Tata Motors Commences Production Of New Safari From Its Pune Plant

*  Rolls out the first Safari from the Pune plant

• Reveals the first official look of the new Safari

• Launches AR suite Imaginator for a holistic virtual experience

Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive brand, today formally unveiled the new avatar of the iconic Tata Safari, which is a potent combination of power and elegant sophistication. In a flag-off ceremony held today, the first Safari in its full glory rolled out of the line from the plant in Pune. While the Safari makes its way to the showrooms, leveraging the power of digital, Tata Motors has also launched the Tata Safari Imaginator suite, power packed with interactive features using Augmented Reality (AR), for customers to explore the Safari virtually at their preferred location including their living room!  

The award winning Impact 2.0 design language of the new Safari readily tells its all-purpose nature. The Safari’s unique and domineering stance has been enhanced in the new avatar and key areas like the elegant grille, the unmistakable stepped roof and the imposing tailgate have been given ultra - premium finishes. Sculpted impeccably with an uncompromised strong stance, imposing wheel arches and a careful accenting of chrome gives the new Safari a jewel-like appearance. The interior of the Safari takes the premium element even higher, with the rich Oyster White interior theme, paired with Ash Wood dashboard. It is specially designed and developed for the socially active, fun loving customer group, who seek unique experiences and adventure.

Unveiling the first official look of the new Tata Safari, Mr. Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors said, “The Safari is our flagship offering to connect the aspirations of the discerning and evolved Indian customer. It had introduced India to the SUV lifestyle and in its new avatar, will carry forward this rich idea to build further its legacy. The new Tata Safari is ideal for families and groups with a multifaceted lifestyle, who prefer to drive together for work or leisure, as it offers an unmatchable combo of an exceptionally strong lineage, robust build quality, premium finishes and the 4Ps of Power, Performance, Presence and Prestige to ‘Reclaim Your Life’. We look forward to making the Safari rule the Indian roads once again.”

The new Safari has evolved to satisfy the new age SUV customers, who demand arresting design, unparalleled versatility, plush and comfortable interiors, outstanding performance for a modern, multifaceted lifestyle. Customers can now get close with the new Safari by remotely accessing the Tata Safari Imaginator suite.  Simply by using their handsets, they can take a walk around the new Safari or choose to step inside it for a fully immersive experience, in their preferred environment for a real-life like feel. Click here (https://cars.tatamotors.com/suv/safari/ar) to experience the new Tata Safari!

The new Safari proportions are imposing, accentuated by wide, large wheels, with tremendous road presence and powered with a graceful agility. The smart and expressive surface treatment brings in a surreal dynamism, making the Safari seem like it is moving even while standing still. The iconic stepped roof, held between the equally well regarded roof-rails have been re-imagined making them immensely stylish and yet functional.  

The interiors of the new Safari too have been crafted with exquisite deft to convey a classy, comfortable feel via diligently curated choice of features, superior ‘In-touch’ interfaces and the intriguing addition of superlative details. All materials used convey the touch, feel and colour of luxury anchored in authenticity, giving the SUV its deserving plush feel. The new Safari carry forwards the legend’s much lauded for aspect of space and cossetting occupants with high driving and sitting positions that make them always feel in command. With purposeful aesthetics, the surface language of the new Safari continues to remain clean, uncluttered and benefits from the addition of a unique design element - the signature Tri-arrow motifs.  

The new Safari further builds on the legacy of prestige and outstanding performance by combining Tata Motors’ Impact 2.0 design language with the proven capability of OMEGARC, an architecture derived from the renowned D8 platform from Land Rover, which in itself is the gold standard of SUVs worldwide. This adaptive architecture allows for further drive train enhancements including all-wheel drive and possibilities of electrification in future.

Tata Motors will open bookings of the Safari soon.

Jaguar Land Rover Adds New Retailer Partner In Brookfield, Bengaluru

* Jaguar Land Rover India has appointed Shakti Auto Cars as its new Retailer Partner

* New state-of-the-art 3S (Sales, Service and Spare parts) Retailer facility in prime Brookfield area of Bengaluru is spread over a total area of over 4 180 m2 with an expansive showroom display and a fully equipped service workshop

* This additional JLR facility in Bangalore would provide enhanced access to customers    

* Jaguar Land Rover India distribution network is spread across 28 outlets in 24 major cities across India

Jaguar Land Rover India today announced the appointment of Shakti Auto Cars as its new Retailer Partner in Bengaluru, with Venkatesh Tatuskar as its Director. The new, state-of-the-art 3S facility is located in the upscale Brookfield area of Bengaluru, close to the major IT hub of Whitefield area.

This Retailer facility is spread over 4 180 m2 and is designed to provide the highest quality of sales and after-sales experience for its customers. With a 10 cars display, a wide range of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles can be showcased to discerning customers. An impressive handover bay for delivering vehicles at the showroom allows for a more personalized customer experience. The facility also has an Approved pre-owned car area to cater to the needs of pre-owned customers, while also showcasing a wide range of Jaguar Land Rover branded accessories and merchandise. An integrated service workshop, equipped with 18 service bays with state-of-the-art equipment is manned by a team of highly trained staff to delight customers with an exceptional ownership experience. 

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd (JLRIL), said: “We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with Shakti Auto Cars to service our customers in Bengaluru. With its ultra-modern sales facility, housing sales, service and spares, it provides our customers with an enhanced access and convenience, along with a world class experience of owning a Jaguar Land Rover product in this region.”

Customers can even book their cars by visiting the online booking platform at www.findmeacar.in for Jaguar and www.findmeasuv.in for Land Rover.

For more information on Jaguar and Land Rover product range in India, please visit www.jaguar.in and www.landrover.in

Jaguar Product Portfolio in India

The Jaguar range in India includes XE (starting at ₹ 46.64 Lakh), XF (priced at ₹ 55.67 Lakh), F-PACE (priced at ₹ 66.07 Lakh) and F-TYPE (starting at ₹ 95.12 Lakh). All prices mentioned are ex-showroom prices in India.

Land Rover Product Portfolio in India

The Land Rover range in India includes the Range Rover Evoque (starting at ₹ 59.73 Lakh),  Discovery Sport (starting at ₹ 60.99 Lakh), Range Rover Velar (priced at ₹ 75.28 Lakh),  Discovery (starting at ₹ 75.60 Lakh), New Defender (starting at ₹ 73.98 Lakh) Range Rover Sport (starting at ₹ 89.13 Lakh) and Range Rover (starting at ₹ 201.93 Lakh). All prices mentioned are ex-showroom prices in India.

Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Network in India

Jaguar Land Rover vehicles are available in India in 24 cities, through 28 authorized outlets in Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bengaluru (3), Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi (2), Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kochi, Karnal, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Mumbai (2), Noida, Pune, Raipur, Surat and Vijayawada.

WFH Culture And Demand For Bigger Homes Drive Popular Trend In Bengaluru - Reveals Magicbricks PropIndex Report Q4

* Real estate market in Bengaluru showed QoQ growth in Q4

* Demand for 3bhks triggered post the lockdown

Post witnessing stunted growth ascribed to a stressed environment due to COVID induced lockdown, the real estate market in Bengaluru is gradually returning to pre-COVID levels primarily driven by growth in demand for bigger homes due to the rise in Work-From-Home (WFH) culture, shows Magicbricks PropIndex report Q4.

As a result of the “Work from Home” culture, consumers were increasingly looking for additional space which resulted in increased demand for 3BHK configuration. The demand has increased from 45% in Q3 2020 to 52% in Q4 2020. The propensity of demand was concentrated mostly in North and South Bengaluru localities such as Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, and Bellary Road which ranked continuously high in terms of searches.

According to PropIndex, in Q4 2020, Bengaluru's residential market continued to show 3.2% QoQ growth in demand, represented by property searches. Supply has also improved by 10.4% QoQ with launch of new projects and improved listings in the secondary market.

It is interesting to note that after price decline in the previous two quarters, due to the festive discount by builders, waiver on stamp duty, and deferred payment plans, under-construction (UC) properties finally showed a marginal 0.4% growth in Q4 2020, while Ready-to-move (RTM) properties in recorded price decline of 0.7% QoQ. According to Magicbricks data, price decline was witnessed in most areas such as Horamavu, Anjanapura, Ramamurthy Nagar, and Attibele within a <INR 5000 per sqft range, suggesting a decline for properties in peripheral areas with less social amenities.

Commenting on the PropIndex report, Sudhir Pai, CEO, Magicbricks, said, “With uncertainties around the economy and jobs now stabilising, we are witnessing signs of growth in the real estate sector as well.  The economy has also stopped shrinking since October 2020 and now we are seeing a V-shaped recovery in the real estate sector. There are predictions of net positive GDP growth for the ‘Oct-Dec 2020’ quarter at 0.1% and rebound growth at 10% for FY 2021-22, making it surpass pre-COVID levels. With impetus from the government in the form of stamp duty cuts in some states and first-home buyer incentives, buyer demand is expected to stay at elevated levels in 2021.”

It was also noteworthy that more consumers were preferring to shift in costlier segments. The search trends of Q4 2020 in Bengaluru has shown an increased preference for properties in the higher price range. The demand for greater than INR7,000 per sqft held a market share of 32% in Q4 2020 as against 27% in Q3 2020.

About Magicbricks: India's no 1 property site

Magicbricks is India’s No.1 property site. With monthly traffic exceeding 20 million visits and with an active base of over 1.4 million+ property listings, Magicbricks provides the largest platform for buyers and sellers of property to connect with each other in a clear, transparent manner. With this in mind, Magicbricks has innovated several product features, content, and research services, which have helped us build the largest audience pool.

Challenges: Do I Need To Repeat The Mistake My Senior Friend Made?

By Awkash Agrawal, Engineering Leader - Product and Platform Engineering, Altimetrik 

Journey of a new bee in corporate

Too many questions but answers were elusive, thus I came up with the strategy of Curiosity, Calibre and Courage. Here order is important and so is the role of mentor or senior friend. Let’s turn towards the organization setting now where a fresher joins a team, he was given a red carpet treatment and welcomed in the team with zeal. Second day in office he was given a software production problem to solve. This guy doesn't know what to do and where to start. He will be fearful about production for his life now. Second scenario, a senior friend of his is assigned this production problem and this guy sitting next to him, just curiously watching all the Greps, Traceroutes and Splunk queries senior friend is firing. He ended his day with his eyes opened but still curious in his mind that one day he will also do this on his own. That is where Curiosity comes into play where you generate enough that person feels intrigue.

After 3 weeks in the system this senior friend turns the table and asks this sophomore (borrowed term) to solve the production problem for himself. This new guy again finds himself in no man's land. Oh my god I have just seen the queries being run and that too at lightning pace, how can I deal with such a big ask from me. The initial approach of this senior friend is flawed because he has not allowed this junior to harden his capabilities and give shock therapy to gauge his calibre. Better be is to have a junior being delegated some queries to run from the second day of his job and let him/her strengthen his capability.

After 6 weeks in the system one fine day this senior friend made a call to this graduate (Borrowed term) saying he is not well today, can you look at this ticket number assigned to me. Oh gosh, another blooper, this guy again caught on the wrong foot. Where to look for the ticket to contact this details, do I have enough info about the ecosystem because till now he was doing all this for me. One more time senior friend has not played his role to a satisfactory level. Better be he should be making his junior courageous in front of him and not on the day when he was not available. He/she should have asked this guy to handle the production tickets from 5th week itself so that he is having enough info and courage under his belt to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion keep things in check with balancing 3 Cs to ensure a frictionless pull the plug journey. Too early you will have possible chances of breaking the individual, too late will put one's learning ability and risk taking capability at stake. In the end change should be continuous and not shock therapy based.

Wipro Dec’20 Quarter Results – Strong Broad Based Growth Performance; Margin Surprises Positively

 

Result Summary

·         Wipro reported revenues of US$ 2.1bn, up 3.9%/-1.1% QoQ/YoY (CC 3.4%/-2% QoQ/YoY), in line with our expectations of $ 2.05bn. (TCS Q3FY21 revenues was US$ 5.7bn, 4.1% CC QoQ).

·         Overall EBITM expanded 280bps QoQ at 21.6% and came ahead of our expectations. (TCS Adj. EBITM expanded 40bps QoQ to 26.6%).

·         IT Services EBITM expanded 243bps QoQ on back of revenue acceleration, offshoring (52.7% of revenue vs 50.4% QoQ), and operating efficiencies.

·         Adj. Profits at Rs29.7bn (+20.3% QoQ, 21% YoY), 15% ahead of our expectations.

·         The company announced an interim dividend of Rs1 per share.

·         Company guided Q4 growth to be in the range of 1.5% - 3.5% QoQ to $2,102mn to $2,143mn

·         It signed 12 deals with TCV >US$30mn during Q3 with combined TCV of US$1.2bn

Growth by Verticals (all in constant currency terms)

·         Financial Services:  -2.5%YoY ( V/s -3.3% YoY in Sep’20 quarter)

·         Manufacturing: -2.4%YoY ( V/s -1.5% YoY in Sep’20 quarter)

·         Healthcare: 3.7%YoY( V/s 2.3% YoY in Sep’20 quarter)

·         Communications: -11.4%YoY ( V/s -10.3% YoY in Sep’20 quarter)

·         Energy: -2.6% YoY ( V/s -5.4% YoY in Sep’20 quarter)

·         Consumer Business Unit: -3.6% YoY ( V/s -2.1% YoY in Sep’20 quarter)

·         Technology: 0.6% YoY ( V/s -7.1% YoY in Sep’20 quarter)

Growth by Geographies (all in constant currency terms)

·         US: -3.2% YoY ( V/s -4% YoY in Sep’20 quarter)

·         Europe: 1.4% YoY( V/s -5.7% YoY in Sep’20 quarter)

·         ROW : -2.5% YoY( V/s 2% YoY in Sep’20 quarter)

Manpower details

Total Headcount: 190,308, up  5,065 QoQ

LTM Attrition: 11%, V/s 11% in Sep’20 quarter and 13% in Jun’20 quarter..

Udhyam Learning Foundation Helps Small-Business Owners Reach Pre-Covid Income Levels Via Interest-Free Loans

 

Udhyam Learning Foundation through its vertical Udhyam Vyapaar, is focussed on enabling micro and small-scale entrepreneurs to scale and succeed. They have been helping nano-entrepreneurs or vyapaaris in the city build their business back to pre-Covid income levels and aim to do this by providing interest-free loans and necessary skill-sets and training to over 500 nano-entrepreneurs.

A lot of these vyapaaris were badly hit during the lockdown period and found it difficult to sustain their business due to loan sharks and lack of other monetary aid. Udhyam Vyapaar, therefore, designed a unique model that not only offers monetary support but also enables the vyapaaris to undergo finance and digital lessons post the loan is availed. Creating business plans, managing profit & loss accounts, developing capabilities in marketing decisions and customer services are included in the training curriculum, which enables the vyapaaris to better utilise the funds. Besides, these vyapaaris are also provided with on-demand consulting and a WhatsApp group has been created for them to easily communicate, share their challenges and discuss new business ideas.

A vyapaari is eligible for INR 10,000 collateral-free loan and the repayment model is INR 100 in 100 days. 

Commenting on this initiative, Mr.Mekin Maheshwari, Founder, Udhyam Learning Foundation, says, “A vypaari on an average earns around INR 500 daily and the informal money lenders charge exorbitant interest rates sometimes over 60% p.a. for a loan of 10k. They are unable to get credit from the formal banking system, which requires assets, documents and evidence that they do not have. We envision being able to create models that can be used by NBFCs and banks to lend viably to this neglected segment of entrepreneurs. We hope to dispel myths around exorbitant non-payment by these hard-working entrepreneurs. Our digital training lessons and financial literacy aims to make them ready for the future and more resilient to cope with challenges.”

“We believe in serving, enabling, and creating opportunities for the ‘invisible business owners’ who form a big part of our local market ecosystem.”

So far, Udhyam Vyapaar has been able to raise funds through crowdfunding and corporate donations. Over 70 loans have been sanctioned to more than seven lines of business such as tea shops, ironing/laundry, homepreneurs, fruit/vegetable sellers, and over 61% of small entrepreneurs were able to scale their existing businesses while 39%  kick-started new businesses. ULF, through this initiative, is also working on helping vyapaaris gain access to formal credit and enabling them to get rid of informal money lenders who charge exorbitant interest rates. 

About Udhyam Learning Foundation: 

At Udhyam Learning Foundation, our vision is to co-create a caring world, where people fearlessly pursue their potential. We believe that every person has immense potential and entrepreneurship is a powerful way to channel this potential. Entrepreneurship enables agency and allows an individual to work on his/her strengths while creating value for the world. Udhyam is working to unleash this potential.

About Udhyam Vyapaar:

UdhyamVyapaar: Interventions designed for nano entrepreneurs to scale and succeed that use proven tools of business growth like technology, marketing, finance, & trainings

Goldmedal Electricals Launches Suraksha Scheme For Electricians

Goldmedal Electricals, a leading homegrown fast-moving electrical goods (FMEG) company has officially launched the Goldmedal Suraksha Scheme, a life and health insurance scheme for its stakeholders including dealers, retailers, and electricians. While the economy is on a gradual path to recovery, Goldmedal launched this scheme to upkeep the electrical industry and help out those recovering from the consequences of the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been financially devastating on independent businesses and the self-employed. Goldmedal acknowledged the reality that many of its dealers and a majority of its retailers and electricians have been affected by the early lockdowns and the subsequent slowdowns. With an aim to support them during such dire times, the company announced a first of its kind Suraksha scheme. 

Commenting on the launch of Goldmedal Suraksha Scheme, Mr. Kishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals says, "Goldmedal has matured as a pan-India brand with the help of our trustworthy dealers, retailers, and the electricians.  The pandemic caused a massive disruption in the lives of many people all over India and affected the standard of living of many of the self-employed in 2020. We are happy to announce the launch of this scheme and look forward to providing compensation to our business allies. Through the Goldmedal Suraksha scheme, they will be able to take care of themselves and their families and get treatment of all health issues in a seamless and hassle-free manner".

The health and life insurance scheme announced by Goldmedal Electricals is a first of its kind in the industry and it was made available across India to all dealers, retailers, and electricians who are connected to Goldmedal through the Dhan Barse app and fulfil some basic criteria. The life and health insurance scheme offers a total cover of Rs. 5 lakhs. This offers a cover-up to a maximum of Rs. 2 lakh for the hospitalization and treatment of all health issues, including those caused by COVID-19. The life insurance cover is Rs. 3 lakh for death caused by COVID-19. The scheme was launched after Diwali and it has received a favourable response from many parts of the country. With all details of the scheme available in the Dhan Barse app itself, affected users can directly contact the insurance company to apply for compensation. So far, over 7,000 people have availed of this scheme. 

In 2019, Goldmedal Electricals launched Dhan Barse app for communicating directly with the company’s channel partners who are spread across the length and breadth of the country. Goldmedal collaborated with Paytm to enable the payment system within the Dhan Barse app. Apart from informing its channel partners about the latest developments and product launches, the app is also an excellent vehicle for the company to provide incentives and support in times such as these. Goldmedal is one of the premier brands in the electrical wiring and modular switches category and invests substantially in creating digital platforms for its various activities. It has already created multiple mobile apps that enable its sales staff as well as dealers to independently carry out their functions with minimum manual or management intervention.

About Goldmedal Electricals

Goldmedal Electricals is a home grown electricals company which was established in the year 1979 with a vision to create electrical switches and accessories that make a positive difference to the lives of consumers. In 1981, Goldmedal entered the Wires and Cables business. In 1995, the company set up a state of the art manufacturing unit in Goregaon, Mumbai for the manufacturing of wires & cables and modular switches.  Alongside Wires and Cables, the company today manufactures a vast range of electrical products including various types of Switches, Home automation systems, Security Systems, Entertainment devices, Door bells, Wires, Cables and more for residential buildings as well as commercial establishments.