4, Oct 2023
Audi India registers robust growth of 88% in the first nine months of 2023
Mumbai, October 04, 2023: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced it has retailed 5,530 units registering a growth of 88% in the first nine months of this year. The launch of the new Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, Audi Q3, and Audi Q3 Sportback coupled with continued demand for the Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi Q5, and the top-of-the-line cars Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Audi A8 L, Audi S5 Sportback, Audi RS5 Sportback, Audi RS Q8, Audi e-tron GT, and Audi RS e-tron GT, has led to positive growth.
The SUV range has grown by a staggering 187% and the Performance and Lifestyle cars including
The e-tron range has witnessed a 42% growth in the same period.
Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India said, “Audi India retailed 5,530 units witnessing a strong 88% growth; our SUVs have witnessed a growth of 187%. With the upcoming festive season, we are expecting this growth to continue on the back of sustained demand for our best-sellers including the Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi Q3, Audi Q3 Sportback, Q5, Audi Q7, and Audi Q8. With our recent launches, Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron (offered with an impressive 114 kWh battery which is industry’s best), we now have the widest EV portfolio in the segment. We are confident of good demand during the festive season for our electric range which also includes India’s first EV supercars – Audi e-tron GT and Audi RS e-tron GT.”
Mr. Dhillon further added, “Robust sales performance owing to strong demand, expansion in the luxury car segment, evolving demographics, and favorable economic conditions are leading to growth. Today, one in every four customers is a repeat Audi customer – this tells us that our customers are happy. We are on a growth path – sustainable, profitable business is our strategy and we expect to close the year with high double-digit growth.”
Audi Approved: plus (the pre-owned car business) witnessed a growth of 63% in the period January to September 2023. Audi India continues the expansion of its pre-owned car business, Audi Approved: plus in India. Currently operating with 25 Audi Approved: plus, facilities across all major hubs in the country, the brand is expanding and will have 27 pre-owned car facilities by the end of 2023.
Taking forward the electrification strategy, Audi India recently announced an industry-first initiative for EV owners – ‘Charge my Audi’ on the ‘myAudiConnect’ app. It is a one-stop solution that gives Audi e-tron customers access to multiple electric vehicle charging partners on one app. 1000+ charge points are currently available to Audi e-tron owners on ‘Charge my Audi’ with more to be added in the next few months.
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- By Rabindra
4, Oct 2023
RITES observes ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign
Gurugram, October 04, 2023: RITES Ltd, a prime transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, organized ‘Shramdaan’ for the mega cleanliness drive – ‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ across its offices and sites.
‘Team RITES’ in action: RITES officials clean a residential society in Ashok Vihar, New Delhi.
The cleanliness drive is a run-up to the nationwide ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign organized by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India.
The organization has invested in green initiatives and undertaken activities with a focus on minimizing environmental impact. Also, RITES observed the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign within its offices and residential flats from September 16th to September 30th, 2023.
Recognizing the importance of Swachh Bharat as a collective responsibility, RITES remains committed to building a future-ready, clean, and green India.
4, Oct 2023
I had the best people guiding me; it was a wonderful experience”, Shruti Sinha – Amazon miniTV’s Campus Beats
Mumbai, 4th, October 2023: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service recently premiered the teen drama ‘Campus Beats’. The dance drama captures the joys, struggles, and passion,, friendship, love, and immense competition among the student factions.
The fascinating series follows a group of students from a dance academy, Mumbai University of Movement and Dance, also known as the University of M.A.D. The show features Shantanu Maheshwari, Shruti Sinha, Sahaj Chahal, Tanvi Gadkari, Harsh Dingwanii, Tanya Bhushan, Dhanshree Yadav, Teriya Magar, Adnan Khan, and Rohan Pal in pivotal roles.
Shruti Sinha essays the role of Netra, who is bold yet has a mystery surrounding her, which she conceals from her batchmates. She gets admitted to the dance academy through a welfare program and is labeled as the ‘Backgrounder a.k.a. BG’. Netra secretly keeps on giving Inspector Shinde information, but when she learns about the system’s conflict surrounding quotas versus non-quota matters, she decides to confront it and fight back.
Talking about her first reaction after grasping the role of Netra for Campus Beats, Shruti shared, “Honestly, when I got the call, I double-checked, asking, “Are you sure this is happening?” because the audition process took a month and I wasn’t sure whether I was going to get the part. I was so excited that I ran over to my mom and we had a great time celebrating.”
Talking about her character Netra, she added, “What I admire about Netra is that she is the polar opposite of who I am in real life. She is very gutsy, I am also gutsy but not like her. One thing I adore about Netra is that she will go to any length for the people she loves, which I think I relate to greatly. Netra cannot stand injustice, and she is also unafraid of the consequences.”
Campus Beats is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, which you can watch for free on the Amazon shopping app and on Fire TV. You can now also download the Amazon miniTV app on Playstore.
4, Oct 2023
Third Wave Coffee’s Santhosh Basavaraj Clinches Third Place in National Barista Championship
Bangalore, 4th, Oct, 2023: In a triumph that echoes the dedication and skill of India’s barista community, Santhosh Basavaraj, Coffee Specialist at Third Wave Coffee, secured a remarkable third place in the National Barista Championship (NBC) held at the prestigious World Coffee Conference (WCC) in Bangalore.
Santhosh Basavaraj’s stellar performance not only earned him the well-deserved third-place spot but also a prestigious Rs. 25,000 cheque prize. A seasoned participant in the National Barista Championship for the past six years, Santhosh was the National Barista Champion in 2019 secured the position of 1st runner-up in 2022, and represented India at the World Barista Championship in Melbourne.
“Being part of the National Barista Championship has been a journey of passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Every cup of coffee tells a story, and through this competition, I’ve had the privilege to share a piece of India’s rich coffee culture with the world. This victory is not just mine; it’s a celebration of the entire Third Wave Coffee barista community and our collective commitment to elevating the art of coffee,” said an elated Santhosh Basavaraj.
Organized by the Coffee Board, the licensed national body, in collaboration with coffee stakeholders and esteemed organizations such as SCAI & UCAI, the National Barista Championship is a platform designed to recognize and celebrate the technical prowess of the country’s baristas. This competition stands as a beacon for promoting excellence across the coffee value chain, fostering skill development, and championing the growth of café culture in India.
This victory not only underscores Santhosh’s individual excellence but also highlights the growing prominence and skill level of India’s barista community on the international coffee scene.
4, Oct 2023
Forever New India Unveils its A/W’23 Collection ‘A Time for Glamour’ with Pooja Hegde
Forever New India, renowned for its contemporary fashion offerings, is pleased to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Autumn/Winter 2023 collection ‘A Time for Glamour’. This latest collection promises to become the preferred choice for all seasonal celebrations, high-energy soirées, and stylish getaways to exotic global destinations. Pooja Hegde, the brand ambassador of Forever New India, adds her signature touch to this exceptional collection. Speaking of it, complementing the versatility of this collection she also asserted “Don’t be afraid to take risks, it’s what makes fashion fun after all!”
Gone are the days of settling for ordinary outfits. Forever New’s A/W’23 collection presents a stunning array of choices catering to every social calendar facet. Dark Reds will reinvigorate occasion wear, while glamorous dresses in captivating sunset ombre, bold dark florals, and ravishing black will infuse joy into every event ensemble.
Stepping into the fashion spotlight, customers are presented with a versatile collection from Forever New. For those planning a night out with friends, there are options to turn heads in playful mini dresses adorned with bold gingham prints or elegant ruched detailing. For more relaxed gatherings, vintage-inspired floral dresses offer an ideal blend of charm and comfort. And for high-glamour soirées that demand a memorable entrance, the collection features luxurious velvet and daring cut-out dresses designed to leave an indelible mark in the minds of onlookers. Forever New’s A/W’23 collection ensures that individuals shine on every occasion with outfits as unique as the moments they create.
In their latest campaign, the brand spotlights the versatility of the collection by showcasing Pooja Hegde in an array of stylish ensembles designed for the contemporary woman of today. Whether it’s preparing for an intimate rendezvous, gracing a glamorous gala evening, power dressing for a high-profile event, or commanding attention on the red carpet, ‘A Time for Glamour’ from Forever New effortlessly caters to all these scenarios. With its diverse range of fashion options, Forever New ensures that every woman is empowered to make a lasting impression on any occasion, embracing her unique style with confidence and grace.
The collection is available at retail outlets as well as on online platforms to discover the fashion treasures awaiting them this Autumn/Winter.
4, Oct 2023
Icon Star Allu Arjun packs a punch on-screen in redBus’ latest brand campaign ahead of the festive season
National, October 04, 2023: redBus, the world’s largest online bus ticketing platform, has rolled out a compelling marketing campaign, ahead of the much-awaited festive season, to enunciate its proposition of providing people with the most convenient, seamless, and cost-effective bus booking and travel experience. In order to communicate and engage with its wide customer base, the online bus ticketing major roped in Icon Star Allu Arjun, who is also the enterprise’s brand ambassador, to deliver two staggering ad-films in his unique style, enhancing the emotional appeal of the brand.
The campaign’s narrative connects with redBus’ broader messaging of ‘Apno ko, sapno ko kareeb laye’, which positions redBus as an enabler that bridges the gulf between people and their loved ones, as well as their professional aspirations, by making their travel a convenient, seamless affair. It further deliberates on two major aspects of the bus seat reservation process that makes a huge difference to travellers – the option of selecting the desired seats, as well as the discounts on offer. In keeping with the playful character of the ads, the two 30-second ad films were released innovatively as a ‘leak’ on fan pages of the Icon Star on Instagram.
Speaking on his role in redBus’ ad-films, Icon Star, Allu Arjun and the brand ambassador of redBus, stated, “The ad films for redBus truly resonate with me at a personal level as they encapsulate the essence of bringing dreams closer by establishing a link between people and their aspirations. As an actor, I always seek roles that inspire, and these concepts have given me the opportunity to express myself by living the characters and I’m proud to be a part of this journey with redBus. I look forward to my fans as well as customers of redBus, viewing the films and hope to connect with them at an emotional level.”
Pallavi Chopra, Chief Marketing Officer, at redBus, stated, “These ad films represent a pivotal moment in redBus’ journey, as we focus on regions with immense growth potential. Our objective was not only to create captivating narratives, but also to connect with viewers emotionally. The ad-films showcase redBus not just as a ticketing platform, but as an enabler of dreams, aspirations, and cherished moments. We have strategically aligned cultural nuances and aspirations with the objective of engaging with a growing cohort of audiences that take pride in what they do, while also being conscious of their spends. Allu Arjun has done a fantastic job of leading the narratives and I’m sure the ad-films will resonate well with bus travellers.”
The ad-films will be released across TV and digital media channels across states and regions, including, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Delhi among others, and will be showcased in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada & Malayalam.
4, Oct 2023
CNBC-AWAAZ’s 14th Real Estate Awards & Conclave: Honouring Excellence at the West Zone Awards in Ahmedabad
4th October 2023: CNBC-AWAAZ successfully concluded its first Zonal Awards, West Zone of the 14th Real Estate Awards & Conclave, presented by RR Kabel. The West Zone edition of the initiative took place in Ahmedabad on September 30, 2023. During the conclave, prominent leaders in the industry, real estate developers, policymakers, experts, and influential figures came together to discuss the latest trends impacting the real estate sector’s future and to seek ways to expedite its progress in the coming years.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Anuj Singhal, Editor, CNBC AWAAZ & CNBC BAJAAR, who set the tone for the evening. He said, “This is the first time post-pandemic that we are on the ground celebrating the achievements of our real estate industry members. This award ceremony is one of the most trusted in the nation, and this can be justified by the amount of support and participation it receives from the real estate fraternity. A well-structured process is followed in identifying winners. This year we received more than ten thousand entries across India.”
The welcome address was followed by a special address by Shreegopal Kabra, MD, RR Kabel. He commented, “The major objective for initiating this award was to give builders their due share of respect that they deserve. We had faced a tremendous amount of struggle in the initial phase. The journey started specifically on the national level, later it moved to Gujarat and other areas of the country.
Now, people aspire to receive this award but for the same one needs to work hard in the industry and prove their worth. The journey moved from class to mass, taking into consideration all the zones of the nation. We hope that the award and celebration continue for ages resulting in revolutions in the real estate industry. I would like to congratulate all the winners. I am thankful to everyone associated with us for these many years for making this award a lifetime achievement.”
The awards & conclave also featured several panel discussions comprising esteemed industry personalities. The first discussion, titled ‘India’s Real Estate: Fastest Growing In The World’ brought together industry thought leaders including D P Desai, Chief Executive Authority, Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA); Suresh Patel, President, NAREDCO Gujarat; Shekhar Patel, President-Elect, CREDAI National, MD, Ganesh Housing; Shreegopal Kabra, Managing Director, RR Kabel; and Gulam Zia, Executive Director, Knight Frank India.
The subsequent discussion centered around ‘West India: Leading the Future of Urbanisation’ and hosted panelists such as Mihir Patel, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation; K S Jhala, Deputy Commissioner, Gujarat Housing Board; Tejas Joshi, President, CREDAI Ahmedabad-GIHED; Prof. Vatsal Patel, Adj. Professor, CEPT University, Ahmedabad; Mahesh Gadhavi, CEO, Surat Diamond Bourse; and Shreegopal Kabra, Managing Director, RR Kabel.
Talking briefly about the topic, K S Jhala said, “Gujarat Housing Board is the initiative of the Gujarat Government, which was established in the year 1960. With the core objective of affordable housing, the board has constructed all in all 2 lakhs plus houses. Redevelopment is of utmost importance due to the duration of the construction of those houses. With that, we ensure sustainable development and make the optimum use of land. The Gujarat Government already has 30 redevelopment schemes in the process with 125 in the pipeline and 48 tenders have already been floated. We have also created a Trust that will cater to the major areas of the state for the redevelopment.”
The concluding panel for the evening was around an insightful theme, ‘Preventing Electrical Fires: Innovations in Fire Detection and Suppression.’ The panel featured JN Khadia, Chief Fire Officer, Ahmedabad Fire & Emergency Services (AFES); Pankaj Dharkar, Presidential Member, FSAI; and Shreegopal Kabra, Managing Director, RR Kabel.
Preceding the award ceremony, the chief guest of the evening Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Home Minister, MoS Home & Industries, Youth, Sports & Culture addressed the audience. Speaking on the topic, of Gujarat’s role in the growing Indian realty industry, he said,” In Gujarat, people often pray for a dream home. I would like to thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister for making this dream come true for the citizens of India. He fulfilled this dream by the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana providing a home to all the citizens. The due support of our real estate builders is crucial for the same. I believe members of the real estate community from other parts of the nation should study projects in Gujarat. The state has always been a trendsetter with regards to accomplishing a dream it thinks of.”
The evening ended with the award ceremony, where the Hon’ble MOS Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Mr. Anuj Singhal, Mr. Shreegopal Kabra, and other esteemed guests felicitated the real estate projects from the West Zone of India. This event was presented by RR Kabel, Associate Partner – RR Parkon, and Knowledge Partner – Knight Frank India. The national awards ceremony is scheduled for December 2023, which will be preceded by Awards in the East, North, and South Zones.
4, Oct 2023
ABP Network’s ‘Roots & Rhythms’ Enthrals Delhi with Soul-Stirring Performances
New Delhi, October 4th, 2023 – ABP Network, a distinguished leader in the Indian media industry, marked a triumphant debut with its latest musical endeavor, “Roots & Rhythms,” at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on September 30th. The grand event witnessed an overwhelming response, drawing a crowd of approximately 12,000 attendees.
“Roots & Rhythms” served as a portal into the rich tapestry of India’s musical traditions, offering a diverse lineup of acclaimed artists who left the audience captivated. The concert featured the sensational Badshah, injecting a contemporary twist into Indian music, Shilpa Rao showcasing her versatility across various genres, and Papon, deeply rooted in Indian culture, delivering a mesmerizing performance. Together, they orchestrated an unforgettable musical experience for a diverse audience.
The musical extravaganza celebrated the unifying power of music in ‘New India,’ transcending boundaries and fostering unity. ABP Network meticulously curated “Roots & Rhythms” with the objective of inspiring unity and celebrating India’s diverse musical heritage.
On the heels of the concert’s resounding success, Avinash Pandey, CEO of ABP Network, expressed his jubilation, stating, “I’m absolutely delighted with the phenomenal turnaround we witnessed at the concert. The roaring crowd, the thunderous cheers, and the overall success of the event validate that we accomplished something truly extraordinary. This isn’t just a concert; it’s an exploration of the powerful stories that music can weave. Through ‘Roots & Rhythms,’ we sought to create an immersive experience that goes beyond the stage, connecting our audience with the heart and soul of India’s musical heritage. Bringing three big artists together on one platform is a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries and creating unique experiences.”
“Roots & Rhythms” stands as a testament to ABP Network’s dedication to bridging cultural gaps and bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together. It serves as a platform for celebrating India’s musical heritage while embracing contemporary sounds and crafting memories that resonate with the nation’s passion for music.
The resounding success of “Roots & Rhythms” firmly establishes it as a must-attend musical event for both music enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in India’s rich cultural heritage. ABP Network’s commitment to promoting and preserving the nation’s artistic legacy shines brightly through this event.
3, Oct 2023
Honda Cars India introduces festive editions of Honda City & Honda Amaze
Hyderabad/New Delhi, 3rd October 2023: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today announced the launch of festive editions namely ‘Elegant Edition’ of its mid-size sedan Honda City and ‘Elite Edition’ of its popular family sedan Honda Amaze. These distinctive editions in limited volumes will be offered in both Manual Transmission (MT) and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and based on the V grade of Honda City and the VX grade of Honda Amaze. These editions come with an enhanced premium package and are offered in all colour options.
The company has also rolled out special festive offers on other variants of City and Amaze under the ‘The Great Honda Fest’ for its customers across India. During these festive promotions, customer can avail a host of attractive offers while purchasing their favourite Honda car across all authorised Honda dealerships till October 31, 2023.
Speaking on the introduction of the festive editions, Mr. Yuichi Murata, Director, Marketing & Sales at Honda Cars India Ltd said, “As we gear up for the festive season, our focus has been to enrich our models with a distinct premium package which will appeal to our discerning buyers. The new editions of City and Amaze aim to offer enhanced styling and convenience with added features at an attractive price.” “Festivals give us a reason to celebrate and always have a special place in our lives. In addition to the launch of these new limited editions, we have also rolled out exciting offers and promotions on other variants of City and Amaze to make the new car purchase more rewarding for all our customers,” he added.
Honda City ‘Elegant Edition’ highlights:
- Based on V grade in MT and CVT
- Trunk Spoiler with LED
- Wireless Charger (Plug and Play type)
- Front Fender Garnish
- Elegant Edition Seat Cover
- Sleek Step Illumination
- Elegant Edition Badge
- Leg Room Lamp
Honda Amaze ‘Elite Edition’ Highlights:
- Based on top-grade VX in both MT and CVT
- Trunk Spoiler with LED
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (Display in Honda Connect App)
- Front Fender Garnish
- Comfortable Front Armrest (Sliding Type)
- Anti Fog Film on ORVM
- Elite Edition Seat Cover
- Elite Edition Step illumination
- Elite Edition Badge
- Tyre Inflator
The festive editions of the City and Amaze can be purchased on Honda’s online sales platform “Honda from Home”, in addition to HCIL’s authorized dealership network located across the country.
3, Oct 2023
Karcher announces the launch of its cutting-edge Karcher Training Center in Noida
NOIDA, India – October 3rd, 2023 – Karcher, the globally renowned name in cleaning technology and solutions, is thrilled to announce the successful launch of its cutting-edge Karcher Training Center in Noida. The center officially opened its doors on September 21, 2023, ushering in a new era of excellence in the cleaning industry.
The launch event was marked by a celebration of innovation, expertise, and a commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the world of cleaning and maintenance.
Key Highlights of the Karcher Training Center Launch:
Industry Reshaping: The Karcher Training Center aims to reshape the cleaning and maintenance industry by offering comprehensive training programs that cater to the diverse needs of customers, partners, and the broader community. It also showcased its dedication to promoting continuous learning and staying updated with the latest cleaning technologies and best practices.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: An experience of the world-class training facilities, including modern classrooms, hands-on training areas, the calibre of our experienced trainers who are industry experts, and interactive demonstration zones.
Interactive Demonstrations: Live product demonstrations, offering a firsthand experience of the innovative cleaning equipment Karcher is renowned for.
Certification Opportunities: The centre highlighted its certification programs, providing a glimpse into the potential for enhancing expertise and credibility in the industry.
Customized Training: The centre’s committed to tailoring training modules to specific needs, ensuring participants receive highly relevant training.
Open to All: The centre is open not only to customers and dealers but also to external stakeholders, including cleaning professionals, facility managers, and industry partners.
Sustainability Emphasis: Attendees learned about the centre’s commitment to promoting eco-friendliness and sustainability in line with Karcher’s environmental responsibility.
Empowering Excellence: Its mission is to empower individuals and organizations with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve excellence in cleaning and maintenance.
Global Best Practices: Introducing global best practices in cleaning, contributing to improved hygiene standards and operational efficiency.
Community Engagement: The centre’s commitment to community engagement was highlighted, offering training opportunities and support for aspiring individuals in the cleaning industry.
Commitment to Growth: The commitment to continuously improve the Karcher Training Center, updating training modules, and expanding its offerings to meet evolving industry needs.
The successful launch of the Karcher Training Center in Noida marks a significant milestone in the cleaning and maintenance industry. It reinforces Karcher’s dedication to excellence, sustainability, and innovation. We invite all interested parties to visit our centre and be part of this transformative journey.
