Blog

ZF shaping change faster and with more focus

With these results, ZF has achieved its forecast adjusted in the fall. But from the company’s point of view, they are not sufficient to cope with an accelerated change in times of transformation. “Even though we made further progress with our strategy in 2022, we cannot be satisfied with this financial result,” said ZF CEO Dr. Holger Klein at the balance sheet presentation in Friedrichshafen on Thursday. Klein has headed ZF since January 1, 2023. “Our most important task is to focus ourselves and to push change and gain speed. We have launched a comprehensive performance program to accelerate processes, simplify decision making and maintain cost discipline.” The efficiency gained will enable ZF to make targeted investments in high-yield, future-oriented technologies.

Based on the “Next Generation Mobility” strategy, ZF is further developing its corporate structures to better adapt them to the requirements of customers and the market. ZF is therefore planning, among other things, to unite the two divisions for Car Chassis Technology and Active Safety Systems into a new division for chassis, steering and brake technology that is unique in the market. “The new division offers all the hardware, software, and electronics needed to control the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral dynamics of a vehicle. With a turnover of more than €14 billion, it should be a strong partner for our customers from the start,” explained Klein.

ZF is setting up some business areas independently so that they can grow faster and operate more successfully in the market. “We are looking for external investors as partners for attractive areas with very good growth potential and high investment requirements,” said Klein. These include the Passive Safety Systems Division, the conventional car axle business, and the business with autonomous shuttles.

The areas of aftermarket and electric drives, among others, have developed successfully. The ZF Aftermarket Division won over its customers with more digital solutions and services and increased its sales again (2022: up six percent to €3.2 billion). In e-mobility, the order backlog for electrified drives for passenger cars and commercial vehicles now amounts to more than €30 billion. This enables ZF to make the transition from classic transmissions to electric drive solutions.

Sales growth impacted by currency effects

In the 2022 financial year, ZF achieved group sales of €43.8 (2021: €38.3) billion, an increase of 14 percent compared to the previous year. Organic growth was 9.3 percent, with the remaining difference primarily due to currency effects. Adjusted EBIT was €2,038 (2021: €1,910) million, which corresponds to an adjusted EBIT margin of 4.7 (2021: 5.0) percent. Free cash flow adjusted for M&A activities was €544 (2021: €991) million. At the end of last year, net debt amounted to €10.4 (2021: €10.1) billion; the equity ratio rose from 18.6 percent at the end of 2021 to 22.1 percent.

“In terms of sales growth, we developed better than the global vehicle markets,” said CFO Michael Frick. “However, better profitability and higher cash flow are important prerequisites to remain strong in research and development and to reduce our financial debt. We are working intensively on both topics.” This includes, for example, reducing costs as well as efficient management of stocks to be prepared for both possible supply chain interruptions and varying parts requests from customers.

In the area of research and development (R&D), ZF has again increased its activities: Expenditure on research and development was at a record level of €3.4 (2021: €3.1) billion. The R&D ratio reached 7.8 (2021: 8.0) percent. Investments in property, plant and equipment amounted to €1.9 (2021: €1.6) billion, which corresponds to an investment ratio of 4.3 (2021: 4.2) percent.

Outlook for the 2023 financial year

Based on vehicle production, which has been shrinking since 2019, ZF is now expecting a fifth consecutive year of crisis in the wake of the pandemic and the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Against the backdrop of existing challenges and ongoing uncertainties surrounding world markets, in 2023 the company expects moderate growth in group sales to more than €45 billion. This sales growth is expected to lead to an adjusted EBIT margin of between 4.7 and 5.2 percent. Free cash flow is expected to be in the range of €1.0 billion to €1.5 billion.

“These difficult years have made ZF and the entire ZF team more resilient,” emphasized CEO Klein. “With commitment, perseverance and team spirit, our employees have made a decisive contribution to ZF’s progress. I thank them sincerely for this commitment.”

The company goal of sustainability: “Acting now” on several levels

ZF has anchored its sustainability efforts in the company under the motto “Acting now”. Klein: “’ Acting now’ underlines that we are acting today – for climate protection and a good future for a healthy planet.” As an incentive to achieve these goals, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria – namely diversity and sustainability – have been included in the remuneration system for top management.

This topic is also reflected in ZF products in many ways, as an example from the ZF wind power business unit. An international team of ZF engineers has significantly reduced the noise emissions of wind power gearboxes for new generations of large turbines with a rotor diameter of more than 140 meters. “Our team has succeeded in making wind turbines quieter, therefore making an important contribution to their social acceptance,” said Holger Klein. It is also a great commercial success for ZF: Not least because of this newly developed process, the company is the preferred development partner and supplier for leading manufacturers of wind turbines, especially in Germany and Europe.

The wind power business also benefits from the recently announced cooperation between ZF and the U.S. semiconductor manufacturer Wolfspeed. In its planned factory on the site of a disused coal-fired power plant in Ensdorf, Saarland, silicon carbide semiconductors that can make wind turbines more efficient will be produced. Semiconductors are mainly used in power electronic inverters in electric cars. They have key advantages over conventional silicon-based products: higher efficiency, greater power density, and improved reliability. “For us at ZF, the partnership with Wolfspeed is an important step towards a future in which cars will primarily be electric,” said CEO Klein. “Because we are convinced that chips are the new cog as we transform from mechanical to digital.”

Key figures at a glance

The 6 Smart Headphones for Audiophiles

Are you an audiophile looking for the best smart headphones on the market? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 6 smart headphones that offer high-quality sound, advanced features, and a comfortable fit.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 – These headphones are equipped with Sony’s industry-leading noise-cancellation technology and have been praised for their sound quality. They also have touch controls and voice assistant compatibility, making them a top choice for audiophiles.
2. PLAYGO BH47 – The PLAYGO BH47 is powered by a Qualcomm chipset and also features active noise cancellation for complete isolation. The BH47 comes with a speaker size of 40mm and comfortable ear cups which enable the users to wear them for longer durations. Striving to provide a refreshing audio experience, the BH47 has a battery life of 30 hours while needing 3 hours to charge completely. Connectivity-wise the BH47 supports Bluetooth v5.0 and consists of an AUX cable for wired outputs as well. BH47 also offers multi-point connection which allows users to pair up to two devices simultaneously.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 II – These headphones have an exceptional noise-cancelling ability and provide a comfortable fit for long periods of use. They also have voice assistant compatibility and Bose’s signature sound quality
4. .Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless – These headphones offer a sleek and modern design with noise-cancellation technology and touch controls. They also provide high-quality sound and customizable EQ settings.
5. Jabra Elite 85h – These headphones have a long battery life and impressive noise-cancellation technology. They also have a unique feature that adjusts the sound based on your surroundings, providing a personalized listening experience.
6. Apple AirPods Max – These headphones have a premium design and Apple’s signature ease of use. They offer high-quality sound and noise-cancellation technology and are compatible with Siri for hands-free control.
   Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, these smart headphones are sure to deliver an exceptional audio experience. Choose the one that fits your needs and enjoy a personalized and immersive listening experience.

Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Preferred Wedding Destination, Hosts Successful Wedding Partner Event

Hyderabad, March 2023 – Novotel Hyderabad Airport, a leading luxury hotel located near the Hyderabad International Airport, recently hosted a successful wedding partner event. The event was aimed at showcasing the hotel’s impressive facilities and services to renowned wedding partners in the region.

The event witnessed the participation of leading wedding partners from across the region who were given a tour of the hotel’s sprawling event spaces, state-of-the-art amenities, and luxurious accommodations. The attendees were impressed with the hotel’s ability to host weddings of all sizes and styles, and appreciated the personalized services offered by the hotel’s experienced staff.

Speaking about the event, Mr. Sukhbir Singh, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Airport, said, “We are thrilled to have hosted such a successful event that brought together the leading names in the wedding industry. At Novotel Hyderabad Airport, we understand the importance of weddings and are committed to providing our guests with unforgettable experiences. We take great pride in our ability to create bespoke weddings that are tailored to our guests’ unique tastes and preferences.”

Novotel Hyderabad Airport’s luxurious facilities and services, coupled with its convenient location near the airport, make it an ideal choice for weddings of all sizes and styles. The hotel boasts of state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor event spaces spreading across 70,000 sq. ft. The hotel’s team is dedicated to ensuring that every detail of the wedding is executed flawlessly, leaving the guests free to enjoy their special day.

The success of the event has cemented Novotel Hyderabad Airport’s position as a preferred wedding destination in the region. The hotel looks forward to welcoming more couples and their families to create unforgettable memories at its luxurious property.

Equitas Small Finance Bank joins hands with Royal Challengers Bangalore for T20 League 2023

India, March 16, 2023: Equitas Small Finance Bank partners with India’s most beloved T20 team – Royal Challengers Bangalore aka RCB as their ‘Proud Banking Partner’ for the 2023 season of T20 League. This is to further add the Bank’s brand ethos of being “The Progressive Bank behind Progressive Champions” and aligns with RCB’s all-time motto of being the progressive players in the game.

The RCB team will don the Equitas Small Finance Bank logo on the lead trousers as part of the team’s jersey. This partnership campaign will be aimed to communicate that Equitas has been playing a progressive role in transforming the lives of individuals through their lending and social responsibilities of ‘Beyond Banking’.

Equitas customers in Bangalore primarily enjoy some of the key benefits like higher interest on savings and FDs/ RDs, contactless video KYC service, no maintenance charges on savings accounts, free online fund transfers, and so on. These offerings aim to motivate the savers’ segment and build stronger communities, physically across India in a seamless and agile manner.

Mr. Murali Vaidyanathan, Senior President and Country Head, of Equitas Small Finance Bank said, “Equitas Small Finance Bank is excited to partner with a team like Royal Challengers Bangalore, which has a huge fan-following across the world. RCB takes pride in its synergy with fans, and this is also aligned to the core values of Equitas of taking pride of performance and synergies. While the team is renowned to have the favorite faces of the cricket industry, the team is also known to have recorded the highest totals and viewership out of all teams across 15 seasons. Through this association, we are happy to show our support to this progressive team and fellow citizens who have faith in RCB as champions. The brand partnership promotes our campaign ‘Progressive Bank behind Progressive Champion’ through cricket – the mode of entertainment that nourishes our relationship with the customers with engagement. We are a new-age bank that goes beyond banking to understand the evolving needs of the customer through an ideal platform to build a sustainable society and a responsible tomorrow.”

Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Menon, Vice President & Head of Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, “We are pleased to partner with Equitas, a leading financial player, with a history of investing in cricket. We look forward to executing a mutually beneficial partnership that lasts for a long -term.”

At present, Equitas has 10 branches across Bangalore serving over 1.7 lacs happy customers with the help of 170 employees, and looks forward to further strengthening the relationship with the RCB supporters in and around Bangalore.

Unlocking the Power of Beauty Sleep: A Holistic Approach to Nourishing Your Body and Mind

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for our physical and mental health. Sleep allows our bodies and minds to recover and recharge from the day’s activities, and a lack of restful sleep can lead to a range of health problems like fatigue, mood swings, and a weakened immune system.

Sleep is a vital function that allows our bodies to repair and regenerate. During sleep, our bodies produce proteins that help repair cells and tissues, including those in our muscles, organs, and immune system. This restoration process is essential for maintaining good health and preventing disease.

Furthermore, sleep is crucial to our cognitive functioning and mental well-being. A lack of restful sleep can lead to cognitive impairment, including decreased attention, memory, and decision-making abilities. Additionally, poor sleep has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

However, getting enough sleep isn’t just about the quantity of hours you spend in bed, but also the quality of sleep you get. One way to improve the quality of your sleep is by paying attention to your bedding. The right bed sheets, blankets, and accessories can enhance your beauty sleep, directly connecting you to your body and mind.

Rajiv Merchant Domestic Retail, Boutique Living, Indo Count Industries Limited says, “When it comes to enhancing our beauty sleep, paying attention to our bedding can make a significant difference in the quality of our sleep. By creating a comfortable and cozy sleep environment, we can improve the duration and quality of our sleep, allowing our bodies and minds to reap the many benefits that come with restful slumber.”

When choosing the right bedding, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the material of your sheets and blankets is crucial. Look for natural fibers like cotton, linen, or bamboo, which are breathable and soft against the skin. Synthetic materials like polyester can trap heat and moisture, making you feel hot and uncomfortable during the night. Additionally, high-quality materials are more durable and long-lasting, so investing in good-quality bedding can save you money in the long run.

Next, consider the weight and warmth of your blankets. The ideal blanket should provide just the right level of warmth to keep you cozy without making you feel too hot or suffocated. Materials like wool, down, or a down alternative are excellent choices, as they offer warmth while still allowing your body to breathe.

Pillows are another essential component of your bedding. The right pillow can provide the right level of support for your neck and spine, helping to alleviate any discomfort or pain. Look for pillows made of high-quality materials like memory foam, which can conform to your body shape, providing customized support.

Finally, consider any additional bedding accessories that can enhance your sleep experience. Mattress toppers can add an extra layer of comfort and support to your mattress, making it feel like new. Adding a weighted blanket can also benefit some people, as it provides a sense of comfort and security, promoting relaxation and better sleep.

In conclusion, paying attention to your bedding can make a significant difference in the quality of your sleep. Investing in high-quality bed sheets, blankets, pillows, and accessories can directly connect you to your body and mind, enhancing your beauty sleep. By creating a comfortable and cozy sleep environment, you can wake up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the day.

After last year’s silver medal, Vinayak sets his sight on ultimate glory at National Poker Series India 2023

Ranchi, Jharkhand, March 16, 2023 – As the 2023 edition of the National Poker Series (NPS) inches closer, the competition is set to become fierce with many players expected to compete for the top spot. With previous years’ winners joining the roster, the stakes are going to be higher this time around with players such as Vinayak Bajaj eyeing to turn his silver into a gold medal this time around. A 30-year-old analyst from Ranchi, his patience and incisive skills helped him fetch the silver medal in 2022 and paved the way forward for many others from the region to pursue their passion for poker.

While Vinayak’s stint with Poker began in 2016, his adventure has helped him reach the top ten of PokerBaazi’s Greatest of All-Tournament (GOAT), India’s largest poker event. With a pedigree of gaining positive results in most of his ventures, he has currently participated in 2207 events, winning prizes in 600 of those tournaments, and even won 23 tournaments.

Speaking about his expectations from NPS 2023, Vinayak said “It has been close to Seven years since I started playing poker, and the whole experience has been nothing less than a roller coaster ride. While I almost bagged the top prize last year, the NPS silver medal still holds a special place in my heart. For continuing to play poker professionally, volume is highly essential, especially in multi-table tournaments (MTTs). My goal is to play poker three to four days a week and participate in approximately 200 events per month which include high-octane tournaments such as the NPS”.

He added “After the first NPS, the game has evolved a lot and the stakes are higher than ever too. NPS draws a lot of new players into the fray where the idea is not just to promote it to poker players but to provide a platform for aspirants on the brink of pursuing the sport professionally as well as recreationally. NPS is being hosted on PokerBaazi yet again and with platforms such as PokerBaazi, the poker community does not have to worry about participating in several tournaments, as it provides you with an opportunity to showcase your skills and upskill yourself through NPS”.

Vinayak has helped open the floodgates for budding aspirants of Poker to showcase their skills and hone them further to help rise the ladder in the Poker community.

324 medals will be awarded to the winners of this year’s National Poker Series India 2023 (NPS). It will be hosted on PokerBaazi from 29th March-16th April 2023. To know the complete schedule, click here: https://nationalpokerseries.in/

Hindustan Zinc’s Mines becomes the1stGreenCo Certified Mines

16th March 2023: Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta group company and India’s largest & only integrated producer of Zinc, Lead & Silver, has bagged the GreenCo Silver rating by CII for its sustainable mining operations. Company’s RampuraAgucha Mine andZawar Group of Mines has received the Silver Rating for their exemplary performance in waste & material management, green infrastructure & ecology, green supply chain, GHG emissions reduction, and renewable energy initiatives, to name a few.

On receiving the honor, Mr. Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc said, “This is a huge recognition for our company which highlights our efforts towards sustainable growth. Our facilities have been recognized for their significant efforts to maintain ecologically sustainable operations. We also encourage our suppliers to adopt our sustainability strategy and improve ESG performance in their operations to achieve our shared long-term vision of sustainable growth.”

The GreenCo Rating is a holistic framework that evaluates businesses on the environmental friendliness of their activities using a life cycle approach. Implementation of the GreenCo rating system gives companies leadership and direction on how to make their products, services, and processes more ecologically sustainable.

The recognition reaffirms that Hindustan Zinc has been delivering on well-defined goals and progressing on a sustainable value-accretive journey. The company has taken significant steps for achieving the vision of Net Zero emissions by 2050 and is constantly investing in cutting-edge technologies to reduce its carbon footprint, transition to renewable energy, mitigate climate risk, and conserve resources.

Recently, Hindustan Zinc earned a spot in the esteemed S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for the 6th time by being ranked amongst the top 5% ESG Score in the metals & mining sector. The company’s sustainability efforts have also resulted from them being ranked 3rd globally and 1st in Asia Pacific Region in S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment under the metal & mining sector. The company’s commitment towards Environment, Social, and Governance has been recognized by CAP 2.0, CDP, S&P Global Platts Awards, CII National 5S Excellence Award, Bhamashah Award, and many more.

ASUS expands its consumer notebook lineup in India with AMD Ryzen 7000 series laptops

India, 16th March 2023: ASUS, today announced the expansion of its consumer notebook lineup with AMD Ryzen 7000 Series for the Indian market. Designed for young professionals, entrepreneurs & lifestyle enthusiasts the new range of laptops includes the flagship ZenBook 14 OLED along with VivoBook Series and the latest VivoBook Go Lineup. The pricing of the new ZenBook 14 OLED starts from INR 89,990, the VivoBook Go 14 from INR 42,990, the VivoBook Go 15 OLED from INR 50,990, and the VivoBook 15X OLED at INR 66,990. ASUS has also introduced the VivoBook Classic family with VivoBook 14/15 OLED and VivoBook 16 models starting from INR 55,990. These laptops will be sold online (ASUS e-shop/ Amazon/ Flipkart) and offline (ASUS Exclusive Stores/ ROG Stores/Croma/Vijay Sales/Reliance Digital). The ZenBook 14 OLED is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 7030 series of processors with high 28W performance and up to 8 cores. The VivoBook Go lineup is powered by AMD’s new Ryzen 7020 series of processors.

Commenting on the launch, Arnold Su, Business Head, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, said “With the aim & vision to tap the number 1 position in the Consumer Notebook segment in India in 2023, we are focused on introducing the latest tech innovations across categories. Over the past few years, the PC industry has seen exponential growth in India. Today, we have announced the launch of our iconic lineup of laptops bringing unparalleled performance, portability, and value to the budget notebook market of India by introducing Zenbook 14 OLED, VivoBook Go Series, and VivoBook classic family revamped with the new AMD Ryzen 7000 series.”

Blue lotus at Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur celebrates the ‘Flavours of South’

Blue lotus at Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur is hosting ‘Flavours of South’ to celebrate the vibrant and unique flavors of the southern states of India. The restaurant will be decorated with the theme of banana leaves while the staff would be dressed in traditional attire. Guests can enjoy an array of traditional dishes from 15th March to 19th March 2023, specially curated by the expert chef Rajaram Ravi.

The menu features a range of traditional delicacies from India’s southern states including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The selection includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Patrons will be floored to delectable starters that include Solai Punch Poricha, Andhra Paneer Tikka, Erachi Ularthiyathu, Meen Pollichathu, and a variety of salads. The elaborate main course includes Sorakaya Pappu, Ennai kathirikai, Urulai Vazhkai, Paneer Rara Bell Pepper, Roasted Fish in Cheese Garlic Sauce, Kari Kulambu, Chicken Chatpata, and Ambur Kozhi Biryani. The mains are accompanied by freshly prepared desserts that include Mango Barfi, Rose Pastry, Walnut Brownie, Semiya Kesari, Fruit Rabdi, and choices of ice cream.

The Blue Lotus restaurant is just the place to visit when you are in the mood to enjoy a lavish feast with the family. Join us to taste the delicious dishes from the southern states of India in this week-long festival.

Venue – Blue Lotus, Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur

Date – 15th March to 19th March 2023

Time – Dinner 7 PM to 11 PM

Prices – Rs. 925 AI – Adult & Rs. 650 AI – Kids