ŠKODA Auto India Partners with PPS Motors to Expand its Footprint in Karnataka

 Summary

* ŠKODA AUTO’s new state of the art dealership facility in Bengaluru: PPS Motors boasts 4,500 sq. ft. of a modern showroom and 18,000 sq. ft. of premium service space, 70 plus technicians and staff members, 10 mechanical stations and body shop bays, and service capacity of 5,500 plus ŠKODA AUTO vehicles per annum

* The new dealership facility is the third outlet of the Czech marque, in Bengaluru, and aims to enhance the overall purchase and ownership experience for the ŠKODA AUTO customers in the region

* Under the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, ŠKODA AUTO India will double its network penetration, and expand to 50 new cities, over the next three years

* ŠKODA AUTO celebrates 125 years of its glorious history and heritage the world over

With the inauguration of PPS Motors in Bengaluru, ŠKODA AUTO India aims to strengthen its position in Karnataka and push forward its campaign of establishing a strong foothold in the southern markets of our nation. The new state of the art dealership facility sports the new Corporate Identity and Design as a part of ŠKODA AUTO global redesigning process. The Czech auto manufacturer, under the purview of the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, will have at least twice as many sales and service touchpoints, as it does today, by 2022.

PPS Motors is strategically located at 219/11, Ramana Maharishi Road, Palace Orchards, Sadashivanagar, Bellary Road and offers utmost ease and convenience across the region. The sales facility sprawls over an area of 4,500 square feet and accommodates at least four cars on display. A dedicated service workshop, located at 35, Kranthikavi Sarvagna Road, Sreerampuram, Okaluipuram, is spread across 18,000 square feet and houses ten mechanical stations and body shop bays. With 75 trained personnel, PPS Motors has a capacity to service 5,500 plus ŠKODA AUTO vehicles per annum.

Commenting on the inauguration of the new facility, Mr. Zac Hollis, Brand Director, ŠKODA AUTO India said, “To ensure preparedness for INDIA 2.0 launches, we at ŠKODA AUTO India are continually striving to expand our network reach, across the nation, so that not only more and more customers can experience our products but also enjoy easy access to our customer centric aftersales solutions. Bangalore is a key market for us in South India, and we are confident that our

partnership with PPS Motors will be pivotal for the brand and will further strengthen our foothold in Karnataka.”

Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Dealer Principal, PPS Motors Private Limited said, “We are delighted to partner with ŠKODA AUTO India and introduce a new dealership facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The modern architecture and streamlined business processes will provide the ideal backdrop for the presentation of ŠKODA AUTO products. With the global best practices and processes of Skoda Auto India and adapting them to suit our customers in the region we endeavour to create a lot of value for all our stake holder’s especially our customers to offer world service and customer care”

MODERN DEALERSHIP FACILITIES WITH STREAMLINED BUSINESS PROCESSES

With the highest priority given to functionality, clear orientation, and transparency, ŠKODA AUTO India has successfully rebranded its entire network of 83 sales and 58 service touchpoints across 69 cities across the nation. The Czech brand has invested over INR 1,200 million, along with its dealer partners, in the biggest rebranding campaign in its history in India.

In line with the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, the corporate architecture, functional interiors, and rationalized business processes, aim to enhance the overall customer experience. The new dealership design architectural concept reflects ŠKODA AUTO’s philosophy expressed in the slogan: “Simply Clever with a human touch”.

The new architecture of the dealership facility is characterized by clear and simple shapes, a harmonious colour concept, modular design features, and a modern lighting concept. The new exteriors of the ŠKODA AUTO dealerships will be the brand’s powerful statement during both day and night - clear, transparent, modern, and open.

In addition to sustaining ŠKODA AUTO’s proven strengths, the company is placing an increasing emphasis on enhancing the emotional appeal of the brand. It is conveyed by the sophisticated and logical arrangement of all the key elements, business areas, customer zones, and the use of cutting edge technology.

The high quality materials, new design features, effective lighting solutions, architectural graphic elements, and warm wooden tones create an inviting atmosphere. Fresh hues, clarity, openness, and transparency - are the highlights of the new interiors of ŠKODA AUTO showrooms.

Hero Motocorp Donates Unique First Responder Vehicles (FRVs) To Civic Hospital, Gurugram

 As part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives towards the COVID-19 relief efforts, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, today handed over two first responder vehicles to Civil Hospital, Gurugram. 

These unique and utilitarian vehicles will be useful for reaching out to patients in rural and remote areas and comfortably moving them to the nearest hospitals.  These First Responder Vehicles (FRVs) have been custom-built as an accessory on the powerful Xtreme 200R motorcycles of Hero MotoCorp.

The FRVs has been equipped with a full stretcher with a foldable hood mounted on the side, essential medical equipment such as a detachable first-aid kit, oxygen cylinder, fire extinguisher and other safety features such as LED Flasher Lights, foldable beacon light, emergency wireless public announcement system and siren.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Vijay Sethi, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer; Head Corporate Social Responsibility, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Continuing its support to fight COVID-19 pandemic, Hero MotoCorp has embarked on a major initiative of handing over first-responder vehicles to the frontline personnel of various state authorities in order to support the patients located in rural and remote areas. Designed and developed by the engineers at Hero’s Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur and the New Model Centre (NMC) in Gurgaon, first responder vehicle comes with all the essential medical equipment that provides immediate assistance for the patients who need to be transported to the hospital.”

Mr. Vijay Sethi – Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer and Head – Corporate Social Responsibility, Hero MotoCorp, and Dr. Shriniket Mishra – Chief Medical Officer - Hero MotoCorp handed over two FRVs to Dr. Virender Yadav, Chief Medical Officer, Gurugram in presence of Shri. Ashok Sangwan – IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Gurugram and Shri. Amit Khatri – IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram.

Hero MotoCorp, has already distributed 14 lakhs meals, 37,000 litres of sanitizers, 30 lakhs face masks and 15,000 PPE kits to Government Hospitals, Police Department and other agencies.

Mahak Group Launches Campaign for Mint ChocOn Featuring Janhvi Kapoor

 Mahak Group has launched a new campaign-‘Mint Nahi Hint Hai’, for its trademark candy Mint Choc On. Mahak Mint ChocOn is a one-of-its-kind candy with mint favoured outer shell and delectable, chocolate filled centre. The TVC stars actress Janhvi Kapoor and sets beautifully encapsulates the emotions of a young couple on their first date.

The film opens to a beautiful late evening setting, where Janhvi and a boy are sitting by a hilltop ledge. The couple is out on their first romantic date. Since it’s their first date ever, they’re both a little clueless about exactly what to do on a first date. Trying to break the awkward silence, Janhvi asks, “So, aur kya karte hain first date pe?” to which the guy replies, “Pata nahi….mera bhi toh first time hai.” Janhvi then passes on a Mahak Mint ChocOn candy to the guy and he replies, surprised, “Mint?” Janhvi shyly replies, “Ye Mint Nahi Hint Hai.” Taking her subtle hint, the boy then consumes Mint ChocOn and leans in towards Janhvi.

Mr S K Jain, CEO & MD, Mahak Group said: “Today it is of utmost importance to all brands to keep coming up with innovative offerings in order to create a recall and a strong customer base in the market. We launched Mint ChocOn keeping just that in mind. Mahak Mint ChocOn is a novel concept, with just a hint of playfulness and whimsy. Our campaign is aligned to the core essence of Mahak Mint ChocOn. We employ German technology in manufacturing the product. From a teenager to a young working professional, Mint ChocOn is an offering, which will appeal to everyone. We feel that someone as vivacious and full of energy as Janhvi fits the bill perfectly and is an ideal choice for a brand ambassador. We are ecstatic to have her on board as the face of the brand.”

On associating with Mint ChocOn Janhvi Kapoor said: “I have always had a bit of a sweet tooth, in fact, I can have sweets any times of the day! Whenever my parents were happy with Khushi and me, they would spoil us with candies and chocolates. Which is why, I am happy to associate with Mint ChocOn. It is such an innovative concept. I am sure Mint ChocOn is soon going to be a crowd favourite.”

TVC Details:

TVC – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI5EgoFusf0

Language: Hindi

Production House: Passion Films Production House and Celebrity Management Company

Producer: Ricky Singh Bedi

Protagonist: Janhvi Kapoor

Global Consumer Electronics Giant Hisense to Introduce Next Gen Tech Products in India

Next Gen Tech Products

* Announces the launch of its range of QLED, UHD & Smart televisions on August 6th on Amazon, Flipkart, TataCliQ and Reliance Digital

* Aims to upgrade buyers with entire 4K range having Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technology

* Also plans to bring in Laser TV, 8K Dual Cell TVs along with UHD, Intelligent ACs with Wifi and premium refrigerator in India at enticing prices

Hisense, a leading consumer electronics and appliance manufacturer of the world is entering the India market with a range of products including next generation technology display products like 100” Laser TV, 86” 8K TVs, Dual Cell QLED TV & OLED TV. Besides these futuristic technology products, the brand will be launching its range of QLED, UHD and Smart televisions on August 6th on Amazon, Flipkart, TataCliQ and Reliance Digital followed by Intelligent ACs and premium Side by Side Refrigerators this year.

Known for its glorious 51 Years, Hisense is a global technology leader and has recently acquired the premium European brand Gorenje and leading Japanese brand Toshiba TV in addition to existing portfolio of brands with an aim to expand globally. With both Hisense and Toshiba, the Hisense group is targeting 40 million TV sales aiming at number two position globally. The brand is operating in over 160 countries and is committed to continuous production innovation with 14 Intelligent manufacturing bases and 18 R&D hubs across the globe. The brand also invests 5% of its revenue back into R&D every year. Sports has also been one of keen area of association for the brand and has been associated with FIFA World Cup, Australian Open, Red Bull F1 Racing, UEFA Euro Championships etc and is also the official partner of UEFA Euro 2020.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Rishi Tandon, COO Hisense India said, “We are extremely excited to be a part of one of the biggest growing markets in the world. Our goal is to become an aspirational premium brand offering niche, innovative products and solutions at very competitive prices. Our new Made in India range of Smart & 4K televisions are fully loaded and enhancing consumer delight to make their life better will be a key focus area for us. Our products offer uncompromised quality with a seamless, smart and enjoyable viewing experience.”

Hisense will be launching next generation TV Products including Laser TV’s, World’s first DUAL CELL TV products by end of the year. The brand will also be bringing in a range of Toshiba TVs next month.  Apart from the smart television range, Hisense Group will also introduce its Air Conditioners range with intelligent health filters with smart cooling and big capacity refrigerators in French door concept which is currently out of reach due to limited options for the consumer.

The upcoming new Made in India television series of Hisense Amazing 4K LED TV are specially designed, manufactured and packed with innovation and top-notch technology features based on feature insights from the Indian market at the most competitive price points. In collaboration with Dolby, Hisense 4K TVs will be equipped with Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos for full immersive & engaging cinematic experience.  Dolby Vision, the advanced form of HDR with its Frame by frame processing to brings out the ultimate brightness, color and contrast on screen. Moving audio on screen of Dolby Atmos transports you to the middle of action for a breathtakingly immersive experience The Quantum Dot technology in the TV’s create huge amount of color combinations to present stunning picture quality and Full Array Local Dimming with more dimming zones for better contrast ratio and a bezel-less slim design identity across entire range.

The entire range of Hisense televisions come equipped with the official Android TV 9.0 PIE operating system and official Google Play Store app preloaded giving access to 500,000+ TV shows and movies. The entire range has a Built-in Google Assistant and Built-in Chromecast for a seamless casting of any HD or Full HD content on the big screen.  The range also comes with One touch access feature on the remote, the applications Youtube, Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, Prime Video can be easily browsed through the press of a button.

Starting with Hi to Hisense campaign, the entire range of 4K & Smart televisions will be available online on Amazon, Flipkart, TataCliQ and Reliance Digital starting August 6, 2020.  As an introductory celebration offer and as reinforcer of its confidence on product quality, the brand shall be offering 5 Year warranty on the panel along with certain inaugural discount over its normal operating prices for the first three days of launch i.e. from 6th to 9th Aug 2020.

To ensure consumer delight, the brand shall be ensuring that its service is readily accessible with fast response time and a wide cover having network across more than 18,000 pin codes with 400+ service centers.

Hisense Group has regularly been awarded at international platforms for their product innovation and leadership. The brand received 8 awards in the beginning of 2020 at CES including CES 2020 TOP PICK, Best of CES 2020 for its premium range of LED and Laser TV and Best Fridge Freezer and Induction hob by Trusted Review.

About Hisense

Hisense is global technology leader in manufacturing premium televisions with an impeccable track record of providing top quality products. It is known for its glorious 51 Years of Global Trust and Innovation worldwide. Striving to push the boundaries of innovation and working tirelessly on the research and development, it is one of the world’s leading television manufacturers. Hisense is a leading TV brand worldwide and is also the leading TV brand in countries like Australia, USA, Japan, Mexico and South Africa. Hisense is having footprints globally with presence in over 160+ countries having 14 manufacturing facilities located including countries like Mexico, Slovenia, Serbia, Mexico, Czech, South Africa etc. The group is committed to continuous innovation with 18 R&D hubs across the globe and invests 5% of its revenue back into R&D every year with the sole aim of delivering first-rate and affordable products that improve the lives of consumers.

Dell-Acer is attractive merger, feel analyst

The personal computer industry may be ripe for a wave of consolidation, with a marriage of Dell Inc and Acer Inc seen as a particularly smart deal, according to an influential Wall Street analyst.

"Among the 10 top PC vendors, we believe that a Dell/Acer combination makes the most sense," Sanford C. Bernstein & Co analyst Toni Sacconaghi said in a client note on Friday.

If Dell were to buy Acer for a 20 percent premium, or about $5.7 billion, it would boost Dell's annual revenue growth sharply and add 12 cents a share to annual profit, he said.

The PC industry is commoditized and remains fragmented. Consolidating could help companies score better pricing from component vendors and contract manufacturers, as well as cost savings in areas such as human resources, he said.

"We view PC vendors as analogous to retailers, where our research suggests that the largest and operationally most efficient have garnered outsized profits relative to their peers," Sacconaghi wrote in his report.

Acer has a strong share of the portable computer market outside the United States, which would provide Dell with exposure to faster growth markets, he added.

Sacconaghi said buying Acer might also be beneficial to top PC maker Hewlett-Packard Co, but not as much as it would to Dell.

"While an HP-Acer combination might provide similar scale and synergy benefits, end market complementarity would not be as high," he said.

According to research firm Gartner, Dell and Acer were in a virtual tie for second place in the first quarter in market share in the United States.

Agencies