Tag: india,

  • Maruti Suzuki India begins pre-booking of Epic New Swift at Rs 11K per unit

    New Delhi, May 1: Leading carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Wednesday started the pre-bookings of the 4th generation Epic New Swift at Rs 11,000 per unit.

    The company said that the new generation Swift builds on its much-loved signature sporty design while enhancing its dynamism and fun-to-drive quotient.

    “Its 29 lakh strong customer base and numerous awards & accolades are a testament to how the iconic Swift has gone from strength to strength,” Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer, marketing & sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said in a statement.

    “The Epic New Swift stays true to its much-loved sporty DNA while balancing new-age expectations of environment friendliness with low emissions,” he added.

    To pre-book the Epic New Swift, customers can visit the company’s official website and the nearest Maruti Suzuki ARENA showroom.

    Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki India has reported a 48 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 3,878 crore for the January-March quarter of 2023-24 compared to the same quarter of 2022-23.

    The company declared its highest-ever dividend of Rs 125 per share. It also reported its highest revenue of Rs 38,235 crore in the fourth quarter.

  • MG Motor India clocks retail sales of 4,485 units in April

    New Delhi, May 1: Car manufacturer Morris Garages (MG) Motor India on Wednesday announced that it clocked retail sales of 4,485 units in the country in April.

    The company’s electronic vehicle (EV) portfolio contributed 34 per cent of the total units sold in this period.

    “The recently launched MG Hector BLACKSTORM has been receiving a positive response from SUV enthusiasts across the country,” the car manufacturer said.

    Last month, MG Motor announced its network expansion plans in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities and rural markets across the country.

    The company had said that it is set to establish 100 new touchpoints by the end of the year to enhance accessibility and bring the brand closer to customers.

    Each of these dealerships will offer the latest MG models on display, digital configurators, and aftersales support, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for customers, according to the company.

    “We are working towards introducing 100 new MG dealerships this year, tailored particularly for rural and Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities,” said Satinder Singh Bajwa, Chief Commercial Officer, MG Motor India.

    The company also mentioned that it aims to attain 100 per cent nationwide coverage and plans to have 520 touchpoints in 270 cities by the end of FY2024.

  • Piaggio India launches battery subscription model for Apé Elektrik 3Ws

    Pune: Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL), a subsidiary of the Piaggio Group and a prominent Indian manufacturer of small commercial vehicles and electric three-wheelers (3EV), has unveiled a novel “Battery Subscription Model” for its Apé Elektrik electric 3Ws.

    This innovative initiative separates the upfront cost of the vehicle from the battery, making electric 3W ownership more accessible and affordable. Customers can acquire the Apé Elektrik chassis for Rs 2.59 lakhs (ex-showroom) and subscribe to a Piaggio-approved battery pack for a monthly fee leased through the dealership.

    The subscription model aims to alleviate battery anxiety by providing customers with peace of mind regarding battery maintenance, lifespan, and replacement costs. Piaggio India believes this approach can sustain EV growth beyond the subsidy era and promote wider adoption of electric 3Ws, contributing to cleaner transportation and reduced emissions.

    Key features of the subscription Model:

    – Customers purchase the Apé Elektrik chassis directly from dealerships for INR 2.59 lakhs (ex-showroom Maharashtra).

    – The battery is leased to the customer at the dealership for a monthly rent.

    – The vehicle chassis and powertrain are registered in the customer’s name, enabling loans with hypothecation on the chassis and powertrain through NBFCs.

    Subscription Tenure and Benefits:

    – The battery lease term is 120,000 kilometres or 8 years for cargo vehicles and 150,000 kilometres or 8 years for passenger vehicles.

    – After reaching the designated mileage, the monthly rent is reduced to INR 0.

    – The subscription includes battery replacements at the same rental amount after the initial lease term.

    The battery subscription model will be launched in 30 key Indian cities, including Gurgaon, Agra, Warangal, Raipur, Mathura, Nizamabad, Nagpur, Lucknow, Kurnool, Bangalore, Kanpur, Anantpur, Tumkuru, Allahabad, Vijayawada, Mysore, Delhi, Guntur, Kolar, Noida, Vizag, Mumbai, Ghaziabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Greater Noida, Hyderabad, Pune, and Faridabad.

    The subscription model requires no additional documentation from customers and allows them to unsubscribe or sell their vehicle at any time, similar to a regular purchase.

    Mr Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD of Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, stated, “The industry-first ‘Battery Subscription Model’ removes another barrier to EV adoption by addressing battery concerns and offering a cost-effective ownership option. We are confident this model will sustain EV growth in a post-subsidy environment.”

    Mr Amit Sagar, Executive Vice President – CV Domestic Business at Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, emphasized the affordability of electric 3W ownership under this model, foreseeing a new wave of EV adoption in the industry and continuing EV adoption in a post-subsidy world.

  • BMW launches all-electric i5 M60 xDrive in India

    Hyderabad: The debut of the inaugural BMW i5 in India marks the launch of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive, the country’s first all-electric BMW.

    This groundbreaking model boasts a robust power output of 601 hp, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/hr in a mere 3.8 seconds. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, coupled with integral active steering, ensures thrilling performance on the road.

    Featuring a modern interpretation of BMW’s signature twin headlights and illuminated kidney grille, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive offers advanced technology, including M-specific displays on the BMW Widescreen Curved display with the new BMW Operating System 8.5.

    With exemplary efficiency and a driving range of up to 516 kilometres (WLTP), the BMW i5 M60 xDrive sets a new standard in electric mobility. Available exclusively as a BMW M Performance model, it represents a fusion of elegance, innovation, and dynamic performance.

    Mr. Vikram Pawah, President of BMW Group India, expressed confidence in the BMW i5 M60 xDrive, citing its blend of heritage, performance, and sustainability. Positioned as a leader in the luxury electric mobility segment, this model promises an electrifying driving experience.

    Priced at INR 1,19,50,000 ex-showroom, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive offers a range of customization options, including various paintwork and upholstery choices. It comes with a standard two-year warranty and flexible financial solutions through BMW India Financial Services.

    The exterior design of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive features innovative elements such as the Illuminated BMW kidney grille and M specific exterior features, emphasizing its dynamic performance. Optional M Performance Accessories allow for further personalization.

    Inside, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive offers spaciousness, functionality, and premium materials, complemented by advanced digital services. M specific displays and customizable driving modes enhance the driving experience.

    Under the hood, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive combines powerful electric drive with hallmark M performance characteristics, achieving impressive acceleration and range. Advanced driver assistance systems and suspension technologies ensure safety and comfort on the road.

    With BMW Operating System 8.5, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive offers enhanced digital content and improved navigation features. The spread of Driver Assistance Systems further enhances safety and convenience for drivers.

    The BMW i5 M60 xDrive sets a new standard for electric mobility in India, offering a compelling blend of performance, sustainability, and luxury.

  • Antara deepens presence in South India, sponsors TCS World 10k

    Antara deepens presence in South India, sponsors TCS World 10K Silvers’ Run in BengaluruBengaluru, twenty ninth April 2024: Antara Senior Care continues to strengthen its dedication to enhance the standard of lifetime of seniors by partnering with the Vayah Vikas to sponsor the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for the World 10K Marathon in Bengaluru, held on twenty eighth April.  The senior care model, underneath the aegis of the Max Group, sponsored the silvers’ run class of the marathon as a part of its continued engagement into the area.

    Antara, recognized for offering built-in way of life and lifecare options for seniors, had not too long ago launched all its senior care providers in Bengaluru together with Care Homes, Care-at-Home and Med-care merchandise. The model opened its first Care Home in Bannerghatta and is quickly arising with yet one more related facility in one other outstanding space in Bengaluru. The care houses present each specialised and superior assisted-living and transition-care providers to seniors.

    Antara’s Care-at-Home providers present customised and personalised care options to seniors in the consolation of their houses. The providers embody expert nursing care, affected person caregiver, physiotherapy, house diagnostics, house vital care, and help with actions of each day dwelling.

    Antara’s med-care vary, however, present a spread of senior-oriented medical units and gear that can be utilized at house for varied well being situations.

    Last 12 months, the model had launched AGEasy by Antara, a pioneering platform devoted to enhancing the well-being of seniors by way of well being and wellness options. The each day high quality of lifetime of seniors is more and more being affected by frequent well being situations reminiscent of joint ache, knee ache, elevated danger of falls, and listening to loss, amongst others. AGEasy by Antara is a holistic platform that mixes product innovation, professional help and easy-to-use know-how, serving to seniors handle such power situations.

    Over the previous 12 years, the model has positively impacted the lives of over 35,000 seniors and their households throughout India.

    At the TCS marathon, the Antara workforce created a particular sales space to help seniors working on the occasion. The sales space had physiotherapy periods, evaluation zones by consultants that helped seniors to get options for power situations. About 1500 seniors participated in the run.

    Speaking on the event, Ishaan Khanna, CEO, Antara Assisted Care Services, mentioned, “We have been thrilled to take part in one in all Bengaluru’s most lively occasions the place the colourful neighborhood of town comes collectively. This, and different such alternatives carry us nearer to seniors and their households. It provides us insights into what our seniors aspire and helps us proceed to tailor our options to raised influence their way of life and lifecare.


    Mansi Praharaj

  • Antara deepens presence in South India, sponsors TCS World 10k

    Antara deepens presence in South India, sponsors TCS World 10K Silvers’ Run in BengaluruBengaluru, twenty ninth April 2024: Antara Senior Care continues to strengthen its dedication to enhance the standard of lifetime of seniors by partnering with the Vayah Vikas to sponsor the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for the World 10K Marathon in Bengaluru, held on twenty eighth April.  The senior care model, beneath the aegis of the Max Group, sponsored the silvers’ run class of the marathon as a part of its continued engagement into the area.

    Antara, identified for offering built-in way of life and lifecare options for seniors, had lately launched all its senior care providers in Bengaluru together with Care Homes, Care-at-Home and Med-care merchandise. The model opened its first Care Home in Bannerghatta and is quickly arising with yet one more related facility in one other distinguished space in Bengaluru. The care houses present each specialised and superior assisted-living and transition-care providers to seniors.

    Antara’s Care-at-Home providers present customised and personalised care options to seniors in the consolation of their houses. The providers embody expert nursing care, affected person caregiver, physiotherapy, house diagnostics, house crucial care, and help with actions of day by day dwelling.

    Antara’s med-care vary, however, present a variety of senior-oriented medical gadgets and tools that can be utilized at house for numerous well being circumstances.

    Last yr, the model had launched AGEasy by Antara, a pioneering platform devoted to enhancing the well-being of seniors by way of well being and wellness options. The day by day high quality of lifetime of seniors is more and more being affected by frequent well being circumstances similar to joint ache, knee ache, elevated danger of falls, and listening to loss, amongst others. AGEasy by Antara is a holistic platform that mixes product innovation, professional help and easy-to-use expertise, serving to seniors handle such power circumstances.

    Over the previous 12 years, the model has positively impacted the lives of over 35,000 seniors and their households throughout India.

    At the TCS marathon, the Antara workforce created a particular sales space to help seniors working on the occasion. The sales space had physiotherapy classes, evaluation zones by specialists that helped seniors to get options for power circumstances. About 1500 seniors participated in the run.

    Speaking on the event, Ishaan Khanna, CEO, Antara Assisted Care Services, stated, “We have been thrilled to take part in certainly one of Bengaluru’s most energetic occasions the place the colourful group of the town comes collectively. This, and different such alternatives deliver us nearer to seniors and their households. It provides us insights into what our seniors aspire and helps us proceed to tailor our options to higher impression their way of life and lifecare.


    Mansi Praharaj

  • Musk in China after deferring India visit

    On a surprise visit to Beijing amid speculation that he may unveil Tesla’s autonomous driving technology in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market in China, billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and discussed future expansion plans for his automobile. Premier Li met with Musk, CEO of the US electric carmaker Tesla, in Beijing on Sunday, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

    The SpaceX and Tesla chief travelled to China at the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, meeting with CCPIT president Ren Hongbin to discuss further cooperation with the country, official broadcaster CTGN reported. Musk is expected to meet senior Chinese officials at the State Council and “old friends” in Beijing, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. His Tesla has become a popular EV in China after he set up a $7 billion factory in Shanghai, which went into production in 2020.

    Musk, who recently skipped a scheduled visit to India to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to firm up plans to open a Tesla factory in the country, is visiting Beijing when his Tesla market in China is threatened by the local EVs increasing sales. The Austin-based (Texas) Tesla has faced fierce competition from Chinese EV makers in the past few years. It has cut the prices of its Shanghai-made vehicles by up to six per cent to maintain its leading position in China’s premium EV segment.

    Grace Tao, Tesla’s vice-president of external relations in China, wrote a commentary piece in China’s official newspaper People’s Daily on Friday, saying autonomous driving is a key growth driver for the country’s new energy vehicle sector, arguing that the technology will hatch new business models such as robotaxis, a vision that Musk has embraced, the Post reported. Musk’s latest visit to China coincides with the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, which kicked off on Thursday. As a strong backer of Beijing in the US despite concerns over China’s rise across the political divide in Washington, Musk enjoys red-carpet treatment in China.

    In 2019, Tesla was allowed to drive cars into the Zhongnanhai compound, the living and working area of Chinese leaders, when former Premier Li Keqiang hosted the CEO.

  • Birkenstock India Opens Its First Flagship Store In Mumbai

    Birkenstock India Opens Its First Flagship Store In MumbaiThe general retailer idea follows the model’s core values of operate, high quality and custom and an outsized reproduction of the unique BIRKENSTOCK footbed, crafted by native copper artisans, takes centre stage in the retailer design. Spread over 1,600 sq. metres, the flagship retailer is a harmonious fusion of up to date design and conventional Indian heritage. Drawing inspiration from India‘s wealthy cultural tapestry, the retailer design incorporates brass, a domestically produced materials utilized in on a regular basis life within the metropolis. It is mixed with pure supplies equivalent to cork, jute, and leather-based, the heroes of the long-lasting BIRKENSTOCK merchandise and the unique BIRKENSTOCK footbed, the coronary heart of each BIRKENSTOCK, made to empower all individuals to stroll as nature supposed. The inside design takes additional inspiration from iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India and conventional constructions equivalent to Mandaps and Charpai Jhulas, seamlessly mixing native influences with BIRKENSTOCK‘s international identification.

    “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our first flagship retailer in India, marking a big milestone in our dedication to the Indian market,” says Jens Hattab, Regional Managing Director, Middle East Africa India at BIRKENSTOCK. “This retailer opening coincides with our 250th anniversary in shoemaking, a testomony to our enduring heritage and fixed innovation. India is a dynamic market with ever rising appreciation for high quality and luxury, and we see immense potential for BIRKENSTOCK‘s continued enlargement right here. This flagship retailer will function a platform to showcase our newest collections, the alluring 1774 drops and join with our Indian prospects on a deeper stage.”

    Transcending past mere commerce, the flagship retailer envisions to be a haven for bespoke occasions, fostering group and providing prospects an unforgettable model journey. Experience the world of BIRKENSTOCK and its function to allow strolling as nature supposed firsthand and see craftsmanship and high quality, made in Germany, come to life. Interactive shows like a multimedia historical past tower and footbed with projections supply a view on the long-lasting legacy of 250 years of shoemaking custom. The immersive model expertise on the flagship retailer in India guarantees to be as refined and unparalleled because the footwear itself. 

    “The opening of our first BIRKENSTOCK flagship retailer, in India is a landmark second for us. The love for BIRKENSTOCK in India has been actually inspiring. We’re witnessing a passionate and ever increasing client base who worth not solely the comfortand high quality our footwear, but additionally the model’s dedication to heritage. This motivates us to


    Mansi Praharaj

  • Kia’s aging models hit sales in India

    Seoul: Automaker Kia said on Friday that its first-quarter net profit rose 32.5 per cent (year-on-year), backed by increased sales of SUVs, minivans and hybrid models.

    Net profit for the January-March period came to 2.8 trillion won ($2 million) on a consolidated basis, compared with a profit of 2.1 trillion won a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing.

    Its overseas sales grew owing to strong demand in major regions, such as North America and Europe.

    However, sales in some emerging markets, such as “India and the Middle East, decreased compared to the previous year due to factors such as aging models and geopolitical factors”.

    Kia said it expects to face challenging business environments due to several factors, such as persistent geopolitical risks, sluggish economic growth and dampened consumer confidence due to high interest rates and inflation.

  • Nestlé India launches the much-awaited NESPRESSO

    Nestlé India launches the much-awaited NESPRESSOBengaluru, April 27, 2024: The much-awaited NESPRESSO, the pioneer in premium espresso with its vary of unique coffees will probably be launched in India by the finish of 2024. The NESPRESSO coffees and machines will probably be accessible in each unique {and professional} programs, to serve home {and professional} shoppers. The first NESPRESSO boutique is meant to be opened in Delhi, earlier than increasing to different key cities. NESPRESSO may also be offered on-line by means of e-commerce platforms. This launch will bolster Nestlé India’s premium espresso choices.

    NESPRESSO – a licensed B Corp™ – performs a pivotal position in driving espresso innovation, discovering unparalleled espresso blends, formulating new recipes, and providing a premium espresso expertise for shoppers. All NESPRESSO coffees are manufactured in prime quality, state of the artwork manufacturing factories in Switzerland and exported to Nestlé markets worldwide.

    Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India stated, “I’m very pleased that NESPRESSO will quickly be accessible for shoppers, espresso aficionados and occasional connoisseurs in India, to unlock new experiences and uncover extraordinary coffees. In current years, espresso consumption in India has witnessed a surge, with a discernible pattern in the direction of inhome consumption. A rising younger inhabitants, publicity to world tendencies, and new experiences has established India as one in all the fastest-growing espresso markets for Nestlé.”

    Guillaume Le Cunff, CEO of Nestlé NESPRESSO S.A., stated, “I’m delighted that we’ll be introducing NESPRESSO to espresso lovers in India. For nearly 40 years, NESPRESSO has been dedicated to raise the espresso expertise by means of our signature style, and our dedication to sustainability embodied in our agency perception that espresso is usually a drive for good. After sourcing inexperienced espresso from India since 2011, I’m excited to see the model proceed to develop on this promising espresso market.”

    NESPRESSO focuses on high-quality beans by means of the NESPRESSO AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program, which was co-created in collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance in 2003. The program now contains over 150 ,000 espresso farmers throughout 18 international locations. Around 600 NESPRESSO agronomists work immediately with farmers, offering coaching and sources to enhance espresso high quality, farm productiveness and sustainability. By promoting prime quality espresso to NESPRESSO, the farmers obtain a premium which might enhance their earnings and a safer livelihood. Over 93% of espresso is sourced sustainably by means of the NESPRESSO AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program. NESPRESSO has been sourcing prime quality inexperienced espresso from India since 2011 and works immediately with round 2,000 espresso farmers in the nation.

    Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, NESPRESSO is offered in over 90 markets and has a community of over 800 boutiques in roughly 500 cities.


    Mansi Praharaj