BLACK+DECKER And Indkal Technologies Enter A Licensing Partnership To Launch Large Appliances In India

* The licensing partnership will include air conditioners, laundry machines and refrigerators  

The BLACK+DECKER® brand, a global leader in power tools, home products and outdoor power equipment has announced a licensing partnership with Bangalore-based company, Indkal Technologies, a leading technology and innovation company, that will bring a premium range of large Appliances to consumers in India. 

“As a global leader in home products, we continue to prioritize our customers by expanding availability in the region,” said Amit Datta, Commercial Director Licensing, Stanley Black & Decker. We are committed to meeting consumer needs by enhancing the brand portfolio and making all home tasks easier to tackle with these new product offerings.” "We are delighted to be working with Stanley Black & Decker on this exciting venture. The BLACK+DECKER brand is known for its phenomenal products which are the perfect infusion of technology and design,” said Anand Dubey, CEO of Indkal Technologies. “The newly launched range of appliances is not only of an aesthetic and premium feel but infuse functionality and a host of intuitive features. We can’t wait for our customers to experience these products.” 

Washing Machines 

The BLACK+DECKER Washing Machine range consists of two Front Load models in 6kg and 8kg capacity, and one Top Load model in 7.5kg capacity. The flagship front-load machines are designed with category-defining features such as a superior BLDC motor with an advanced Tub on a Hex-Net Crystal Design and a Triple Velocity Jet system. The machines also feature a Built-in Heater, Fabric Specific Smart Wash Programs and Hygienic Drum Clean.  

Air Conditioners 

Bringing together both design and function, the 3 BLACK+DECKER air conditioner models include a 1.5 Ton and 2.0 Ton, with the 1.5 Ton model available in two variations. In addition to a simple, minimalistic design, top features include an Infinity Impeller, CAD Sensor, Quad-Convertible and R32 Eco Friendly Refrigerant.  

All BLACK+DECKER® Large Appliances come with an industry-leading warranty and service terms. All products will have 10 years warranty on Motors and Compressors for Washing Machines and  Air Conditioners respectively. The products will also come with a comprehensive warranty of 2 years and a warranty of 5 years on the main board to give all BLACK+DECKER® Large Appliances customers a promise of quality and peace of mind with all the great features

 and design. Indkal’s new collection of BLACK+DECKER® products will be available on amazon.in and flipkart.com, and in-store channels on June 3. The licensing partnership was coordinated by License Works, a leading Brand Licensing Agency in India, on behalf of Stanley Black & Decker. 

About INDKAL 

Indkal Technologies Private Limited is a Bengaluru-based company specializing in the development, distribution, and support of consumer electronics, large and small home appliances, and smart devices in India. The key focus area for the company is televisions and large appliances, in which the company is extensively working towards the development of products that are specifically targeted at the needs of the new-age Indian consumer. 

About BLACK+DECKER 

Since 1910, BLACK+DECKER, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, has been setting the standard for innovation and design. The inventor of the first portable electric drill with pistol grip and trigger switch, BLACK+DECKER has evolved from a small machine shop in Baltimore, Maryland to a global manufacturing powerhouse with a broad line of quality products used in and around the home. When homeowners have work to get done, they trust that BLACK+DECKER products

 will do the job efficiently and reliably. For more information on BLACK+DECKER products, visit www.blackanddecker.com or follow BLACK+DECKER on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

About Stanley Black & Decker 

Headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in tools and outdoor operating manufacturing facilities worldwide. Guided by its purpose – for those who make the world – the company's more than 50,000 diverse and high-performing employees produce innovative, award-winning power tools, hand tools, storage, digital tool solutions, lifestyle products, outdoor products, engineered fasteners and other industrial  equipment to support the world's makers, creators, tradespeople and builders. The company's iconic brands include DEWALT®, BLACK+DECKER®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, CUB CADET®, HUSTLER®?and TROY-BILT®. Recognized for its leadership in environmental, social and  governance (ESG), Stanley Black & Decker strives to be a force for good in support of its communities, employees, customers and other stakeholders. To learn more visit:

www.stanleyblackanddecker.com 

About License Works 

License Works is the leading full-service Brand Licensing agency in India specialized in the strategic brand extension licensing of leading global brands and corporate trademarks. License  Works pioneered corporate brand licensing services in India and offers a holistic approach to branding, design, business development, licensing, and program management to brands that are looking to expand their business in India. For over 12 years, we have  helped our clients expand into new product categories and distribution channels, which in turn helps them build brand awareness as well as create new revenue streams.  

For more information, visit us at www.licenseworks.co  

Vitesco Technologies Q1 2023: Solid Quarter Despite Continuous Cost Increases

Highlights

Quarterly sales of around €2.31 billion (Q1 2022: €2.26 billion) 

Adjusted EBIT: €37.1 million (Q1 2022: €47.7 million) with an adjusted EBIT margin of 1.6 percent (Q1 2022: 2.1 percent) 

Order intake YTD: more than €4 billion for electrification components 

Vitesco Technologies confirms outlook for 2023 

Vitesco Technologies, a leading international provider of modern drive technologies and electrification solutions for sustainable mobility published its first quarter 2023 results. 

"E-mobility is a global megatrend. Sales of electric vehicles are growing enormous across all relevant markets," says CEO Andreas Wolf. "We recognized this trend early and continue to fully embrace it." The company's focus on the electrification business was again significantly strengthened as of January 1, 2023, when Vitesco Technologies reorganized its four business units into two new divisions: Powertrain Solutions and Electrification Solutions. This organizational adjustment allows Vitesco Technologies to sharpen its strategic focus on electrification to operate more effectively, efficiently, and flexibly in the market for sustainable drive technologies. 

Key figures for the first quarter 

Group sales in the first quarter came in at €2.31 billion (Q1 2022: €2.26 billion), which equates to an increase of 2.5 percent. When adjusted for changes in the scope of consolidation and exchange-rate effects, sales rose by 1.4 percent. Core business contributed €1.60 billion (Q1 2022: €1.49 billion) to total sales, while non-core business accounted for sales of €713.1 million (Q1 2022: €770.9 million). Adjusted EBIT of €37.1 million (Q1 2022: €47.7 million) was generated, which equates to an adjusted EBIT margin of 1.6 percent (Q1 2022: 2.1 percent). Net income amounted to a loss of €50.7 million (Q1 2022: loss of €11.3 million) and earnings per share to minus €1.27 (Q1 2022: minus €0.28) due to one-time effects. 

Given the market-driven build-up of inventories and the ongoing investments related to the order intakes from previous quarters, free cash flow stood at minus €41.1 million (Q1 2022: €48.2 million). Capital expenditures[1] on property, plant, and equipment and software amounted to €98.0 million (Q1 2022: €52.1 million). The ratio of capital expenditures to sales is therefore 4.2 percent(Q1 2022: 2.3 percent). 

As of March 31, 2023, Vitesco Technologies had a solid balance sheet with an equity ratio of 39.1 percent (March 31, 2022: 35.9 percent).  

"Overall, we can be satisfied with the first quarter of 2023. We are confident that our cost discipline and operational optimizations will help us to achieve our targets for the fiscal year", says CFO Werner Volz. 

In the first quarter of 2023, Vitesco Technologies' order intake came to €1.4 billion with electrification components accounting for €839 million. Until today, the total order intake from the electrification business adds up to more than €4 billion. 

The business activities of the two divisions 

The Division Powertrain Solutions generated sales of €1.61 billion in the first quarter of 2023 (Q1 2022: €1.64 billion). In the same period, the division's adjusted EBIT improved to €117.3 million (Q1 2022: €111.3 million), which equates to an adjusted EBIT margin of 7.3 percent (Q1 2022: 6.8 percent). The Division Powertrain Solutions experienced the effects of the shortage of semiconductors, especially due to higher material prices. The planned sales decrease in non-core business contributed to the reduction in sales. 

The Division Electrification Solutions grew its sales to €716.8 million in the first quarter of 2023 (Q1 2022: €634.3 million). This was driven by consistently high demand for high-voltage electric drives and equates to a sales increase of 13.0 percent. Due to the continued high ramp-up costs of the electrification products, adjusted operating profit amounted to a loss of €72.0 million (Q1 2022: loss of €61.3 million), corresponding to an adjusted EBIT margin of minus 10.0 percent (Q1 2022: minus 9.7 percent). 

Q2 and full-year outlook for 2023 

Vitesco Technologies expects the market environment to be challenging in the second quarter of 2023. Although a slight improvement is anticipated, supply bottlenecks may continue to cause lower production volumes. Anticipated improved material availability and the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China are fueling expectations of a considerable year-on-year improvement in global vehicle production in the second quarter of 2023. 

The market outlook and the Group's full year guidance for 2023 remain unchanged compared with the expectations published at the 2023 annual press conference. As with the assumptions for global vehicle production, all assumptions remain subject to a high degree of uncertainty. 

Fuji Electric India Is Now “Great Place To Work” Certified Company

* Great Place to Work Institute, a global authority on building, sustaining, and recognizing High-Trust, High-Performance Culture at workplaces, awards Fuji Electric India  

* It is the beginning of a new phase of growth and development, says top management.  

Fuji Electric India, a leading industrial automation and energy efficient solution provider and a part of the 100-year-old Fuji Electric, has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” 2023 -2024 by Great Place to Work Institute.  This recognition reflects the company's efforts to provide an environment where innovation and change thrive, and all employees can reach their full potential. 

Sharing details about the achievement, Shivaji Waghmare, CEO & CTO, Fuji Electric India Private Limited said, “We are pleased to have received the recognition from the Great Place to Work Institute. This award is not just a recognition of our efforts but also a reflection of the strength and positivity of our workplace culture. Whether in India, Japan, or other countries, we continue to show our commitment to our employee's long-term growth and will continue to develop policies that empower the workforce. We have been proved once again that our focus on the 4Ps – People, Processes, Policies and Product – is the best way forward.”   

Fuji Electric India has more than 1200 employees placed at different locations in India. Their motto of doing the right thing the right way and their integrity and ethical practices which are integral to their culture, has received appreciation from their customers.    

“FEI works on the principles of TEST – trust, efficiency, sustainable and team. This award is not the end of our journey but rather the beginning of a new phase of growth and development. I am confident that with our collective efforts, we will continue to build a culture of excellence that sets us apart from the rest,” added Mr. Waghmare.  

Fuji Electric India produces world-class automation products for various applications. It is the leading supplier of drives and automation products in both the domestic and export markets. It has a strong distribution network for sales and distribution of replacement parts.   

About Fuji Electric India 

Fuji Electric India, a 100% subsidiary of Fuji Electric Co Ltd, is an industry leader in the drives and automation sector. Incorporated in 2009, FEI now has a nationwide presence with over 1200 employees serving the customers across all industry verticals. With latest technologies and engineering acumen, Fuji Electric India provides power backup and power conditioning solution as part of its Energy business unit, offers complete Factory and Process automation solutions as part of the Automation business unit and also Instrumentation (Pressure, Level transmitters and Gas Analysers) and ED&C (Electrical distribution and control) solutions. Fuji Electric India has two manufacturing facilities in Chennai and Pune and the company continues to invest heavily in R & D. With an impeccable record of over 4M installations and 500+ 1MW customers, the company is zooming ahead towards realising its mission to become the preferred energy and automation solution provider in India. For more details, visit www.fujielectricindia.com   

Chief Minister Of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma Inspects “Progress Of Infrastructural & Agricultural Projects” In East Khasi Hills

Key Areas visited by Chief Minister  

Bio-Resources Development Centre - Tissue Culture Lab in BRDC 

Polyhouse in BRDC Farm 

Wellness & Food Testing Site - Interaction with tourism Stakeholders 

Kyrdemkhla Net house 

Laitkor Pomlakrai Laitlyngkot road project 

As part of the developmental drives under the New Meghalaya initiative, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma alongside Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Smti M Ampareen Lyngdoh visited to the ongoing projects in and around East Khasi Hills district. During his visit, he inspected the Tissue Culture Lab at the Bio-Resources Development Centre (BRDC) and the Kyrdemkhla Net house, both of which are crucial centers for agricultural development in the district.  Upon his arrival at the Wellness & Food Testing Site close to the BRDC farm, the Chief Minister interacted with tourism stakeholders, and took cognizance of the requests for the construction of various infrastructures to help boost tourism. Additionally, he inspected the progress of the Laitkor Pomlakrai Laitlyngkot road project, which will improve connectivity in the region.  

The BRDC’s Seed Secure Meghalaya project, aims to accelerate the production of high-quality planting material by using low-cost apical-rooted cuttings as potato seed production starter material. The team at the tissue culture laboratory were able to produce more than one lakh tissue culture plants per year, exceeding expectations. This will allow Meghalaya to produce high-quality seed tubers that can be sold throughout the year to neighboring states and propel the Meghalaya into becoming self-sustainable for Potato Seed tubers production.  

While surveying the progress of the project at BRDC, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma commented, “During my visit to the ongoing projects under the Bio-Resources Development Centre, I was impressed by the rapid pace of strategy driven progress being made by the teams involved pushing Meghalaya to be self-reliant agriculturally. It is inspiring to see the commitment of the local communities in supporting these efforts and working towards a better future for the state.” 

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma also highlighted the urgent need to come up with a systemic plan to help farmers benefit from this project, apart from pitching the project to PRIME hubs for entrepreneurial intervention.  

With reference to the requests of the tourism stakeholders for the construction of various infrastructures, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma not only assured speedy action to be undertaken but also suggested innovative ideas for employment generation for locals such as the implementation of electric vehicles for ferrying tourists and designated food trucks.  

The East Khasi Hills district's Laitkor-Pomlakrai-Laitlyngkot Road upgradation and improvement project is one of the key initiatives in the Government of Meghalaya's infrastructure development plan. With a total project value of 27.09 crore and an estimated completion date of December 2023 for the road length of 11.52 km, the project is progressing rapidly and is expected to significantly improve connectivity and transportation, joining the NH-6 (a primary National Highway) connecting Meghalaya with Mizoram and Assam, and NH- 206 which joins Guwahati and Shillong. This road will be an important catalyst for socio-economic growth in the region ultimately improving farmers' access to Shillong's market areas and help decongest the city's roads. 

Introducing Nokia 105 (2023) And Nokia 106 4G: Feature Phones With Inbuilt UPI 123PAY For Seamless Digital Transactions

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announces additions to its market-leading feature phone portfolio with the new Nokia 105 2023 and Nokia 106. These phones come with an inbuilt UPI 123PAY functionality, combining the trusted reliability of Nokia phones with the convenience and accessibility of UPI, enabling users to securely and seamlessly perform digital transactions even without a smartphone.

UPI 123PAY is NPCI’s instant payment system for feature phone users who can use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment service in a safe and secure manner. Through UPI 123PAY, feature phone users will be able to undertake a host of transactions based on four technology alternatives such as calling an IVR (interactive voice response) number, app functionality in feature phones, missed call-based approach and proximity sound-based payments.

Featuring incredible battery life, simplicity and accessible price points, both phones offer the reassurance and reliability expected from a Nokia phone.

Ravi Kunwar, VP- India & APAC, HMD Global added “We are excited to launch the market-leading feature phones, Nokia 105 2023 and Nokia 106 4G, more relevant than ever with the introduction of UPI feature. Through the introduction of UPI feature in our feature phones, we aim to empower feature phone users with the ability to perform secure , convenient digital transactions with ease and move ahead with the times. By bringing UPI to our beloved feature phones, Nokia 105 and Nokia 106 4G, we strive to bridge the digital divide and enable financial access for all”

Ms. Praveena Rai, Chief Operating Officer, NPCI said, "We are excited to associate with HMD Global in bringing UPI 123PAY functionality to Nokia feature phones. This partnership allows us to extend the convenience and accessibility of UPI to more users, enabling secure and seamless digital transactions on affordable devices. We believe that empowering feature phone users with UPI capabilities will contribute to provide more users with the ease and convenience of using UPI and encourage the adoption of digital financial services."

Beerud Sheth, Founder and CEO, Gupshup said, “For true financial inclusion to become a reality, payments and commerce have to come together. While this was available for smartphone users, a vast swathe of the feature phone customers were aloof from the transformative power of mobile payments. With our UPI solution for feature phones, we are proud to have built something that brings inclusive finance closer to people, empowering them along the way. We are glad to receive NPCI's support for this initiative and work alongside Nokia mobiles to make digital payments and UPI even more ubiquitous."

Designed to Keep You Connected

Nokia 106 4G has undergone rigorous durability testing to withstand even the toughest environments, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity no matter the circumstances. The carefully considered spacing between each button on the keymat, makes it easy to dial and text, even in the dark. IPS display technology brings clearer views with better viewing angles and colour reproduction no matter if you’re texting, browsing or gaming.

Enhanced User Experience and Improved Audio

Nokia 105’s ergonomic design and compact shape are specially moulded to feel great in the hand and easily slip into your pocket when you’re on the go.

Battery for Days

Nokia 105 is equipped with an upgraded 1000 mAh battery, 25% larger than its predecessor, providing extended standby time and allowing for uninterrupted conversations from sunrise to sunset.

Whereas, Nokia 106 4G has an increased 1450 mAh battery and delivers hours of talk time. Users can rely on the Nokia 106 4G to stay connected for weeks in standby mode, ensuring their communication needs are met without worrying about frequent recharging.

Entertainment and Functionality

Nokia 105 and 106 4G comes loaded with features designed to keep users entertained and productive. It offers a wireless FM radio, allowing users to listen to their favourite stations without the need for a headset. Additionally, Nokia 106 4G has in-built MP3 player, enabling users to bring their playlists wherever they go.

Built to Last

Nokia understands the importance of durability, and each Nokia phone is meticulously tested to ensure it can withstand the challenges of daily use. The Nokia 105 and Nokia 106 are no exception, built with passion and designed to deliver exceptional performance even in the most demanding situations.

Pricing and Availability

Nokia 105 and Nokia 106 4G will be available in India starting from 18th May priced at Rs. 1299 & Rs. 2199 respectively. The Nokia 105 will be offered in Charcoal, Cyan & Red color whereas Nokia 106 4G would be available in Charcoal & Blue Color. 

Yulu Partners With Prestige Group For Green Mobility, Opens Exclusive Yulu Zones At Prestige Tech Park Campus

* 6 new Yulu Zones opened inside Prestige Tech Park premises to enable shared green mobility for over 35,000 working professionals

Yulu, India’s largest shared electric 2-wheeler company, in association with Prestige Group, South India’s leading real estate developer, launched Yulu Zones inside the Prestige Tech Park (PTP) campus in Kadubeesanahalli. 6 Yulu Zones with Yulu Miracle shared EVs have been opened at the Prestige Tech Park premises, with the aim to provide access to sustainable & easy mobility to thousands of working professionals who come to the PTP campus for work everyday. The Prestige Tech Park campus in Kadubeesanahalli houses many IT giants, and close to 35,000 people work at the Park. 

Shared EVs offer a practical mobility solution for short mile commute by enabling riders to decrease their carbon footprint and mitigate traffic congestion on an individual level. In line with its objective of going deeper and denser, Yulu plans to deploy more Yulu Zones in other major Tech Parks and Business Campuses in Bengaluru, thus providing an easily accessible, affordable, and sustainable mobility solution to the working class. With perennial shortage of cabs and rickshaw, Yulu shared EVs have proved to be a great alternative for intra-city commute. 

Commenting on the partnership, Pradeep Puranam, Head - Revenue and Operations, Yulu, said “Yulu’s core aim is getting sustainable & affordable mobility nearer to people. Traffic congestion, long wait times for other modes of commute like cabs and lack of first-and-last mile public transit connectivity are some of the challenges faced by office-goers in metropolitan cities. By having Yulu Zones within the business park campuses, we are looking to provide an easy and sustainable mobility solution to these challenges. Our partnership with Prestige Group addresses this need and aims to facilitate convenient & quick access of Yulu shared EVs to the employees at the Tech Park for shorter trips, as well as help reduce the overall carbon emission in the cities.”

Commenting on the partnership, Komal Prasad, Vice President - Experiences, Prestige Group, said, “Yulu EV bikes are an excellent mode of transportation within multiple campuses of the Prestige Tech Park. The Tech Park, which is spread over 70+ acres, houses some of the best global corporate occupiers. We take immense pleasure in partnering with Yulu Bikes not only for internal mobility but also as a good last mile connectivity solution to the upcoming metro station on the ORR, and numerous other home development projects within a 5-kilometre radius. This initiative not only promotes green technology and sustainability but also helps occupiers at Prestige Tech Park save time, money as well as reduce their overall carbon footprint.”

About Yulu

Yulu is India’s largest shared EV mobility tech company, founded in 2017 by seasoned & serial entrepreneurs with the mission to make urban commuting clean, inclusive & sustainable. Backed by marquee as well as strategic investors, Yulu provides urban Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR, and is supported by one of India’s largest AI-powered Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform, Yuma Energy, to provide practically unlimited range to its users. As a pioneer in the EV space, Yulu has influenced several policies aimed towards electric vehicles, and has generated livelihood opportunities for millions of people. Yulu rides have helped save over 15,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions till date. For further information, visit www.yulu.bike or follow us on Twitter @YuluBike.

Sony Announces The New WF-LS900N “Earth Blue” Color Made From Water Server Bottles

Sony today announced that it will release WF-LS900N, noise cancelling truly wireless earbuds, in a new color variation called "Earth Blue". This follows the white, black color versions that have been available on sale since November 2022. This new offering has been created using recycled water bottle materials. A multipoint connection has also been released, enabling the seamless switching between the WF-LS900N series via a software update.

WF-LS900N will be available in "Earth Blue" color which uses recycled resin materials generated from recycled water bottles. Parts of the body and case of WF-LS900N in Earth Blue are made from recycled water bottle materials which creates a unique marble pattern. It was originally developed by Sony in pursuit of a new design expression with the aim of expanding the potential use of recycled materials from water server bottles.

The material has been developed uniquely for this product by taking advantage of the adhesive properties of the water server bottle material. The texture of the marble pattern was then created, with each product designed to have a different pattern.

In addition to the “Earth Blue” model, the whole WF-LS900 earbuds also comes with the entire packaging being plastic free and the earbuds use recycled materials from automobile parts[ii], reflecting Sony’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their products.

Sony group is implementing a long-term environmental plan called “Road to Zero”, which aims to reduce their environmental footprint to zero by 2050. As part of this, Sony established the "Green Management 2025" environmental medium-term targets that will take effect from FY2021 through FY2025. It aims to accelerate efforts such as the introduction of recycled plastics, the reduction of product power consumption, the elimination of plastic from the packaging of newly designed small products, and the introduction of renewable energy.

Multipoint connection function to become available

In addition, WF-LS900N will also receive a software update to enable the multipoint connection function which allows users to connect to two devices at the same time. For example, if you are playing music on your PC and your smartphone receives a phone call, it will automatically switch to the smartphone call and you can make a hands-free call without having to switch connections.

Availability

The WF-LS900N in earth blue will be available only on Amazon in India from 17th May 2023 onwards.

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Since its establishment in 1994, Sony India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation in Japan, has positioned itself as a premium brand across product categories such as television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio, and professional solutions. Sony India is committed to offering the utmost customer satisfaction by providing unparalleled standards of sales and services.