BlueJeans By Verizon Announces 2021 Customer Award Winners

* Global customers across four categories honored for their innovative use of BlueJeans to drive business outcomes

BlueJeans by Verizon today announced the winners of the second annual BlueJeans by Verizon Customer Awards. The awards recognize customers around the globe who are deploying BlueJeans solutions to achieve outcomes that positively drive their business and society forward.

“With the Covid-19 pandemic necessitating more remote collaboration, the use of video conferencing within nearly every industry and organization rose to levels never seen before,” said John Knightly, CMO, BlueJeans by Verizon. “Whether our customers already had a unified communication strategy in place or were just starting their digital journey, we saw some truly exceptional uses of our platform to inspire, entertain, educate, and drive real business results over the past year—and we are honored by all of those who have chosen to partner with BlueJeans to support their teams and missions.”

The 2021 BlueJeans by Verizon Customer Award category winners and honorees are:

1. Biggest Business Transformation – Winner: Standard Chartered

Recognition of a personal story or organization that has documented return on investment as a result of their BlueJeans deployment.

Honorable Mention: RightsTrade, Terlato Wines, Transglobal Travel

2. Most Innovative Use Case – Winner: Phoenix Suns

Recognition of an organization that has demonstrated superior skills in applying video conferencing technology in support of an insightful and creative use case outside of standard meetings.

Honorable Mention: Northwood University, Snap Assessment & Education

3. Biggest Impact – Winner: ABB

Recognition of an individual or organization responsible for driving business change using BlueJeans to create new revenue streams and/or continuity in the current economy. 

Honorable Mention: US Club Soccer, Cleveland County District Court, FullCircle Program

4. Best Use of Events – Winner: Adobe

Recognition of the most creative or successful deployment of BlueJeans for Events  to support customer growth, marketing/awareness or HR initiatives— employee engagement, culture, onboarding, etc. 

Honorable Mention: innoVia Productions, Air Cadet League of Canada - BC Provincial Committee

To compete in the 2021 BlueJeans Best of Breeds Awards, customers submitted their deployment stories in one of four categories, where a panel of judges evaluated the submissions based on the creativity, impact and business value. This year's judging panel included:

Brandt Krueger – Meeting and Events Technical Producer and Consultant, Event Technology Consulting

David Maldow – CEO, Let's Do Video

John Knightly – Chief Marketing Officer, BlueJeans by Verizon

Eric Spadafora – VP, Business Sales, Verizon

Axis Securities To Become India’s 3rd Largest Brokerage Firm With Acquisition Of 1.15 Million Customers

* Karvy customers can start trading with Axis Securities to avail best of services & products

Axis Securities, a fully-owned subsidiary of Axis Bank, emerged as the successful bidder to acquire the trading accounts of Karvy Stock Broking Limited. Karvy customers can start trading with Axis Securities, one of the most trusted bank-led brokerage houses, to make the best of available market opportunities. To facilitate a seamless transfer, Axis Securities has made the entire journey digital and paperless. Simply by clicking on a link, Karvy customers can activate their trading account with Axis Securities and have access to a robust technology platform with a wide range of product offerings. With the acquisition of these 11.5 lac Karvy trading accounts, the customer base of Axis Securities to leap from 25 lacs to 36 lacs, making it the third-largest player in the industry. 

The migration process has been initiated by the Exchanges and once the process is completed, Axis Securities will share trading account details with Karvy customers along with login credentials. Customers can open a fresh demat account to shift their existing holding under Axis Securities DP. With Axis Securities, the customers have access to high-quality research and a wide branch network. Superior quality services and a customer-centric approach make investment with Axis Securities a delightful experience.

Commenting on the development, Mr. B Gopkumar, MD & CEO, Axis Securities, said, "At Axis Securities, we firmly believe that the right investment decision at the right time makes all the difference, and hence we work closely with our customers at every step to help them successfully navigate the markets. This acquisition of trading accounts is a perfect opportunity for us to empower Karvy customers to tap the right market opportunities backed by our research expertise and holistic range of offerings. We welcome Karvy customers to the Axis Family and assure them of excellent services, seamless onboarding, and a hassle-free trading experience." 

Axis Securities Limited (ASL) is one of the most trusted brokerage houses. It is built on the foundation of award-winning research, technology, and investment solutions. Its robust technology for trading and investing makes it one of the best online platforms. ASL is known for its high-quality research ideas that empower investors to make informed decisions.

About Axis Securities

Axis Securities Limited (ASL) is a proud subsidiary of Axis Bank – India’s 3rd largest private sector bank. With a robust branch network across India, ASL offers retail broking services under its flagship brand Axis Direct (www.axisdirect.in). Axis Direct engages in offering simplified investment solutions to customers. It offers a bouquet of investment products to its customers e.g. Equities, Mutual Funds, SIPs, IPOs, Derivatives, Bonds, NCDs, ETFs, and Company Fixed Deposits. With over 2.5 million customers, Axis Direct is one of the fastest-growing players in the industry.

IIFL Finance To Raise Upto Rs. 1,000 Crore Via Bonds, Offers Upto 10.03% Yield

IIFL Finance, one of India’s largest Non-Banking Financial Companies, will open a public issue of bonds on March 03, 2021, to raise up to Rs. 1,000 crore, for the purpose of business growth and capital augmentation. The bonds offer up to 10.03% yield and high degree of safety. 

The Fairfax and CDC Group backed IIFL Finance will issue unsecured redeemable non-convertible debentures (NCDs), aggregating to Rs 100 crore, with a green-shoe option to retain over-subscription up to Rs 900 crore (aggregating to a total of Rs 1,000 crore).

The IIFL Bonds offer highest yield of 10.03% p.a. for tenor of 87 months. The NCD is available in various options like monthly, annual and at maturity. 

In the current scenario, the rate of interest offered by IIFL Finance bonds is very attractive compared with other debt products. Liquid funds offer average net yields of 2.8%-3%, ultra-short-term funds offer average net yields of around 3-3.5%., short-term funds offer average net yield is around 4%-4.25%, while banks are currently offering an interest of around 5.1% for a 3 year fixed deposit.

This 10.03% rate is also getting locked in for 87 months. This is a big advantage as liquidity eases post Covid world for next few years, most experts believe that interest rates can head down and to lock-in good interest rate is a big advantage. Today the interest rates on a 10-year government securities are at 6%.

The credit rating has been AA by Crisil and AA+ by Brickwork. Through the crisis, credit rating of IIFL Finance has been reaffirmed by agencies, which indicates that the instruments are considered to have a high degree of safety for timely servicing of financial obligations and carry very low credit risk.

Rajesh Rajak, CFO, IIFL Finance said, “Through a strong physical presence of 2500 branches across India and a well-diversified retail portfolio, IIFL Finance caters to the credit need of underserved population. The funds raised will be used to meet credit need of more such customers and accelerate our digital process transformation to enable a frictionless experience.”

He added, “IIFL has an impeccable track record of more than 25 years and all the bond issues and the debt obligations have always been paid on time.”

IIFL Finance is one of India’s largest retail-focused financial services companies. IIFL Finance’s Loan Assets under Management is Rs 42,264 crore. Most importantly, 90% of the book is retail - which is focused on small ticket loans.

IIFL Finance had a gross NPA of 1.61% and Net NPA of 0.77%.  Total Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at 21.4% at the end of December, 2020, including Tier I capital of 18.0%, as against the statutory requirement of 15% and 10% respectively. In Q3 FY21, IIFL Finance reported a profit after tax of Rs 268 crore, up 26% on year with a robust return on equity of 18.4%. It has strong relationship with multiple banks and financial institutions.

The lead managers to the issue are Edelweiss Financial Services Limited, IIFL Securities Limited and Equirus Capital Private Limited. The NCDs will be listed on the BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), to provide liquidity to investors. The IIFL Bonds would be issued at face value of Rs 1,000 and the minimum application size is Rs 10,000 across all categories. The public issue opens on March 03, 2021 and closes on March 23, 2021, with an option of early closure. The allotment will be made on first come first served basis.

About IIFL Finance

IIFL Finance Ltd is one of the leading retail focused diversified NBFCs in India, engaged in the business of loans and mortgages along with its subsidiaries - IIFL Home Finance Limited and Samasta Microfinance Limited. IIFL Finance, through its subsidiaries, offers a wide spectrum of products such as Home loan, Gold loan, Business loan, Microfinance, Capital Market finance and Developer and Construction finance to a vast customer base of over 4 million customers. IIFL Finance has widened its pan-India reach through extensive network of branches spread across the country and various digital channels.

Paytm Empowers “Bangalore Metro Rail Commuters With Smart Card Recharges On The App

* Offering smart card recharge facilities on the Paytm App 

* Promotes safe city commuting, no need to queue at metro stations for top-ups 

* Recharge smart cards using Paytm Wallet, Paytm UPI, net-banking & cards

India's leading digital financial services platform Paytm today announced that it is now enabling the smart card recharge facility for Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) on its app. The brand new service empowers Garden City commuters to travel safely, seamlessly & avoid long queues to buy smart card top-ups at metro stations. Paytm has been extensively working with Metro Rail Corporations all over the country including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, empowering them with digital payments, seamless recharges and QR-based ticket buying services.   

This feature will help commuters maintain social distancing and promote safe travel during transit. Paytm has launched a host of innovative services for Metro Rail partners across the country. It enabled QR-code based metro ticketing system in a strategic partnership with Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited. This service enables commuters in Hyderabad with a QR ticket on their Paytm app, which can be displayed at the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates to proceed for the journey. It has in partnership with Jaipur Metro equipped all ticketing windows, across all metro stations with Paytm UPI QR. With this, the commuters can simply pay from any UPI app to purchase tickets or recharge their smart cards.

Abhay Sharma, Senior Vice President Paytm said, "The Smart card recharge feature launched exclusively in partnership with the Bangalore Metro Rail on Paytm app will help create a safe and seamless card recharge experience for the daily commuters while avoiding long queues and have a more seamless and pleasurable transit experience. We will continue to work towards the digitization of the transit ecosystem in the country while driving the adoption of smart mobility solutions.

BMRCL spokesperson said, "Namma Metro commuters can now recharge their smart cards through Paytm App. This facility is an additional step towards the continued efforts of BMRCL to provide convenient means of recharging their smart cards. For smart cards recharged through these online channels, the balance update on the card will take place automatically when a commuter shows the smart card at the AFC Gate at any Namma Metro stations.

Namma Metro has also provided the facility of updating their balance without any delay after online recharge of the smart cards by placing their cards at the RVCT terminals provided at the station Customer Care Centre of the newly commissioned five stations from Konanakunte Cross to Silk institute. This facility will be available in all the upcoming Phase-2 stations and will also be made available soon for the 40 operational stations of Phase-1.  

Paytm provides multiple products & services like Metro Card recharges, mobile-based ticketing and trip pass for Bengaluru Metro, Hyderabad Metro, Delhi Metro, and Mumbai Metro. Also, it is the first company to launch QR-based tickets for Mumbai Metro and is expanding this service to other major cities as well. 

MIT-WPU Now Offers Blockchain-Anchored Digital Degrees To Its Students In India

* MIT-WPU continues on its digital transformation journey and promises students digital degrees and diplomas using the Blockchain technology, empowering them with a credential that will allow them to be at par with the best in the world. 

MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) has added another feather to its cap and has become India’s first university to offer Blockchain-anchored digital degrees and diplomas to its students. MIT-WPU has signed a partnership agreement with CertOnce to implement its platform to offer Blockchain-anchored digital degrees and diplomas to over 2,568 students across programs from this year.  

This includes students from the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Commerce & Economics (PG), Faculty of Science (PG), Faculty of Management (UG and PG), Faculty of Education (UG and PG), Faculty of Governance (UG and PG), Faculty of Pharmacy (PG) and Faculty of Liberal Arts, Commerce & Science (UG). This is a hallmark initiative that marks a giant step in the digital transformation journey of MIT-WPU as a leading university in India.   

Driving Towards Digital Transformation 

Elaborating further on this path-breaking initiative, Shri Rahul V Karad, the visionary educationist, and the Managing Trustee & Executive President, MAEER’s MIT Group of Institutions & Executive President, MIT-WPU, shared, "Our university is always striving towards digital transformation and we are dedicated to finding new avenues to lead in this digital transformation journey and create new, inspiring ways of empowering our students. As our students continue to pass out with flying colours and secure jobs at the world's leading organisations in India and internationally, we wanted to empower them with a Credential that would put them at par with the best in the world – a document that embodies trust and global academic competence." 

Also speaking about the university’s digital transformation initiative was Dr N T Rao, Vice Chancellor, MIT-WPU, who explained, "CertOnce solution of Blockchain Anchored Digital Degrees that are tamperproof and instantly verifiable with One Click provide our students absolute control of their Credentials. Implementing this solution also allows us to automate the manual process of responding to several requests from potential employers of our students. Employers can now verify our students' degrees on Blockchain instantly, shortening their hiring cycle.” 

Instant Credentials Sharing & Verification 

The Background verification process that used to take weeks or even months at times can now be achieved in seconds, and that too without paying to any intermediaries or waiting for snail mail replies. “It required a personal favor from a friend, 30 dollars and 5 weeks, before my MBA school in US could get verified degree certificate from my undergrad school in India. That's when I knew that I wanted to solve this problem. This gave birth to CertOnce – solving the problem of Credentials Sharing & Verification," shared Rajesh Ranjan, Founder and CEO of CertOnce. 

Adding further to this, Pawan Khurana, Co-founder and COO of CertOnce, noted, "Blockchain is the future of Credentialing: secure, opensource, verifiable and tamperproof. Many institutions around the world are already deploying it." Beyond Diploma Certificates, MIT-WPU will also use the system to issue student transcripts, publish academic research papers, project reports, among many others. MIT-WPU has been setting global standards, whether it is by building global industry relationships or driving digital transformations. Implementing a Digital Verifiable Blockchain Anchored Credentialing system adds another one to the long list of its many firsts. 

About MIT-WPU 

With a 40-year legacy in education, MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) offers 100+ study programs (both UG and PG) and is the go-to destination for students looking to pursue higher studies. 

With a sprawling campus in the heart of Pune city, which is also known as the Oxford of the East, MIT World Peace University believes in delivering a value-based education, which not only exposes students to the best of opportunities but also promotes their holistic development. 

The university boasts of a global alumni network of over 1 lakh, has 1000+ faculty members, over 15,000 students on campus and offers 100+ study programs. 

About CertOnce 

CertOnce is a digital records creation platform for issuing verified digital credentials for high stake credentials using Blockchain and low stakes Open Badges, that are easy to share and verifiable with one click, with its most prominent uses being academic records, online learning, employee records, and recognition, health care, legal, government, and financial services industries. Founded in Princeton (NJ, USA) in 2019, with a vision to bring trust in every digital document, the company is fast changing the way the world creates digital credentials.  

JK Tyre Ties Up With Car Dekho And Auto Brix For The “JK Tyre Man”

Indian tyre industry major, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., has announced a strategic partnership with Car Dekho and AutoBrix to launch “JK Tyre Man”, an online to offline doorstep tyre delivery-cum-fitment service.

Taking ahead the vision of a safe and efficient service delivery, JK Tyre uses its existing channel network to extend its products and services to consumer’s doorstep. CarDekho, India’s biggest automobile platform provides the online channel to purchase car tyres from JK Tyre and AutoBrix India’s leading Doorstep Auto Services Provider enabling Tyre delivery and Fitment at customer’s Doorstep. 

JK Tyre currently manufactures complete range of tyres for Commercial, Passenger, Farm, 2-3 Wheeler and Off-The-Road segments. In the Passenger Vehicle segment, JK tyre caters to luxury Sedan, SUV, Mid size Sedans and Hatchback customers through its popular range of Ux Royale, Ranger series, Ultima and Taximax brands. Car Dekho will have the entire range of car tyres available for purchase and AutoBrix will provide seamless express delivery and Fitment at doorstep.

Commenting on the association, Mr. Srinivasu Allaphan, Director - Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries said, “As seen with almost every industry, automobiles, and especially tyres, are finding a strong demand online. There has been a dramatic shift in the consumer behavior towards e-commerce, in the last few months due to the ongoing pandemic. Our partnership with CarDekho and AutoBrix for Tyre Man reinforces our motto of staying in Total Control, where we extend safety and convenience to our consumers and have the purchased tyres fitted right at their doorstep.”

Customers can purchase tyres online through the CarDekho platform and AutoBrix will complete the order by providing the fitment service at customer’s doorstep. The comprehensive information about vehicle fitment on CarDekho platform also allows the user to make informed choice about the kind of tyre to purchase.

"This partnership between CarDekho and JK Tyre brings two of the biggest brands in the automotive space together. As part of our journey of becoming the largest personal mobility player in the country, we are committed to give our customers the best online buying experience, which will be enhanced by this collaboration. The launch of Tyre Man will ensure that the customer cannot only buy a car online but also gets quality tyres delivered to their doorstep. As a leading full stack auto tech company, we are leaving no stone unturned in helping customers across their entire car purchase, ownership and sale journey and we are confident that this too will contribute in easing their requirement in current time." said Mr. Amit Jain, Co-founder and CEO, CarDekho. 

Mrs. Prathibha Shalini, Founder, AutoBrix said, “We all know how Covid has impacted the world so as the Auto Services industry. Today world is looking at more doorstep services in every sector and Auto services is no exception. This Partnership with JK Tyres and Car Dekho takes the tyre purchase experience to next level with our doorstep services. We at AutoBrix always put our customers first with Doorstep services. We are excited to partner with JK Tyres and Car Dekho in enhancing the customer experience in tyre purchase and fitment segment across India.”

Tyre Man will be rolled out first in Bangalore in its pilot phase from March 2021, before being rolled out to the major cities and towns in India by Q2’ 2021.

JK Tyre & Industries Limited

The flagship company of JK Organisation, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd is amongst the top 25 manufacturers in the world. Pioneers of radial technology, the Company produced the first radial tyre in 1977 and is currently the market leader in Truck Bus Radial segment. The Company provides end-to-end solutions across segments of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, farming, Off-the-Road and two & three-wheelers.

A global force, JK Tyre is present in 105 countries with over 180 Global distributors.  The Company has 12 globally benchmarked ‘sustainable’ manufacturing facilities - 9 in India and 3 in Mexico – that collectively produce around 35 million tyres annually. The Company also has a strong network of over 4000 dealers and 550+ dedicated Brand shops called as Steel Wheels and Xpress Wheels.

JK Tyre’s unwavering commitment towards innovation is reflected through its state-of-the-art global research and technology centre – the Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence - in Mysore, which houses some of the world’s finest technologies and techniques.

JK Tyre launched India’s first ever ‘Smart Tyre’ technology-and introduced Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) which monitors the tyre’s vital statistics, including pressure and temperature. The company recently rolled out its 20 millionth Truck/Bus Radial tyre becoming the first and the only Indian company to achieve this milestone.

It is the only Indian tyre manufacturer to be included in the list of Superbrands India in 2019 for the seventh consecutive year. JK Tyre has been conferred the Sword of Honour for Safety across its plants by the British Safety Council,UK. The company entered the Limca Book of Records with the country’s largest off-the-road tyre - VEM 04.

JK Tyre is also synonymous with motorsport in the country. For over three decades, the Company has relentlessly worked towards shaping India’s positioning as the motorsport hub of Asia, developing the right infrastructure for the sport and promoting young talent in the arena.

The New MINI Countryman SAV Launched In The Indian Market

* Versatile, five-seater Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with an abundance of style and inspiration for new adventures.

* Available for the first-time with an all-in ‘Absolute Value’ offer for a comprehensive ownership experience.

* #AddInspiration #TheAdventurer #TheNewMINICountryman #MINI #MINIIndia #TheMINIThings

The new MINI Countryman was launched in India today. Locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the new MINI Countryman will be available in two petrol variants - MINI Countryman Cooper S and MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired. Bookings and test drives are open at all MINI authorised dealers and the MINI Online Shop (shop.mini.in).

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The new MINI Countryman inspires you to take the path to new experiences and new horizons of the mind. This versatile sports activity vehicle (SAV) is just as home in an urban jungle as it is in the great outdoors. Its adrenaline pumping engine, elegant interior design features and latest technology blend harmoniously together. The new MINI Countryman guarantees exciting new experiences, whether on a planned holiday or a spontaneous getaway. We are pleased to launch the new MINI Countryman for the first-time with an all-in ‘Absolute Value’ offer for our customers that ensures a comprehensive ownership experience.”

The ex-showroom prices* of the two petrol engine variants are as follows:

MINI Countryman Cooper S                :INR 39,50,000

MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired   :INR 43,40,000

*Price prevailing at the time of invoicing will be applicable. Ex-showroom prices inclusive of GST (incl. compensation cess) as applicable but excludes Road Tax, Tax Collected at Source (TCS), RTO statutory taxes/fees, other local tax cess levies and insurance. Price and options are subject to change without prior notice. For further information, please contact the local MINI Authorised Dealer.

The new MINI Countryman adds a refreshed look with its inspiring design, new features and technology making it a perfect companion for long journeys or city drives and comes for the first-time with an all-in ‘Absolute Value’ offer.  For a fixed EMI, customers can own the versatile new MINI Countryman for a period of 3 or 4 years with a secure and comprehensive ownership package that includes Service Inclusive Plus, Repair Inclusive, MINI Secure, Assured Buy-back Value with MINI 360°, Loyalty/ Trade-in offer as well as an attractive 20% discount on MINI Accessories & Lifestyle. The all-in ‘Absolute Value’ offer will be available on both variants of the new MINI Countryman till end of June 2021. Further details on the offer are available at all MINI authorised dealerships.

The new MINI Countryman introduces two new colour options – White Silver and Sage Green, newly designed front and rear bumper, radiator grille, LED headlights and LED Rear Lights now with Union Jack Design. The new 5.5-inch/13.97 cm Multifunction fully Digital Display, new Leather Chester Upholstery in Malt Brown and Satellite Grey with matching colour line, MINI Yours Interior Style Shaded Silver Illuminated interior surface trim, John Cooper Works Aerodynamic kit and 7- Speed Double Clutch Steptronic Sport Transmission are exclusive to the new MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired.

The new MINI Countryman will be available in six striking colours including Sage Green (new), White Silver (new), Midnight Black, Chilli Red, Island Blue and British Racing Green.

The new MINI Countryman

Exterior of the new MINI Countryman expresses the vehicle’s versatility, agility and premium character. Its powerful proportions lend a particularly distinctive presence that combines iconic MINI design language with enhanced functionality. Precise contours on the surface underline the car’s athletic shape and vertical orientation. Contrasting roof, new LED headlight, LED rear lights in Union Jack Design, new radiator grille, new front and rear bumper and 17-inch/43.18 cm Imprint Spoke Wheel in the Cooper S variant add a fresh new look to the already captivating design. The roof-rails in satin-finished aluminium are combined with silver-coloured side sill tops, thereby lending greater visual emphasis to the height of the car. The slightly asymmetrically rounded contour of the LED headlamp together with the radiator grille produces a distinctive front view. The John Cooper Works Aerodynamic kit and 18 inch/ 45.72 cm John Cooper Works Thrill Spoke Wheel in the Cooper S JCW Inspired variant with Runflat tyres add to the overall style quotient of the vehicle.

The exquisite interior style blends modern aesthetics and refined craftsmanship with practical functionality. The typical MINI cockpit impresses with its clear horizontal structure, stretched lines and generously sized surfaces. The MINI Countryman Cooper S comes with Interior Surface Piano Back with Leatherette Carbon Black upholstery while the MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired offers a new trim MINI Yours Interior Style Shaded Silver with options of either Leather Chester Malt Brown or Leather Chester Satellite Grey upholstery. The colour lines seen along the door panel, armrest surfaces and knee pads under the dashboard are now matched with the individual upholstery colours.

The MINI Excitement Pack features LED interior and ambient lighting which illuminates the cockpit with a choice of selectable colours as well as a projection of the MINI logo from the exterior mirror on the driver's side when opening and closing the car door.

John Cooper Works influence continues in the illuminated cockpit with the JCW sports leather steering wheel. The car is equipped with premium features such as the Harman Kardon Hi-Fi Speaker System, Panorama Glass Sunroof, MINI Wired Package including MINI Navigation System with Touch Controller and Bluetooth mobile connectivity.

The MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired introduces a new Multifunction fully Digital Display that offers a clear view of speed, gear, fuel level, mileage, temperature and navigation instructions. The Head-Up Display further helps in keeping eyes on the road without missing essential details such as driving speed and navigation instructions. The iconic circular central instrument panel is surrounded by an LED ring offering a brilliant colour display in 8.8-inch/22.35 cm touchscreen (6.5-inch/16.51cm in the Cooper S variant). The intuitive use is complemented by the controller on the middle console for easy operation of multimedia, phone and car functions. Wireless charging is also offered as standard in this variant.

The electric seat adjustment with memory function now offers enhanced head and shoulder space for both the driver and front passenger. The three full-fledged seats at the rear make for ample and comfortable seating for rear passengers. Using the cargo function, boot capacity can be increased from 450 litres to 1,390 litres by folding down the rear backrest with its 40:20:40 split. The new MINI Countryman can be parked at a scenic space and the view can be enjoyed with the unique Picnic Bench that folds out of the luggage compartment to provide seating space for two while protecting the clothing with a fender dirt protection flap. Automatic Tailgate combined with Comfort Access System allows the boot to be opened and closed just by waving the foot under the rear fender.

When it comes to power, the new MINI Countryman makes no compromises. It is powered by the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology offering outstanding performance and efficiency. The 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo Technology makes the new MINI Countryman high on performance and light on fuel. It mobilises a peak output of 192 hp/141 kW at 5,000 – 6,000 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1,350 – 4,600 rpm. It sprints to 100 km/hr in 7.5 seconds and the top speed is 225 km/hr.

The new 7-Speed Double Clutch Steptronic Transmission in Cooper S and the 7-Speed Double Clutch Steptronic Sport Transmission in Cooper S JCW Inspired offers even more efficient, comfortable and sporty driving due to a broader gear spread and smaller engine speed steps. The MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired features paddles shifters for even sportier driving experience.

MINI Driving Modes enable an individualised vehicle set-up focusing on ride comfort, enhanced sportiness or efficiency according to driver’s preference. In addition to the standard MID mode there is a choice of SPORT and GREEN mode. Driver Assistance Systems include Cruise Control, Park Assistant, Rear View Camera and Head-Up Display.

The new MINI Countryman is stacked with cutting-edge safety technology. The standard safety equipment comprises of front passenger airbags, Brake Assist, 3-Point Seat Belts, Dynamic Stability Control, Crash Sensor, Anti-lock Braking System, Cornering Brake Control and Run-flat tyres as standard.

The standard MINIMALISM technology includes auto start/stop function, brake energy recuperation, active cooling air flaps and electromechanical power steering.