Tata Motors Announces Price Increase Of Its Commercial Vehicles From April 2024

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced that it will increase the price of its commercial vehicles effective 1st April 2024, up to 2%. The price increase is to offset the residual impact of the past input costs. While the price increase will vary as per individual model and variant, it will be applicable across the entire range of commercial vehicles.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 128 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 42 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fueled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2023, Tata Motors’ operations include 88 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, three joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

OnMobile Global Announces Change in New Top-End Leadership

OnMobile, a leader in cutting-edge mobile gaming entertainment, has announced a new leadership structure. As a pioneer in the mobile entertainment industry the company further strengthens its focus towards being a gaming first organisation.

Sanjay Baweja, MD & Global CEO has decided to move on due to personal reasons and obligations. In his long & illustrious career, Sanjay has been associated with OnMobile Global Limited for 9 years, starting as an Independent Director on the Board from September’15. He stepped up as Managing Director & Global Chief Executive Officer from October’21 and has been instrumental in growing the mobile gaming business which is now live with 99 operators across the globe. During his tenure OnMobile was also certified as a Great Place to Work.

Commenting on the decision, Sanjay said, “It has been an honour to be associated with OnMobile during this period of transition & help it grow into an ever-evolving mobile gaming organisation. I thank all employees, partners & investors in their continued support in this journey.”

François-Charles Sirois, Executive Chairman will be doubling up as Chief Executive Officer and will be based at the company’s offices in Madrid, Spain, which is the biggest revenue contributing geography. A passionate gamer himself, François-Charles is the President and CEO of Telesystem, a global media and technology holding company. He is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of OnMobile Systems Inc., the largest shareholder of OnMobile and has decades of experience in corporate mergers, acquisitions, and financing. His entrepreneurship expertise and talent for developing successful joint ventures with innovative partners have enabled him to leverage the momentum in building the mobile gaming arm of the company. 

Commenting on the change, François-Charles said, “I sincerely want to thank Sanjay who has been an integral part of OnMobile for close to a decade, I wish him the very best for the future. The progress the company has made in the gaming space is only a start. During the next 18 months our leadership will be on revenue growth and profitability, with the support of key industry partners. OnMobile is a fantastic global platform, we will ensure it is recognized in markets worldwide.”

About OnMobile

OnMobile Global [NSE India: ONMOBILE] [BSE Ltd: 532944], the leader in cutting-edge mobile gaming and entertainment, is headquartered in Bangalore, India, with its presence in over 65 countries across the globe. OnMobile is focused on building customer-first Mobile Gaming products while offering a wide array of digital products such as Videos, Tones, & Contests. Based on current deployments, OnMobile has over 70.5 million monthly users globally. For further information, visit www.onmobile.com.

Titan Smart Wearables Announces strategic Collaboration With Leader In Generative AI, CueZen To Transform Experience In India

Titan, a key player in smart wearables and watch manufacturing, partners with CueZen, a global leader in Predictive & Generative AI for Health, to revolutionize the health and wellness industry in India. This collaboration combines Titan's technology with CueZen's AI-driven personalization engine, aiming to create impactful products and programs for hyper-personalized health experiences, enhancing consumer experience by improving the engagement while providing meaning full insights. 

This partnership is a shared vision to empower individuals with the tools and insights they need to take control of their health and well-being and work on behavior changes where consumers have a focused routine which helps them improve their lifestyle. By combining Titan's expertise in user-centric design and wearable technology with CueZen's AI-powered personalized nudges and recommendations, the two companies aim to develop a new generation of smart wearables & services that offer actionable guidance and support for a healthier lifestyle.

Forget counting steps and obsessing over calories, this partnership throws opens doors to a health revolution, empowering individuals to transform their lifestyles and make conscious choices for a healthier future. Imagine smart wearables that go beyond mere data trackers, becoming trusted companions offering personalized insights and actionable guidance. Titan and CueZen are creating a new era of mindful living, where technology seamlessly integrates with your daily routine, motivating you to make healthier choices, effortlessly.

Ravi Kuppuraj. Business Head COO - Titan Smart Wearables stated, "In light of the health challenges confronting India today, our collaboration is laser-focused on delivering customized solutions that cater to the diverse requirements of the Indian consumers. Leveraging the power of AI and wearable technology, Titan Smart Wearables and CueZen are committed to developing products and services that profoundly influence individuals' fitness endeavors. This strategic alliance seeks to revolutionize the paradigm of wellness management, providing actionable insights and support to foster healthier lifestyles among users."

"We believe that personalization is the future of healthcare. Our collaboration with Titan Smart Wearables will allow us to leverage cutting-edge technology, behavioral science and hyper-personalization to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the Indian market," said Ankur Teredesai, CEO of CueZen.

The strategic investment underscores Titan's belief in the potential of CueZen technology and the pressing need for hyper-personalized health programs in the rapidly expanding Indian wellness and health market. The collaborative efforts of Titan Smart Wearables and CueZen hold the promise of a brighter, healthier future for consumers in India. As we embark on this journey together, we envision a landscape where wearables serve as catalysts for positive change. Over time, these nudging ecosystems will undoubtedly contribute to improved health outcomes, facilitating sustained behavior changes and lifestyle modifications across Tata ecosystem. This partnership is poised to empower individuals across India to prioritize their fitness and wellness journeys, ushering in a new era of holistic well-being and vitality.

About Titan Smart Wearables:

Titan Smart Wearables, a division of Titan Company Limited, is a leading force in the world of smartwatches, dedicated to crafting smart wearables that redefine personal style and enhance well-being. With a strong commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and fashion, Titan Smart has consistently set new standards for a holistic lifestyle.

About CueZen:

CueZen is a Seattle-based Health AI company with a global mission to empower large health enterprises to harness the potential of lifestyle and wearable data, ultimately enhancing outcomes across the wellness and poly-chronic disease spectrum. CueZen's AI-driven personalized nudges and recommendations optimize and engage patients/members based on their digital twin and lifestyle behaviors, significantly improving outcomes and adherence to care protocols.

Volvo Car India Launches New Variant Of XC40 Recharge At An Introductory Ex-Showroom Price Rs. 54.95 Lakhs

* The XC40 Recharge Single gives a range of 475kms as per WLTP & 592 kms as per ICAT testing conditions on single charge

* Volvo's electrifying lineup now boasts three BEV models: the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor, XC40 Recharge Single Motor, and C40 Recharge Twin Motor

* Announces 8 years Battery warranty & 3 years Hassle-free Ownership Package including warranty, service package & RSA as part of the price

Volvo Car India today launched the single motor variant of XC40 Recharge at an introductory ex-showroom price of 54.95 lakhs plus applicable taxes. Bookings for the XC40 Recharge will be exclusively online and can be done on the Volvo Car India Website. Reflecting the company’s commitment to local production, the XC40 Recharge single motor is assembled at the state-of-the-art facility in Hosakote, Bengaluru, Karnataka, along with the existing vehicle lineup. Pre-booking for the car begins from today. Customers can pre-book their car at their nearest Volvo Car India business partner.

After a huge success of XC40 Recharge launched in year 2022, we are delighted to unveil its single motor variant- the XC40 Recharge. The vehicle has been strategically priced so as to increase our customer base as well as to showcase our continued commitment to grow the Indian EV market. This launch is a significant milestone in our journey to provide Indian customers with an exceptional fusion of performance, sustainability, and convenience and reinforces our promise of introducing one new electric model annually in India. As with all our offerings, the XC40 Recharge is meticulously assembled at our Hosakote plant in Bengaluru." said Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India

Setting new benchmarks in performance and range, the XC40 Recharge Single Motor Variant offers a remarkable driving experience. With a range of 475 kilometers as per WLTP standards and 592 kilometers under ICAT testing conditions on a single charge, this EV empowers drivers to explore with confidence. Boasting a power output of 238hp and a torque of 420Nm, the XC40 Recharge accelerates from 0 to 100 km/hr in just 7.3 seconds, delivering exhilarating performance while prioritizing sustainability.

About XC40 Recharge Single Motor Electric:

-         Power: 238 hp

-         Torque: 420 Nm

-         Battery : 69 kWh

-         Battery Type: Li-Ion

-         Acceleration: 0-100 kms – 7.3 s

-         Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000 km

-         Top speed: 180 km/h

-         WLTP Range: 475 kms

-         ICAT Range : 592 kms

-         Battery weight: 500 kg

-         Front storage (Frunk): 31 ltrs

-         Rear storage (boot space): 419 ltrs

-         Ground Clearance (kerb weight + 1 person): 175mm

-         One Pedal Drive option

-         Leather-free interiors

-         Unique battery safety cage

-         Neatly packaged sensors for the Advanced Driver Assist Systems sensor platform

-         LED Headlight Mid

-         Digital Services with 5 years subscription

-         Google Built-in (Google Assistant, Google Play, Google Maps)

-         Volvo Cars App (Car Lock/Unlock, Preconditioning, Battery Charging Status)

-         High Performing Sound System (250W, 8 speakers)

-         Volvo On Call

-         Advanced Air Purifier System with PM 2.5 sensor

-         Reversing Camera

-         Blind Spot Information System with Cross traffic alert

-         Adaptive Cruise Control

-         Pilot Assist

-         Lane Keeping Aid

-         Collision Mitigation Support (front & rear)

-         Parking Assistance Sensors (front & rear)

-         7 airbags

-         Wireless Charging for smartphone

Hassle-free Ownership Package:

Introductory Ex-showroom Price: Rs. 54.95 Lakhs lakhs plus applicable taxes, including

*  8 years battery warranty

*  3 years comprehensive car warranty

*  3 years Volvo Service Package

*  3 years Road Side Assistance

*  5 years subscription to digital services

*  1 wall box charger (11 Kw) through third party

In the previous year 2023, Volvo's Pure Electric Models, the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, accounted for an impressive 28% of total sales. Notably, the locally assembled all-electric XC40 Recharge Dual Motor demonstrated remarkable performance, with 510 units sold during this period. Similarly, the C40 Recharge, launched in September 2023, garnered significant attention, recording sales of 180 units within a short span of time.

Tre-Kronor – Ultimate Luxury Experiences

The “Tre Kronor Experience” program which got rolled out for XC40 Recharge & C40 Recharge customers will be extended to XC40 Recharge single motor customers as well. Tre-Kronor denotes the three crowns of Swedish luxury and will offer a host of unique luxury and personalized experiences.

Volvo Cars in India

Swedish luxury car Company Volvo established its presence in India in 2007 and has since then, worked intensively to market the Swedish brand in the country. Volvo Cars currently markets products through 25 dealerships in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi NCR – South Delhi, West Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Raipur, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhiana, West Mumbai, South Mumbai, Pune, Raipur, Surat, Vishakhapatnam and Vijayawada.

Taste The Wonders Of Australia At “Aahar 2024” In New Delhi

To leverage the opportunities from the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) and the increasing demand from the Indian middle class for premium agrifood products, Australian premium food & beverage companies will showcase the best of Australian premium agrifood products at Aahar 2024 to connect with the Indian businesses and consumers.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in partnership with the state governments of New South Wales and Victoria is bringing together 20+ Australian brands to showcase their products at the Australian Pavilion located at Hall No.1, Stand No.1G-02A in Aahar 2024.

The Australian pavilion at Aahar 2024 will showcase products across different categories ranging from sheep meat, seafood and aquaculture, horticulture, grains and pulses and premium health food products.

Australia’s reputation for clean, green and safe produce makes Australia a compelling destination to develop, commercialise, scale and source the next generation of agriculture and food technologies.

Taste the Wonders of Australia

Coinciding with Aahar 2024, the Australian High Commissioner to India, HE Philip Green OAM is hosting the inaugural ‘Taste the Wonders of Australia’ event on       7 March 2024 at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi.

The event will provide an opportunity Indian and Australian businesses to come together to network, enjoy Australian food and beverage and celebrate the depth of our bilateral relationship.  The event menu will be curated by Indian celebrity Chef Saby using the Australian ingredients and produce.

The event is being delivered in partnership with ANZ Bank, HCL Technologies, Linfox, HSBC Bank and Qantas Airways. Products featured have been generously provided by Avocados Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia, Tassal, Western Australian Government, Treasury Wine Estates and Saint Andrews Beach Brewery.

Speaking about the Australian participation at Aahar 2024, Mr John Southwell, Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Australian Trade and Investment Commission said, “India and Australia’s bilateral ties have seen remarkably strengthened over the years, and our produces in various sectors have grown exponentially. It is this partnership and shared prosperity that has motivated us to bring our products to India and collaborate with local importers to enhance trade relations and further strengthen the bond between our two nations. We can see Australian products featuring more and more in Indian cuisine, from dals to lamb biryani paired with premium Australian wine. If you are after fine high-quality, great tasting products – come and visit us at Aahar.”

About The Australian Trade and Investment Commission

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government’s international trade promotion and investment attraction agency. We deliver quality trade and investment services to businesses to grow Australia’s prosperity. We do this by generating and providing market information and insights, promoting Australian capability, and facilitating connections through our extensive global network.

To discover how we can help you, visit https://www.austrade.gov.au/

Teach For India Invites Applications For The 2024 Fellowship Program: An Exceptional Opportunity To Do More In Classrooms

* The final deadline to apply for the 2024 Teach For India Fellowship is 17th March 2024 

Teach For India, an organization working towards educational equity for children has invited applications for the final 2024 Fellowship. The deadline for applying is 17th March 2024.

The Teach For India Fellowship is a two-year, full-time paid Fellowship program that empowers passionate individuals to become leaders and changemakers in the education sector. The Fellowship application process is highly selective and receives applications from India's brightest and most promising individuals. The selected Fellows go through a rigorous training program where they are motivated and challenged to comprehend the education system from its grassroots level.

The unique aspect about the Teach For India Fellowship is the opportunity to bring about a transformative change in the existing education paradigm. It also gives them insights into various aspects of leadership, problem solving and facing real life challenges that can be a game changer in their overall professional growth.

About Teach For India: 

Teach For India is a nationwide movement of leaders, working towards the vision of ensuring that every child in India receives an excellent education. Driven by the belief that meaningful change happens when we cultivate a collective force of leaders, Teach For India envisions an India free of poverty and filled with love, our leaders choose education as the path to get there. Over the next decade, the organization aspires to build a movement of 50,000 leaders. They will work collectively, with love, to transform the lives of 1 in 10 children from low-income communities in and beyond Teach For India’s regions. Through its flagship 2-year Fellowship Program, Teach For India places India’s brightest young minds in the most under-resourced classrooms in the country, providing aspiring leaders with the support and ecosystem that they need in order to manifest change at all levels of the Indian education system. Today, 1000 Fellows teach 34,000 students directly in classrooms across eight cities. Over 4500 Alumni have gone on to establish or co-create more than 130 social impact organisations, and are able to consistently impact 50 million children across India.

Mahindra Group And Johnson Controls Launch Net Zero Buildings Initiative To Decarbonize Buildings In India

* Strategic climate advocacy initiative will provide organizations, building owners and facility managers with information and resources to create sustainable spaces. 

* Initiative to accelerate deployment of smart and sustainable buildings and support India’s Net Zero goals.

* Being launched with a toolkit document and will continue to be rolled out over the course of a year from March 2024 using virtual and in-person workshops.

As India ramps up efforts to decarbonize its rapidly growing infrastructure of buildings, the Mahindra Group, one of India’s leading industrial enterprises, and Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced a first of its kind Net Zero Buildings Initiative to decarbonize India’s commercial, urban residential and public buildings. The joint initiative will simplify access to key information and resources to help organizations start their net zero buildings journeys.

“At Mahindra, we strongly believe in operating as a ‘Planet Positive’ organization. The group has undertaken multiple initiatives to decarbonize our operational infrastructure—leading to both financially and environmentally value accretive outcomes. We also understand the critical role of collaboration in accelerating a sustainable future, and hence join hands with Johnson Controls, leaders in net zero building solutions, to share our learnings and best practices with everyone” said Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Chief Group Public Affairs Officer and Group Executive Board Member.

According to the International Energy Agency, three-quarters of India’s anticipated 2040 buildings have yet to be built. With the sector accounting for 20% of emissions and more than 30% of energy consumption in the country, the transition to smart and sustainable buildings is becoming an environmental and economic imperative. 

“With India on the cusp of a building revolution, now is the time to actualize the benefits of smart and green buildings for India’s economy and society,” said George Oliver, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. “The joining together of our two companies to develop this unique initiative is a natural fit—leveraging Johnson Controls’ leadership in smart building technology and Mahindra’s renowned multi-industry expertise and reach. We believe it will help guide and inspire a movement toward a more sustainable built environment, both in India and beyond.”

The Net Zero Buildings Initiative—comprising a cost-free, all-in-one toolkit and training—will help building and facility owners learn about best practices of sustainable buildings, implement tools to assess building parameters, identify and implement conservation measures, and understand building regulations in India, available incentives, technology, financing models, and more. 

“This collaboration is a statement of intent from the construction industry to support the Indian government’s journey towards the low-carbon pathway of development. I’d like to congratulate the Mahindra group and Johnson Controls International for providing a much needed momentum to this movement. Built infrastructure is responsible for 40% of the global energy related emissions today, and most of the built environment in India’s cities, is yet to be constructed. It is absolutely imperative that we integrate sustainability and climate resilience into the life cycle of the built environment. Sustainability has been an article of faith for this government, and no developing country has ever steered away from the high carbon path of development as profoundly as India has done.” said Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas

Investing in energy efficient infrastructure can potentially reduce electricity consumption by 40-60% compared to conventional buildings. According to India Energy Outlook 2021, even a 30% improvement in energy efficiency from buildings can potentially save ~250 TWh of electricity by 2030, which means significant electrical energy could be given back to the grid to further fuel economic growth. 

Across Mahindra Group, Mahindra Holidays has increased energy efficiency by more than 50% across resorts, Mahindra Auto & Farm sector has increased energy productivity by more than 90% across factories, and Mahindra Lifespaces launched Mahindra Eden, India's first Net Zero Energy Residential building, that is expected to save over 1.8M kWh electricity annually. Similarly, Mahindra Logistics is investing to build energy efficient warehouses. 

As part of the initiative, Mahindra and Johnson Controls will work closely with Indian national and state governments, think-tanks and industry associations, providing greater visibility on building data to aid in climate progress reporting and formulating strategies and frameworks. 

Mahindra and Johnson Controls plan to roll out the initiative in March 2024 through virtual and in-person workshop sessions as part of a year-long roadshow. To learn more about the Net Zero Buildings Initiative, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/en_in/openblue/india-net-zero-buildings-initiative.