vintage 3.0 aims to capture the charm of motorcycling's earlier years, while adapting to modern riding conditions. It features a unique design that works equally well for long-distance riders and daily commuters. One of its key highlights is a screw-free Quick Release Mechanism, allowing users to swap between a classic peak and a full-face visor without tools. There's also provision for Steelbird's 3-in-1 mask system and a rear strap holder designed to keep riding goggles in place — a nod to both style and practical use. In terms of safety, the helmet meets both Indian (ISI) and American (DOT) standards, making it compliant with national and international regulations. The outer shell is constructed from high-impact ABS, while the inner EPS liner is designed to absorb shock effectively. Inside, the helmet is lined with breathable mesh and soft cheek pads that can be removed and washed. Also Read : Steelbird Hi-Tech eyes 60,000 daily helmet output, plans largest integrated helmet ecosystem Comfort and visibility are also addressed. A polycarbonate visor offers UV protection and resists scratches, while the micrometric buckle system is rated to withstand significant loads — up to 225 kg. Weighing in at around 1,000 grams, the Vintage 3.0 is lightweight enough for extended rides. Available in three sizes and a selection of 15 colours — ranging from subtle tones to brighter options like Coral Peach and Battle Green — the helmet offers broad appeal across different rider preferences. Pricing begins at ₹1299, with premium variants including extra accessories like smoked visors available for up to ₹1599. However, we would still suggest you to buy a full-face helmet with a proper safety rating. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Auto recap, July 28: Kinetic DX launch, BYD's remote India biz, Steelbird production target & more…
The automotive industry is experiencing rapid changes, which makes it difficult to stay informed about all the latest advancements. At HT Auto, we are dedicated to delivering the most relevant and current information as it becomes available. Below is a concise overview of the key highlights from Monday, July 28. Kinetic DX launched in India at ₹ 1.12 lakh, promises 116 km of range The Kinetic DX has been launched in India, starting at ₹1.12 lakh (ex-showroom). The pricing goes up to ₹1.18 lakh (ex-showroom). This marks the comeback for the DX nameplate in the Kinetic lineup. The scooter is available in two variants - DX and DX+. Kinetic is offering three years or 30,000 km of standard warranty for the DX, while customers can opt for an extended warranty of nine years or one lakh km. It is available in five different colour choices - White, Blue, Black, Silver and Red. Bookings for the electric scooter are open from July 28. The OEM has said that interested consumers can book the EV at a token amount of ₹1,000. Also, deliveries will be restricted to 40,000 units, and deliveries will commence in October 2025. Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING BYD Seagull 38 kWh 38 kWh 405 km 405 km ₹ 10 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Tata Punch EV 35 kWh 35 kWh 421 km 421 km ₹ 9.99 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Leapmotor T03 280 km 280 km ₹ 8 - 12 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched BYD Seal 82.56 kWh 82.56 kWh 650 km 650 km ₹ 41 Lakhs Compare View Offers BYD Atto 3 60.48 kWh 60.48 kWh 521 km 521 km ₹ 24.99 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra BE 6 79 kWh 79 kWh 682 km 682 km ₹ 18.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers Also Read : Kinetic DX launched in India at ₹1.12 lakh, promises 116 km of range BYD runs India business remotely amid Indo-China tensions. What it means? Chinese car manufacturer BYD, which has already made its space in the Indian electric passenger vehicle market, is forging ahead with its attempts to expand in the country despite roadblocks from the government that are preventing the EV major from conducting key business dealings here. Like many other Chinese companies, BYD has been unable to obtain visas for its executives owing to the geopolitical tensions between India and China since 2020. This has forced BYD to take a strategy of remote work. Also Read : BYD runs India business remotely amid Indo-China tensions. What it means? Steelbird Hi-Tech eyes 60,000 daily output, plans largest integrated helmet ecosystem in India Steelbird Hi-Tech is expanding its in-house helmet production, targeting 60,000 units/day and ₹1,300 crore revenue by FY26–27. MD Rajeev Kapur is pushing for policy reforms to curb fake helmets while launching 15 new models a year and building India's most integrated helmet ecosystem. Also Read : Steelbird Hi-Tech eyes 60,000 daily output, plans largest integrated helmet ecosystem in India Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Steelbird Hi-Tech eyes 60,000 daily helmet output, plans largest integrated helmet ecosystem
For Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech, helmets are no longer just about head protection — they're about identity, design, trust, and increasingly, industrial self-reliance. While others chase volume, Steelbird is doing something different: building an ecosystem that is as much about in-house capability as it is about category innovation. Steelbird Hi-Tech is expanding its in-house helmet production, targeting 60,000 units/day and ₹ 1,300 crore revenue by FY26–27. MD Rajeev Kapur is pushing for policy reforms to curb fake helmets while launching 15 new models a year and building India's most integrated helmet ecosystem. In a recent interaction with HT Auto, Kapur laid out a vision that combines product ambition with manufacturing depth — all with one overarching goal: 'We're not here for noise. We're here for a life-saving scale." A manufacturing-led moat, built brick by brick Steelbird now manufactures and sells over one crore helmets annually, commanding more than 35 per cent of the branded market. But what sets the company apart is where and how these helmets are made. Also Read : Steelbird SXE launched at ₹3,599 with TPE energy absorber. Check details Steelbird has built out a vertically integrated production network with nine manufacturing facilities across Baddi and Noida, supported by design and innovation teams in Italy and Panchkula. With a built-up area exceeding 1 million sq. ft., the company produces every critical component — from visors, straps, shells, EPS, and even decals — in-house. 'We don't outsource because we can't afford inconsistency," Kapur said. 'This isn't apparel. It's a safety product." The company completed a ₹54 crore capex last year and is investing another ₹50 crore in FY25 to expand capacity. A new facility is adding two lakh sq. ft., raising daily output to 60,000–70,000 helmets. For Steelbird, this isn't opportunistic expansion — it's an effort to build a quality-controlled supply chain at scale. A product pipeline with depth, not just dazzle Steelbird's product strategy is just as focused. The company will launch 15 new helmet models each year for the next five years — including premium models with Bluetooth integration, smart visor tech, and eventually, even FIM-grade racing helmets. The latest launch, the SXE, is already approaching 1,000 units per day in sales. Each model takes up to two years of development and investment of ₹1.5 crore to ₹10 crore. This is not about flooding the market. It's about targeting segments with clear gaps — including kids' helmets under 700 grams, women-specific models like Bella and Eve, and the entry-level commuter segment. Counterfeits, compliance gaps and the fight for safer helmets Kapur is unflinching when it comes to the issue of counterfeit helmets. He estimates that 60 per cent of helmets sold in India are fake or non-compliant — some even BIS-marked but sold at ₹200. 'The problem isn't the roadside seller — it's the licensed manufacturer making fakes," he said. Steelbird has submitted a white paper titled 'Mission Save Life 2.0" to the Ministry of Road Transport and other government bodies. It calls for UN-aligned safety standards, third-party labs, and real-time certification audits. Kapur believes that without enforcement, innovation risks being undercut by low-cost non-compliance. Scale with purpose: CSR, women riders and customisation While Steelbird is focused on facilitating manufacturing and re-skilling in design, it is also creating a deeper connection with consumer needs. Steelbird expects CSR related revenue will cross ₹100 crore income by FY26 due to helmet inclusion in road safety programs increasing with corporate and insurance support. On the retail side, Steelbird has already achieved ₹100 crore in online sales, which they plan to ramp to ₹500 crore in five years with the addition of over 300 exclusive outlets and a network of over 1 lakh retail points of sales. It's also betting big on customisation. A new AI-based helmet design platform is in the works, allowing users to personalise helmets for both style and fit. 'A helmet today is part of your personal gear — not just road compliance," Kapur pointed out. The carbon fibre leap and export ambitions Steelbird is now preparing to launch India's first in-house carbon fibre and fibreglass weaving facility, allowing it to build lightweight, high-strength helmets for performance and export markets. The company already exports to 50+ countries and serves OEMs such as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Royal Enfield. With localisation efforts growing and a ₹1,300 crore revenue target for FY26–27, Steelbird is positioning itself not just as a domestic leader, but a credible global supplier. When purpose scales better than price Steelbird's story today is one of a company transitioning from scale to substance. With every new plant, product line, and policy suggestion, it is redefining what a modern Indian helmet company can be — not just in terms of numbers, but in values. For Rajeev Kapur, this is not a valuation play. 'We're not chasing trends. We're building something that lasts — because lives depend on it." And that, perhaps, is why Steelbird stands out — not because it makes the most helmets, but because it knows why it makes them. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Steelbird hits 87 lakh helmet sales in FY25, plans to cross 1 crore in FY26. Check details
Steelbird has projected a revenue target of ₹900 crore for FY 2025-26, while having long-term plans of manufacturing 1.5 crore helmets a year and clocking a turnover of ₹1,300 crore in FY 2026-27 Steelbird Hi-Tech India Ltd., one of India's largest two-wheeler safety gear companies, reported 87 lakh units of helmet sales in FY 2024-25 — an increase from 80 lakh units in the previous fiscal year. The firm also clocked a 10.07 per cent rise in revenue to ₹ 787 crore. Steelbird stated that the milestone sets the tone for its target of selling over one crore helmets in FY 2025-26. Key to this growth has been the company's continued investment in production infrastructure. The company stated that the Steelbird's Baddi facility now incorporates robotic systems for visors, automated painting, and expanded assembly lines. These improvements have brought daily production to near 50,000 units. Also Read : Steelbird Hi-Tech preps 20 new helmets for India, aims to expand export base Projects are also on the cards to build a greenfield facility at Hosur in Tamil Nadu that will enhance supply for southern India and augment demand from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket. Reflecting on the growth and development, Managing Director Rajeev Kapur brought attention to the brand and how the brand places significant value on road safety. Kapur referred to dismal statistics about road accident deaths in India and furthered that Steelbird has an objective to provide riders with affordable and safe helmets. The company also rolled out new models in FY25 with Bluetooth, better ventilation, and less weight. Diversifying Product Offerings and Retail Reach Besides helmets, Steelbird also introduced a wider line of riding accessories like gloves, goggles, and rainwear, signaling the transition to a more lifestyle positioning. It is also increasing its retail network with more than 200 exclusive Rider Shops in India. The company aims to scale up this number considerably in the next few years to reach 1,000 standalone shops. Also Read : Steelbird SBH-64 ZIP half faced helmet launched at ₹ 999. Check details In the future, Steelbird has projected a revenue target of ₹ 900 crore for FY 2025-26, while having long-term plans of manufacturing 1.5 crore helmets a year and clocking a turnover of ₹ 1,300 crore in FY 2026-27. The figures are impressive but the company stands by the fact that its overall purpose is still related to enhancing rider safety on Indian roads. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 23 Apr 2025, 18:00 PM IST
