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.

The Agile Achiever: The All-New BMW S 1000 XR Now in Indian Market

Features

* The all-new BMW S 1000 XR.

* Enhanced Touring Capabilities - The lightest bike in its class. 

* Powerful and Agile - New 999 cc four cylinder in-line engine 

* Dynamic and sporty design with optimised ergonomics.

* Extensive standard equipment – All-LED Lighting, Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro, TFT display and connectivity. 

* Wide array of retrofit options for enhanced safety, comfort, storage, maintenance, riding gear, navigation and communication.

* Enhanced riding experience and comfort with unmatched safety. 

‘XR’ stands for an uncompromising mix of sportiness and touring capability. The all-new BMW S 1000 XR’s thrilling design reflects pure performance and the promise of long-distance travelling comfort with a riding position that is impressively active yet relaxed. The front fairing and lighting system are defined by sharp edges. Combined with striking beading the overall line is shaped aggressively and consistently to the finish. The visually short tail is also reminiscent of a sport bike. The revised aerodynamics, fairing, comfortable handlebars along with long-distant seating position ensure great riding fun miles after miles. The adjustable windshield provides even better protection against the cold, driving noises and the elements allowing the rider to keep your eyes on the road. All lighting units such as the main headlamp, tail light, indicator lights and instrument cluster uses the latest LED technology. The new LED headlamp not only gives the all-new BMW S 1000 XR a highly dynamic look, it also lights up the road even more effectively than before. The integrated parking lights enhance the bike's unmistakable appearance.

The newly developed 999 cc in-line 4-cylinder engine is based on the BMW S 1000 RR engine and delivers an output of 165 hp at 11,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm. The engine speed range is broader and harmonious to enhance ridability. The 4th, 5th and 6th gears now have longer ratios, low noise level, lower fuel consumption and lower engine rpm at cruising speeds. The motorcycle sprints from 0-100 km/hr in just 3.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 200 km/hr.

The new suspension system has been completely engineered to enhance riding dynamics and riding fun as compared to the predecessor model. The key factor is the optimum interplay between the frame design and the engine as a load-bearing element. The new double-sided swinging arm offers a particularly sensitive response thanks to its direct linkage. The suspension geometry further increase agility, feedback and enhance the mechanical grip of the rear wheel.

The all-new BMW S 1000 XR has four standard riding modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. The ‘Dynamic Pro’ mode is fully configurable and offers riders a wide range of setting options to suit their riding style.  The throttle response, engine brake, ABS control and traction control, wheelie control (including the new ‘Power Wheelie’ setting) can be configured separately for the first time. While the part integral BMW Motorrad ABS systems already provide a very high degree of performance and safety when braking in a straight line, ABS Pro now takes this a step further to offer increased safety when braking in banking position as well.

The adventure tourer features the latest generation of BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as standard. Thanks to the latest valve technology, the versatile adventure sports bike provides a particularly dynamic riding experience with a high level of ride comfort. For the first time in the BMW S 1000 XR, the dynamic brake assistant DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) also supports the rider during braking manoeuvres.

Further, MSR (Motorschleppmomentregelung) or dynamic engine break control electronically prevents the locking, slippage or hopping of the rear wheel that can result when the throttle is snapped shut or the during rider downshifts. MSR maximizes stability and safety of the BMW S 1000 XR by detecting rear wheel hopping in time and instantaneously equalize drag torque by opening the throttle valves. The anti-hopping clutch in combination with MSR offers best protection against engine braking torque influences and against dropping the bike. 

The best-in-class 6.5- inch colour TFT screen instrument cluster along with BMW Motorrad connectivity offers unmatched display and access to information. In addition, the BMW Motorrad Connected App offers handy arrow based navigation suitable for day-to-day use directly on TFT screen. The multi-controller on the left hand handlebar panel enables quick, safe and convenient screen operation. 

A wide range of retrofit equipment and gear options are available to further enhance the riding experience with a range of storage bags, backpacks, rider gear, navigation and communication. Customers can augment their bike with safety accessories suchas radiator grille, hand protector, brake disk lock with antitheft alarm and protective glass for TFT screen. Quick maintenance at home or while touring is made easy with assembly stand, multifunctional tool kit, tyre pressure travel pack, breakdown assistance kit for tubeless tyres and compact foot pump. 

Garware Technical Fibres Consolidated Net Profit Rises by 12% in FY20

Garware Technical Fibres Ltd. (Formerly Garware-Wall Ropes Ltd.), a leading manufacturer of technical textiles for the Indian and global markets, has announced its financial results for the quarter and twelve months ended 31st March 2020. 

Q4 FY20 Highlights:

* Consolidated Revenue reduced by 13% to INR 253 Cr in Q4 FY20 as compared to INR 290 Cr in Q4 FY19

* Consolidated Net Profit has decreased by 2.5% to INR 36 Cr in the quarter as against INR 37 Cr in the corresponding period of FY19

* Consolidated EPS for Q4 FY20 is at INR 16.32; this is a decline of 2.5% over Q4 FY19

* Standalone Revenue reduced by 16% to INR 244 Cr in Q4 FY20 as against INR 290 Cr in Q4 FY19

* Standalone Net Profit has increased by 100% to INR 73 Cr in the quarter as against INR 37 Cr in the corresponding period of FY19

* Standalone EPS for Q4 FY20 is at INR 33.45; this is a rise of  100% over Q4 FY19

FY20 Highlights:

* Consolidated Revenue reduced by 6% to INR 953 Cr in FY20 as compared to INR 1018 Cr in FY19

* Consolidated Net Profit has increased by 12% to INR 141 Cr as against INR 126 Cr in FY19

* Consolidated EPS for FY20 is at INR 64.22; this is an increase of 12% over FY19

* Standalone Revenue reduced by 7% to INR 945 Cr in FY20 as compared to INR 1018 Cr in FY19

* Standalone Net Profit has increased by 42% to INR 178 Cr in FY20 as against INR 126 Cr in FY19

* Standalone EPS for FY20 is at INR 81.35; this is a rise of  42% over FY19

Management Comments:

Stating his views on the results, Mr. Vayu Garware, CMD, Garware Technical Fibres Ltd. said, “The topline and profit performance for the fourth quarter was subdued due to the impact of the lockdown on account of the coronavirus. Particularly, dispatches of our international sales were significantly impacted despite having a strong order book. Domestic sales from depots around the country could also not take place as planned. While the current Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose significant challenges in the first quarter of this year, since approximately 60% of our business caters to end users who are in food related industries, we are hopeful of a reasonable recovery in the second half of the year subject to any unforeseen issues.”

About Garware Technical Fibres Ltd. (Formerly Garware-Wall Ropes Ltd.): (BSE: 509557 / NSE: GARFIBRES)

Garware Technical Fibres Ltd. (formerly Garware-Wall Ropes Ltd.), an ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 9001:2015 certified company is a leading player in Technical Textiles specializing in providing customized solutions to its customers worldwide. Globally, the company is known for its applied innovation in the field of sports, fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, agriculture, coated fabrics and geo-synthetics. The company’s products are manufactured in state-of-art facilities at Wai and Pune and marketed in more than 75 countries.

Hero Motocorp Revs Up Its Premium Ride With the Dispatch Commencement of the XTREME 160R

Features

* CLASS-LEADING ACCELERATION - 0-60 KM/H IN ONLY 4.7 SECONDS

* FIRST-IN-SEGMENT FEATURES – ALL-LED LIGHTS PACKAGE AND SIDE-STAND ENGINE CUT-OFF

Building on its focused strategy of creating a robust portfolio of premium products, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has commenced the dispatches of its eagerly-awaited new motorcycle – the Hero Xtreme 160R.

Adding a striking and powerful new chapter to the popular premium brand Xtreme, the Xtreme 160R further strengthens Hero MotoCorp’s presence in the premium motorcycle segment. With its successful XPulse and Xtreme motorcycle brands, the Company is geared-up to make a compelling appeal to youth across the globe.

Unveiled at the Hero World 2020 event, which was hosted at the Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in the northern Indian city of Jaipur in February this year, the Xtreme 160R is inspired by the bold 1.R concept showcased at the International automotive show EICMA in 2019. The motorcycle offers an unparalleled mix of performance, sportiness and features, while boasting a muscular stance with an optimum mix of comfort and control.

The new Xtreme 160R will be available at Hero MotoCorp showrooms across the country at an attractive price point of Rs. 99,950/-* (Front Disc with Single Channel ABS) and Rs. 1,03,500* (Double Disc with Single Channel ABS).

*(both prices ex-showroom Delhi)

Malo Le Masson, Head of Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said “The Hero Xtreme 160R is a real Head-turner, cat like agility with power to weight ratio of a street racer, and tech-loaded with segment first features like the all LED package. This modern street fighter is targeting to win the urban race. With this latest model, we are now offering a compelling and competitive line-up of premium motorcycles, from Street Naked to Sport with the Xtreme 200S, from Adventure with XPulse 200 to casual Touring with the XPulse 200T.”

Naveen Chauhan, Head – Sales, After Sales & Parts, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Ever since the Xtreme 160R was showcased at the Hero World 2020 event, we have been getting a very high number of requests for its commercial launch. The initial response for the motorcycle has been very positive and we already have inquiries to match the dispatches. We are confident that the Xtreme 160R will help us in scaling-up our presence in the segment.”

The commercial launch of the Xtreme 160R will be accompanied by a 360* media campaign with the tagline – Heads will Turn, Hearts will Race! The campaign will focus on new-age digital platforms to engage with youth and build on the premium quotient of the brand.  

The Xtreme 160R has been designed and developed completely in-house at the Company’s R&D hub - the Center of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in the northern Indian city of Jaipur, Rajasthan.

HERO XTREME 160R

Class Leading Acceleration

Setting the bar for sportiness and real-world performance, the new Xtreme 160R comes with a 160cc air-cooled BS-VI Compliant engine that is powered by the XSens technology and advanced Programmed-Fuel-Injection. The Engine delivers an impressive power output of 15 BHP @ 8500 RPM. Joining the fast lane with a class leading acceleration - 0-60 km/h in 4.7 seconds - the motorcycle has one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class, thanks to the low kerb-weight of 138.5kg.

Exceptional Handling

The new Xtreme 160R enjoys a commanding riding position with ergonomics engineered for the streets. The lightweight rigid diamond frame setup offers exceptional handling in the streets, while making it a corner happy machine at the same time.

The 37mm Telescopic Front Forks and a 7-step adjustable Rear Mono-shock Suspension setup is tuned for urban agility, providing precise handling and a smooth ride. Brakes with 276mm Front petal disc and 220mm Rear petal disc ensure that the rider is always in full control and confident of the stopping power. The 165mm ground clearance ensures the ride is hurdle free.

First-in-Segment Features

The new Xtreme 160R is paired with a first-in-segment all LED package, from a sculpted full LED headlamp with LED DRLs in front, to LED indicators with hazard switch and down to the rear H signature LED tail lamp. The inverted fully digital LCD display together with the first-in-segment side-stand engine cut off ensure the motorcycle is both technologically advanced and safe.

The head turner is available in two variants - Front Disc with Single Channel ABS and Double Disc (Front and Rear) with Single Channel ABS and three vibrant color combinations of Pearl Silver White, Vibrant Blue, Sports Red.

Lava Pledges to Contribute Rs. 40 Lacs for LAC Martyrs’ Families

Indian Mobile handset brand, Lava International Limited, has pledged to contribute Rs.40 lacs to the families of brave martyrs of LAC. This contribution will be made for the welfare of the bereaved families of soldiers who lost their lives protecting our country during a faceoff with the Chinese soldiers at Galwan valley recently. Lava plans to raise this amount through its July month’s sales. 

As per media reports, 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives on the night of 15th/16th June at Galwan district in Ladakh in a brutal skirmish at the Line of Actual Control. Lava intends to contribute Rs. 2 lacs for each of these 20 families. The contribution will be made to the Army Battle Casualties Welfare Fund at South Block, New Delhi.

Sunil Raina, President & Business Head, Lava international said- “As an Indian brand, we salute the Patriotism of our brave soldiers who fought hard at the LAC and gave their lives protecting our Motherland. As a nation, it is our collective responsibility to stand united against any threat to our nation and do our bit for the country. Being an Indian Brand, we salute the valour of our soldiers and this small contribution is our humble gratitude to the supreme sacrifice our soldiers make at the battlefield.” 

The contribution will be raised from Lava’s July sales, so every time you buy a Lava phone, you have a chance to contribute to India’s Brave martyrs. 

Lava International Limited is a leading Indian Mobile Handset Company with operations in 20+ countries. Right from its inception Lava has been at the forefront of building a strong ecosystem of design and manufacturing of mobile handsets. In line with Govt. of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, Lava has taken a lead in support of this important nation building program and has set up a design team in India, becoming the first brand to do so in the country. With this ‘Design in India’ initiative Lava is now the only Mobile handset company that makes truly ‘Made In India’ phones with complete control on design and manufacturing within India.

Vestige Launches ASSURE Night Care Gel Crème for Youthful Healthy Skin in Indian Market

Healthy Skin 

* Non-greasy and fast-absorbing formulation ensures complete skin care overnight

* It has anti-ageing properties. It hydrates and nourishes the skin, making it healthy and youthful

* Enriched with natural ingredients like Roseroot extract, Sicilian Sumac extract, Vitamin E and Shea butter

Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading direct selling companies and the manufacturer of hygiene, health and wellness products, expands its personal care portfolio with the launch of the ASSURE Night Care Gel Crème. Created from natural ingredients such as Roseroot and Sicilian Sumac extracts along with Shea tree butter, this Vitamin E enriched ASSURE Night Care Gel Crème gives one a healthy skin.

The ASSURE Night Care Gel Crème hydrates and nourishes the skin, while its anti-ageing properties provide a youthful and healthy look. It also helps maintain the skin’s natural elasticity, firmness and texture. It is an addition to Vestige’s growing portfolio of moisturisers, creams, masks and cleansers in the beauty and skincare segment.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Gautam Bali, MD, Vestige Marketing Pvt Ltd said, “We are delighted to share that we are expanding our portfolio of skincare and beauty products, which is one of the fastest growing segments. ASSURE Night Care Gel Crème is a unique product with natural ingredients. It provides non-invasive skin care. In today’s busy life, people tend to ignore skin care. With dust and other pollutants, the skin takes all the brunt. A quality night cream can help enhance the skin’s health as it accelerates tissue repair and promotes cell renewal during sleep.”

The ASSURE Night Care Gel Crème is suitable for all weather conditions as it enhances the skin’s natural properties. It uses a fast-absorbing and non-greasy formulation that ensures complete overnight care of the skin and makes you ready for your morning mirror assessment.

The ASSURE Night Care Gel Crème works at various levels:

1.      Promotes skin cell rejuvenation and gene activity of antioxidant enzymes in the skin

2.      Protects against skin cell damage and skin eruptions due to its anti-inflammatory properties

3.      Preserves the youthfulness of the skin owing to rapidly renewing collagen and reduction in the appearance of fine lines; works as an anti-ageing solution as well.

ASSURE Night Care Gel Crème comes in a 60 gram pack and is priced at MRP ₹315.00, inclusive of all taxes.

Are layoffs raising? Reports say 9,000 job vanishing each day

More and more people are becoming unemployed this year, with nearly 9,000 jobs vanishing worldwide on an average each day in January.

As the financial turmoil continues to rattle world economies, layoffs so far this year have crossed the 2,77,000 -mark with a stunning 80,000 job cuts announced January 26.

Right from electronics to telecom to pharma sectors, about 9,000 jobs were lost on an average every day this month.

Among the entities, construction machinery manufacturer Caterpillar, Japanese electronics major NEC and pharma giant Pfizer have announced over 20,000 job cuts each.

Dutch entities - electronics firm Philips and financial services company ING - together would be axing 13,000 jobs in the coming months.

Caterpillar, Pfizer, telecom firm Sprint Nextel Corp and home improvement retailer Home Depot together accounted for 61,000 lay-off announcements on January 26. The total job cuts announced on that day worldwide had crossed 80,000.

The bankruptcy of American electronics retailer Circuit City is expected to affect 30,000 employees whereas aluminium manufacturer Alcoa would be laying off 13,500 people.

Further, Indian conglomerate Tatas-owned UK steel maker Corus would be reducing its workforce by 3,500.

Other entities which unveiled plans to bring down headcount in January include TDK (8,000), BHP Billiton (6,000), Ericsson (5,000), Corning (4,900), Motorola (4,000), Texas Instruments (3,400), Honda (3,100), Kodak (3,000), Ford Motor (1,200) and Harley-Davidson (1,100).

Companies worldwide are bringing down their workforce as they explore ways to battle the dire economic situation. With consumer and business spending being crimped, many of the developed nations have already entered into recession.

Agencies