Tata Motors Exhibits 13 Customized Trucking Solutions for the e-Commerce Industry in Bengaluru

The Indian e-Commerce industry has been on an upward growth trajectory with Bengaluru playing a vital role in fueling this growth. To meet the critical, demanding and ever-evolving requirements of the industry, Tata Motors as the leader in Commercial Vehicles, in a first ever end-to-end experiential expo for the e-Commerce Industry in Southern India, will be displaying a complete range of 13 fully built, ready to use vehicles. This wide range of ready to use fully built solutions exclusively developed for the e-Commerce Industry can meet every single application cutting across hub-to-hub-to-spoke transportation and the end-to-end delivery requirements. The e-Commerce Expo 2019 will be held at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre from 20th to 22nd February 2019,whereby Tata Motors will display some of the bestselling variants across SCV, ILCV and MHCV segments.

Tata Motors has developed these fully built ready-to-use solutions after extensively researching the exacting requirements of the e-Commerce Industry, engaging with the top e-Commerce companies and their vendors involving our own design engineers and our FBV team, by incorporating their requirements in the design and features as desired by them. 

On this occasion, Mr. Girish Wagh, President – CVBU, Tata Motors said, “Fueled by rising incomes, increasing government support, and a surge in the internet users, the Indian e-Commerce market is expected to grow to US$ 200 billion by 2026 from US$ 38.5 billion in 2017. Today, companies are also increasing their distribution centers and their fleet size to cater to the growing demands of the consumers. We believe, the e-Commerce Expo 2019 will act as a platform to address the growing demands of the transporters and e-Commerce players; and provide them with diverse range of fully-built products with customized features. Through our product offerings, we are shifting the paradigm for new age products and smart solutions.”

He further added, “To support the customers, Tata Motors has developed customized solutions under the Sampoorna Seva umbrella giving total peace of mind for the e-Commerce company and the transporter enabling them to meet their commitments to their end customers. Sampoorna Seva offers various value added services with largest service & parts network, fleet maintenance, insurance cover, loyalty programs that ensures the customer is at total comfort with Tata Motors as their preferred choice.”

For the last mile distribution, Tata Motors with its range of the bestselling Ace platform will exhibit versatility through Ace Delivery Van for e-Commerce goods, Ace Zip panel van for e-Commerce packages and Super Ace Mint XPS for heavy goods transportation. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ease and convenience of use, efficient and reliable performance with best-in-class mileage, and most cost-efficient solutions; these vehicles are known for superior design, excellent fuel economy, a longer service life and with its versatility supports the various customizations for multiple applications, enabling smarter solutions for the e-Commerce industry. The vehicles come with customized payloads and deck lengths to carry light goods like white goods to heavier loads like fruits, vegetables and auto parts. The insulated construction of the container in Super Ace Mint XPS allows for the temperature-controlled transportation of perishable goods like milk/ milk products/ fruits & vegetables/ meat, etc. In FY 2018, Tata Motors clocked a robust growth of 43.11% on a YoY basis (April-December) in the SCV Cargo and pick-up segment in South India, which holds testimony to the burgeoning demand in the e-Commerce industry.

For the hub-to-spoke transportation requirements, the company will display a range of Light and Intermediate commercial vehicles on the modern newly launched series of Ultra trucks. Led by the substantial growth of the Ultra trucks in a very short period, Tata Motors ILCV segment witnessed a volume growth by 63.8% in April to December 2018 in South India. The Ultra range of trucks are powered by the powerful, modern and high performance Turbotronn engine giving it the clear edge in terms of performance, reliability, operating economics and much more. These vehicles are fitted with the advanced features like OTP lock, CCTV cameras, Load sensors, Telematics system, etc. in line with the exacting demands of the e-Commerce Industry. These vehicles equipped with the latest advanced Safety Features, reduces the total cost of ownership, and gives best-in-class mileage along with high level of driving comfort & safety.

The exhibits will include 24 FT MS Container On Ultra 1518/53, 20 FT MS Container on Ultra 1014/45, 20 FT MS Reefer On Ultra 1014/45, 3 Side Openable - MS Container On Ultra 1518/53, 22 FT MS Container on LPT 1412/48 and 14 Ft MS Container on ULTRA T.7. The whole range will cater to the growing needs of e-Commerce, Industrial Goods, Auto Component, FMCG, Agri Products, Beverages, Pharma and White Goods industries.

Tata Motors BSIV range of MHCV vehicles have been accepted by customers across South India with the largest penetration. For the hub-to-hub transportation requirements, a complete range of fully built solutions from the portfolio of MHCV will be showcased. These vehicles built exclusively for the e-Commerce Industry are customized with special advanced features catering to the special requirements. The 24 Ft refrigerated container on LPT 1613/52 and 32 Ft Refrigerated Container on LPT 2518/68 are well equipped to cater to the growing demand of the cold chain supplies like frozen foods, ice cream, dairy products, fruits & vegetables and pharma. The 31 Ft MS Container on SIGNA 2818/68 AMT vehicle combines the unmatched benefits of a ready to use truck equipped with advanced safety, security and surveillance features (like Anti Fuel Theft, Digital Locks, Reverse Parking and In-Container cameras, Load Sensors, Door Opening sensors) and pioneering Automated Manual Transmission and Hill Start Aid delivering class leading driving delight and comfort. The 32 Ft MS Container on LPT 1618/68 Turbotronn powered by the future-ready TATA 5.0L 4 Cylinder Turbotronn engine is designed for excellent benefits on both Revenue and TCO aspects. These are suitable for transporting various goods like long haul Ecommerce shipments, Auto Parts, Tyres, Agri products, White Goods, FMCG, Parcels & Courier. All these products are geared up to help customer meet a challenging market environment through improved financial returns by reduction in total cost of ownership and also ensuring driver comfort and driving safety.

Tata Motors has worked over the last 2 years to further boost its network in South with the launch of 10 new Dealerships and now has a total number of 655 touch points across the region – covering 3S set-ups, 1S Sales set-ups, TASSes and Contained Workshops – this will ensure that there is always a Sales or Service set up closest to a customer and will ensure further volumes and MS Ramp-up.

Designed based on the feedback and suggestions received from the customers, the company has created experience centers for customers to better understand the high-end technology/design implemented in making the vehicles superior and reliable. The expo will witness presence from transporters and leading e-Commerce companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, Future Supply chain, DHL among others. 

France Outstrips US, Russia; has Largest Contingent of Companies at the Aero India 2019

France has emerged as the top country for Aero India. With representation from 43 companies, it has outstripped US and Russia at this year's event.

Aero India will beheld from February 20-24, 2019 at the Airforce Sattion, Yelahanka will seee participation of over 136 companies from 20 countries. However, this year French companies have out stripped US and Russian companies. These include Dassault Aviation, Dassault Systemes, Airbus, French Air Force and Thales. All together more than 300 exhibitors, including top global and domestic players from the defence industry, have confirmed their participation in Aero India 2019, a defence official said. Aero India 2019 will see participation of top fighter-jet manufacturers, defence equipment makers and companies related to the sector.

 All activities related to Aero India 2019 have been made online — be it booking of tickets or selection of space for stalls, the official said.

The participants can arrange business to business meetings and book conference rooms online. “With nearly 50 days to go for Aero India, we already have 308 exhibitors. They include 178 domestic and 130 foreign players. We have generated a revenue of Rs 62 crore from the bookings so far. “There will be no cheque transaction for Aero India as all payments have been made online. The arrangements correspond to the best practices in the world,” the official added.

There will also be a mobile application for Aero India 2019 show that will guide the users about the event. Tickets for “business days”, February 20, 21 and 22, will cost Rs 2,750 each. Tickets for general visitors will cost Rs 1,800. Rs 600 will be charged for air display. On-the-spot tickets will cost Rs 250 more, the official added.

BEML to Exhibit its Capabilities of Ground Support at Aero India 2019

Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), a defence public sector undertaking, plans to exhibit its capabilities of ground support civil aviation, defence and aerospace sectors at the Aero India -2019 to be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.

The company has lined up Make-in-India products especially its competence in manufacturing of Airborne Structures, Ground Support and Ground Handling Systems at the aero India being held from February 20 to 24.

A senior company official said, “BEML will be exhibiting its capabilities to support growth of India’s Aviation, Defence and Aerospace sectors, particularly through Make-in-India initiative.”

BEML will be also be displaying its missile aggregates for Akash and Quick Response Surface-to-Air-Missile (QRSAM) along with ISRO Motor, Bomb Pallets and Aviation Hoses, which are critical components for the aviation sector.

The defence public sector is shaping its vision to reach new frontiers and in association with original equipment manufactures (OEMs) and is aiming to be a significant player in the global aerospace industry.

Despite Shrinking of Global Mobile Players, Indian Mobile Phones Poised to Grow in India in 2019

Xiaomi, Apple and other brands are also prioritising India as other smartphone markets around the world are shrinking.

The size of smartphone markets around the world is shrinking and India seems to be only market poised to grow. Global brands like Samsung and Xiaomi are looking to make the most out of the potential market in India, which is at this point the world’s second largest in the world.

Xiaomi and Samsung have been battling it out for market share in India with Xiaomi winning most of 2018. But the South Korean smartphone brand has plans of changing that conversation with the launch of their ‘M-series’ phones which will only be available for sale in India.

This isn’t the first smartphone brand focus on India in 2019. From wars of megapixels, to launching device on device, and specialising their phones companies have already shown increasing interest in enticing the Indian consumer who is more prudent than in many other countries.

The sale of the M-Series phones will be limited to being online, either through the official Samsung portal or via Amazon. According to Asim Warsi, the global vice president at Samsung India, the India-first phones will be priced between ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 and in exchange, the phones will have chunkier batteries but they’ll be equipped with features like quick charging.

Fight for the brands, win for the consumer

Just being ‘cheaper’ won’t be good enough because offering ‘value-for-money’ works better in the Indian market as proven by Xiaomi’s success with its budget brand Redmi and OnePlus’ domination of the premium smartphone segment.

Apple, known globally for its iPhones but yet to find its footing in India, is the exception to the rule. It’s finally going down the ‘Make-in-India’ path by announcing that it will be assembling its ‘high-end’ devices locally.

But, all the other players will be in direct competition with each other and that will inevitably drag prices down.

Xiaomi is looking to strengthen its stronghold in India by separating Redmi as a sub-brand. The logic being that POCO — another sub-brand under Xiaomi — will focus on ‘affordable flagships’ and Redmi will focus on the ‘budget’ smartphones.

In contrast, Samsung asserts that it isn’t taking the ‘one portfolio’ approach with India. Warsi told the media, “We are here to serve all consumers — from flagship premium and luxury to mid-range, affordable and popular smartphone segments. Being a full-range player, we have a full deployment and infrastructure in place in the country.”

Whichever strategy wins, the final beneficiary will be the Indian consumer who is likely to get smartphones cheaper than ever before. 

PM Modi Inaugurates L&T’s Defence Manufacturing Unit in Surat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s first armored system complex (ASC) built by a private company at Hazira in Surat last month.

The private firm, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), started manufacturing the K9 Vajra Self Propelled Howitzer guns at the complex after it won the Rs 4,500-crore contract from the Ministry of Defence two years ago to supply 100 units of K9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled gun systems to the Indian Army under the Centre’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

“I congratulate the entire team of Larsen & Toubro for building the state-of-the-art K-9 Vajra Self Propelled Howitzer. This is a significant contribution towards India’s defence sector and protecting the country… Boosting ‘Make in India’ in the defence sector is our endeavour. I am glad that the private sector too is supporting this pursuit and making a valuable contribution,” the Prime Minister tweeted after the inauguration. He, however, did not address people at the inauguration.

Modi also shared a short video on his Twitter handle of himself seated in a tank. “Checking out the tanks at L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira,” he wrote.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and A M Naik, Minister of Defence Acquisition of the Republic of Korea Wang Jung Hong and L&T Group Chairman A M Naik were present on the occasion.

L&T, which has signed a transfer of technology contract for guns with South Korean company Hanwha Corporation, set up the facility to manufacture and integrate advanced armoured platforms, such as self-propelled artillery Howitzers, future infantry combat vehicles, future-ready combat vehicles and future main battle tanks. Last August, the company handed over 10 units of K9 Vajra-T Howitzer guns to the Army.

Manipal Hospitals Becomes the First Hospital in Karnataka to Host the Prestigious MRCP PACES Examination

Manipal Hospitals Bangalore was the first hospital in Karnataka to host the prestigious MRCP (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills - PACES) exam in collaboration with Royal College of Physicians Federation, United Kingdom. Manipal Hospitals has been successfully conducting this examination since 2014 and is a permanent examination centre. Exams are held twice a year. In the present diet, the examination is being conducted on 14th, 15th & 16th February 2019.

The examination is conducted under strict vigilance as per the guidelines laid down by the Federation of the Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom. There are 5 stations through which the candidates will have to go through where the candidates are assessed for clinical skills, history taking & communication. There are 10 examiners for each cycle (5 from UK & 5 from India). Manipal Hospital, Bangalore has 7 active examiners for MRCP PACES.

Manipal Hospitals is proud and privileged to be the center for MRCP PACES in India. This would not only benefit the students across Karnataka & India but also from people all over from the neighbouring countries. Each session has 45 students (15 students per day). In the current session, in addition to candidates from India, there are candidates from neighbouring countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE, Iraq & Afghanistan.

Dr. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman Manipal Hospitals – “Manipal hospital Bangalore is very proud to host the MRCP exams along with the Royal College of Physicians (UK) since 2014. This is a very prestigious exam that not only evaluates the students clinical expertise but also looks at patient safety issues and soft skills including communication which is needed for a doctor to be a complete consultant .It is also a great path for young doctors to get a valuable Post Graduate degree which is in severe short supply in our country .”

Quote from Dr. Michael Rudolf, Chair of UK Examiners - The MRCP exam is an important post graduate qualification which is well recognized around the world. The examination is held at many centres and the fact that it is held at Manipal hospital in Bengaluru makes it much easier for many candidates from India & South East Asia to take the examinations. The organization of the exam an Manipal Hospitals is superb and the criteria for passing are identical to all of the other centres within the United Kingdom. All of the staff at Manipal Hospital are to be congratulated on ensuring that this important examination can take place in Bengaluru.

Names of the UK examiners
·         Michael Rudolf
·         Parthipan Kantha Pillai
·         Eric Livingston
·         > Thikra    Al-Wattar
·         Ravindra Kumar Kedia

Three Day TTF Travel Show Kickks Off at Tripuravasini, Bengaluru

TTF, the biggest travel show network in India since the last 30 years is all set for city's travel trade and tourists to meet exhibitors from all over India and abroad, at Bengaluru's Palace Ground. Travel businesses across India and abroad will connect under one roof at TTF Bengaluru for a face to face interaction at Palace Grounds, Tripuravasini.

Exhibitors from 9 countries and 18 Indian states and union territories will be exhibiting in the TTF this year.

Thousands of trade buyers and travellers are expected to visit the show.

The three-day event is supported by Ministry of Tourism, State Tourism Boards, National Tourist Organisations, private suppliers as well as trade associations. Nepal has come onboard as the Partner Country while Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh are exhibiting as Partner States at TTF Bengaluru, besides the colourful presence of Host State, Karnataka.

The domestic and international sellers exhibit enthusiastically at TTF as the most effective platform for marketing and promotion of travel and tourism. The State Tourism Boards with largest participation are Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.

Other Indian states and union territories such as Delhi, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are being represented by travel suppliers at the show.

The National Tourist Organisations of India and Nepal are participating at TTF Bengaluru while other countries such as Bhutan, Greece, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand and United Kingdom are being represented by Destination Management Companies (DMCs), travel operators and hotel brands.

Swiss Tours / Tour Fox, Raviz Hotel, Yeti Airlines, Nafex Bureau Private Limited, Trip to Temples, Club 69 Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort, Morickap Resort, Best Western Maryland/Radisson Chandigarh, Big Breaks, Spiceland Holidays & Entertainments, Quality Holidays and Cars, Journey To Ladakh, Neem Holidays, Bikat Adventures, World Tours and several other notable participants are present at TTF Bengaluru.

MakeMyTrip has one of the largest pavilions at the TTF.

On the first day of the event, the winners of India's Top 100 Travel Producers Award 2019 from Bengaluru will be felicitated.

Day 1 of the show will have reserved entry for travel trade visitors from 11 AM till 2 PM. From 16th, TTF Bengaluru will open for all.

Entry to the show is free and visitors get a chance to win free gifts and prizes.

TTF Bengaluru is supported by Incredible India, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), South India Global Tour Operators Association (SIGTOA), The Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Indian Association of Tour Operators’ (IATO), IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI), SKAL International and Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA). Travel News Digest is the Official Publication of the event.

TTF Bengaluru was preceded by the summer editions of Ahmedabad and Chennai, earlier this month. Kolkata will be the next stop.