Honda Cars India Releases Teaser image For The “All-New 3rd Generation Honda Amaze”

Honda Cars India Ltd, leading manufacturer of premium cars in India released the teaser for the “All-New 3rd Generation Honda Amaze”, an innovative and stylish premium compact sedan designed for young buyers and modern families.

Building on its successful legacy as India’s trusted and popular choice among entry sedans, the All-New Amaze combines bold design, cutting-edge technology, and Honda’s signature reliability to meet the lifestyle and aspirations of today’s dynamic generation.

Since its debut in India in 2013 and subsequent launch of 2nd Generation in 2018, Honda Amaze has set a benchmark for premium styling among entry sedans winning hearts of Indian consumers, and is celebrated for its stylish appeal, comfort, performance, safety and unbeatable value making it the perfect car for those starting new journeys. 

Commenting on the teaser release, Mr. Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “The Honda Amaze has always been a special product for us and our customers in India. As a pioneer in premium styling for entry sedans, the Honda Amaze has always set the standard for design and sophistication in its segment. With the 3rd generation, we are excited to take this to the next level, offering our modern Indian customers an enhanced premium package like never before.”

Mr. Itaru Otani Appointed New Chairman Of Yamaha Motor India Group

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Itaru Otani as the new Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group.

Mr. Otani brings over three decades of experience with Yamaha Motor Company, having held key leadership roles across global markets, including Australia, Brazil, and Japan. With expertise spanning Sales, Marketing, and Corporate Strategy, he has consistently focused on Motorcycle Business Operations, strengthening Yamaha’s position worldwide. Prior to this role, Mr. Otani served as Chief General Manager, leading the Land Mobility Business Operations based out of Japan.    

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “It’s a privilege to lead Yamaha in a country as vibrant and full of potential as India. The aspirations of Indian consumers are evolving rapidly, and we see incredible opportunities to bring in products that blend Yamaha’s global expertise with the unique needs and desires of Indian riders. Our focus will be on promoting exciting, stylish and sporty two-wheelers that not only align with the market’s expectations but also set new benchmarks in design, quality, and innovation. I am looking forward to further strengthen Yamaha in India under ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign and drive forward our long-term vision by unlocking new avenues of growth in one of the world’s most dynamic two-wheeler markets.”

About Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies

Yamaha Motor made its initial foray into India in 1985 as a joint venture. In August 2001, it became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM). IYM's manufacturing facilities comprise State-of-the-art plants at Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). The infrastructure at these plants supports the production of motorcycles and parts for the domestic as well as overseas markets. YMC has established its subsidiaries - Yamaha Motor Research and Development India Pvt Ltd. (YMRI), Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd. (YMIS) and Yamaha Motor India Pvt Ltd. (YMI) in India to independently support IYM in the development, sales & marketing of its products and overall business planning & regional control respectively.

Presently, its product portfolio includes YZF-R3 (321cc), MT-03 (321cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc),  MT-15 V2 (155cc); FZS-Fi Version 4.0 (149cc), FZS-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), AEROX Version S (155cc), AEROX (155cc) and scooters like Fascino 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid (125cc).

Irfan Razack, Chairman And Managing Director, Prestige Group Honoured With Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2024

Irfan Razack, Chairman and Managing Director of the Prestige Group, was awarded the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award on 1st November 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Real Estate industry and his dedication to the economic and infrastructural development of Karnataka. This distinguished honour, bestowed by the Government of Karnataka, celebrates individuals who have significantly impacted their fields, contributing to the state's growth and progress.

Irfan Razack has been a pioneering force in transforming the skyline of Bangalore and other cities across India. Under his visionary leadership, Prestige Group has not only redefined real estate standards but also championed sustainable urban development, social responsibility, and community engagement. Through a vast portfolio spanning residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality sectors, Mr. Razack’s work has left an indelible mark on the real estate landscape and has set a benchmark in the industry.

He has also been recognized for his exceptional leadership, being voted one of Asia’s Best CEOs in 2014 by Institutional Investor magazine and receiving ‘The World’s Greatest Leaders’ award by Asia One in 2015-16. His achievements have placed him among India’s top builders and leaders. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Razack is actively involved in numerous philanthropic and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, supporting causes that benefit society at large.

Ms. Uzma Irfan, Director, Corporate Communications, Prestige Group, expressed her heartfelt congratulations to CMD, stating, “We are immensely proud of Irfan Razack’s recognition with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2024. His profound passion and steadfast commitment to not only constructing buildings but also creating environments that enhance lives and inspire communities have been pivotal in shaping the trajectory of Prestige Group. This prestigious award serves as a testament to his dedication to the state of Karnataka and the core values he exemplifies in all his endeavors. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Irfan Razack for this well-deserved accolade, which further underscores his significant legacy in Karnataka’s growth story.”

The Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2024 acknowledges Mr. Razack's exceptional professional contributions and his unwavering commitment to enhancing the connectivity and strength of Karnataka. This award serves as an inspiration for future generations, illuminating the path toward excellence and community engagement.

About Prestige Group:

Prestige Group, one of the leading real estate developers in the country, has a legacy of over three decades in real estate development. It has a diversified business model across various segments, viz Residential, Office, Retail, Hospitality, Property Management, and Warehouses with operations in more than 12 major locations in India. The Group has completed 300 projects spanning a developable area of ~ 190 mn sqft. The company has been graded CRISIL DA1+ by CRISIL and enjoys a credit rating of ICRA A+.

Castrol India Appoints Kedar Lele As The New Managing Director

 

·         Succeeds Sandeep Sangwan, who transitions to the role of Global CMO at Castrol

Castrol India Limited, a leading lubricant manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Kedar Lele as its new Managing Director, effective 1 November 2024.

Kedar joins Castrol India after an illustrious two decade-long career at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), where he last served as the Executive Director of the company, responsible for Sales & Customer Development, South Asia. With his deep expertise in leading high-performing teams, driving growth, and fostering innovation, Kedar is set to play a pivotal role in steering Castrol India’s future in the evolving automotive and lubricants industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Rakesh Makhija, Chairman, Castrol India Limited, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kedar to the Castrol India. His vast experience in driving growth and leading large teams in complex markets makes him an outstanding choice to lead Castrol India. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sandeep for his exceptional leadership over the past few years. His contributions have been invaluable in strengthening our position in the market, and we wish him success in his new global role.”

Bengaluru has been instrumental in shaping Kedar’s career, offering him his initial professional opportunity in advertising at DDB-Mudra. In this role, he managed a diverse portfolio, including fashion, beverages, foods, and information technology, allowing him to develop a wide range of skills that laid the foundation for future leadership roles. During his time at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) as the Marketing Manager of Kwality Wall’s - the Ice Creams division in Bengaluru, Kedar led impactful initiatives to expand market reach across urban and rural India. His innovative, locally tailored campaigns resonated deeply with consumers and significantly boosted the brand’s visibility and acceptance in the country. Kedar’s strengths include people leadership, strategic business planning, alliances & partnerships, and executing effective go-to-market strategies, all of which make him exceptionally equipped for his leadership role at Castrol India.

Reflecting on his experience in the Silicon Valley of India, Kedar Lele, Managing Director, Castrol India Limited, said, “My time in Bengaluru taught me the value of blending creativity with data-driven strategies. The insights I gained from marketing Ice Creams, a highly consumer-driven category, have shaped my understanding of consumer needs and product appeal, which I will bring to Castrol India. I am eager to foster a similar spirit of innovation here, empowering our team to deliver industry-leading results.”

Castrol India has been a vital contributor to Bengaluru's automotive ecosystem, with a well-established network of over 600 outlets, including Castrol Auto Service centers, bike points, numerous multi-brand car workshops, and an extensive dealer network, all catering to the city’s diverse automotive and consumer needs. With a dedicated focus on improving access to high-quality lubricant products, Castrol India has expanded its presence across Bengaluru, ensuring that car and bike owners can benefit from advanced lubrication solutions.

To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Kedar has been working closely with the outgoing Managing Director, Sandeep Sangwan, since 1 September 2024. This period of changeover has allowed Kedar to gain strategic insights into the company’s operations and foster strong relationships with key stakeholders.

As part of the leadership shift, Sandeep will assume the role of Global Chief Marketing Officer at Castrol headquarters in London from 1 November 2024.

With Kedar at the helm in India, Castrol is well-positioned for continued success in the Indian subcontinent. The company remains committed to sustaining its market leadership, pushing the boundaries of innovation, and fostering a rewarding environment for its stakeholders.

About Castrol India Limited:

Castrol India Limited, part of the bp group, is a leading lubricant company with a 115-year presence in India. Known for its innovation and high-performance products, Castrol offers trusted brands like Castrol CRB, Castrol GTX, Castrol Activ, Castrol MAGNATEC, Castrol EDGE, and Castrol POWER1. Serving various sectors including automotive, mining, machinery, and wind energy, Castrol India operates three blending plants and a wide distribution network, reaching over 150,000 retail outlets nationwide. Globally, Castrol has been driving technological advancements for 125 years. For more information, visit www.castrol.co.in.

AJAX Engineering Charitable Trust Partners with Doddaballapura General and Maternal &Child Hospital to Enhance Rural Healthcare

AJAX Engineering Charitable Trust (ACT) in partnership with the General and Maternal & Child Hospital, Doddaballapura has handed over the newly constructed Outpatient Department (OPD) along with pharmacy today in presence of various dignitaries, including elected representatives of Doddaballapura Taluk, municipal councillors, and members of the hospital. This initiative is part of AJAX's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to address the infrastructural challenges faced by the existing OPD, which currently manages over 800 cases daily.  Also, AJAX Charitable Trust recognized the Non-availability of a Blood Bank facility in the region. To date, AJAX has invested approximately two crore INR in this project, alongside further investments for setting up a Blood Bank and Dialysis Centre.

The new OPD, located on the ground floor, is capable of handling 600 cases per day, while the Dialysis Centre will include 10 beds. Additionally, Blood bank which will be on the first floor will cater to the immediate need of blood for patient use.

These enhancements are designed to alleviate pressure on the current healthcare infrastructure and ensure timely medical care for patients. This initiative aligns government objectives to strengthen rural healthcare through sustainable and impactful public-private partnerships, anticipating the growing need for robust healthcare services in the region.

Sri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, lauded the initiative, stating: “Strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure is a top priority for the government, and it is heartening to see companies like AJAX Engineering actively contributing to this mission. This project will go a long way in improving medical access for rural communities.”

Sri K.H. Muniappa, Minister of Food & Civil Supplies Consumer Affairs, commented on the partnership: “This initiative demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in driving social change. AJAX Engineering Charitable Trust’s contribution will help address the healthcare challenges in Doddaballapura and provide much-needed services to the community.”

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including elected representatives of Doddaballapura Taluk, municipal councillors, and members of the hospital’s health protection committee.

Speaking on behalf of AJAX Engineering, K Vijay Chairman, “The development of these critical healthcare facilities in Doddaballapura is an essential response to the increasing demand for medical services in the region. By supporting the construction of the OPD, Blood Bank, and Dialysis Centre, we aim to ensure timely access to life-saving care for residents. This project reflects AJAX’s commitment to addressing specific community needs through meaningful, targeted initiatives that create lasting value.”

The expansion project at the hospital is aimed at responding to the increased patient demand observed in recent years, which has placed significant strain on the hospital’s infrastructure. The new facilities will offer enhanced treatment options, particularly for those requiring outpatient care and dialysis services, which are crucial for managing chronic health conditions in the community.

Photo Caption  Sri KH Muniappa, Govt. of Karnataka and District In-charge Minister, Bangalore Rural District, Sri Dinesh Gundurao, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Karnataka, and Mr. K Vijay, Chairman, Ajax Engg. Charitable Trust.

Sheela Foam Achieves Double-Digit Growth In Q2 FY25, Strengthening Market Position In B2B And B2C

Sheela Foam Limited, India's leading PU Foam manufacturer and the parent company of flagship brands Sleepwell and Kurl-on, today announced its financial results for the second quarter and half-year ending September 30, 2024. The company reported solid growth across its segments, bolstered by post-acquisition synergies that have strengthened both its B2B and B2C divisions.

The successful integration of Sleepwell and Kurl-on under Sheela Foam Limited has provided synergy benefits exceeding Rs. 100 crores annually, enhancing overall profitability. Operational streamlining, market expansion, and optimized resource management have contributed to a stronger foundation, allowing Sheela Foam to deliver sustained value for customers and stakeholders in the sleep solutions industry.

Q2 FY25 Financial Highlights (Including Kurl-on):

Mattress Segment: Volume growth of 19% YoY, reflecting a strong demand in the sleep industry

Sleepwell: 40% YoY growth

Kurl-on: 26% YoY growth

Foam Segment: 11% YoY growth, with increased penetration in industries including automotive, footwear, lingerie, and ancillary markets

Standalone Financial Performance:

For Q2 FY25, Sheela Foam’s standalone revenue reached INR 602 crores, marking a 42% increase year-over-year. EBITDA grew by 54% YoY to INR 70 crores, with an EBITDA margin of 11.7%. Net profit stood at INR 43 crores, representing a 12% increase from the prior year.

Consolidated Financial Performance:

On a consolidated basis, Sheela Foam reported revenues of INR 813 crores for Q2 FY25, a 32% YoY increase. EBITDA was INR 69 crores, reflecting a 5% YoY rise, with margins at 8.5%. Net profit was recorded at INR 9 crores.

Strategic Growth and Product Innovation:

Q2 FY25 also marked the launch of advanced products, such as the Spinetech, Orthomagic, and Pro FitRest mattresses, recommended by the Indian Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Indian Association of Physiotherapists. These offerings, alongside an extensive distribution network of over 20,000+ touchpoints, have strengthened Sheela Foam’s market footprint and contributed to the 19% YoY growth in the mattress segment.

Other business areas, including furniture cushioning, Comfort Foam, and Technical Foam, also recorded substantial volume gains, driven by demand in sectors such as automotive, footwear, lingerie, and other ancillary markets.

Management Commentary: 

Mr. Rahul Gautam, Executive Chairman, Sheela Foam Limited, stated, “Both Sleepwell and Kurl-on brands have entered their desired orbits, showing impressive volume growth in Q2FY25 while maintaining strong margins. We remain committed to delivering customer-centric innovation across all areas of our business.” 

Mr. Tushaar Gautam, MD, Sheela Foam Limited, added, “We have unlocked additional value by optimizing costs post-integration, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA nearing 10% for Q2FY25 of India business, primarily driven by synergies across raw material, logistics, and manpower rationalization.” 

About Sheela Foam Limited: 

Sheela Foam is leading the science of comfort in three continents. With over 25+ benchmark manufacturing plants in Europe and the Asia Pacific, Sheela Foam is among the most R&D-driven foam manufacturers in the world. For more than 50 years, it is driving the foam industry with competence and commitment to quality thus becoming an establishment for benchmark innovation. Sheela Foam has two international subsidiaries—Joyce Foam in Australia and Interplasp in Spain. Sheela Foam’s focus on R&D and quality assurance has led to international certifications and recognition for foam quality. Sleepwell and Kurl-on are the leading brands of Sheela Foam in India. Their product excellence and innovations stand on the shoulders of Sheela Foam’s innovative DNA.  

Over 40 Nationalities Come Together To Celebrate Diwali At Canadian International School, Bangalore

Over 40 nationalities from Canadian International School, Bangalore, brought the school’s auditorium to life with a truly sparkling display for the Festival of Lights. The community celebrated an Umang Bhari Diwali — a fitting theme to describe the vibrant performances that took place today.

This year, CIS put together an artistic embodiment of our rich Indian heritage with performances that effortlessly blended modern Bollywood with the warmth of Indian tradition. The result was a beautiful harmony of diverse cultures across varied age groups.

"It is truly inspiring to see our community unite with such enthusiasm to not just celebrate Diwali, but to also rejoice in the unity that arises from celebrating our differences,” commented Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School Bangalore.

Archna Jha, HoD English shared, “Diwali is the only festival that spans two yuga or ages in time, that together symbolise joy, hope, abundance and prosperity. These are also the values and sentiments that we celebrate here at CIS with our community of over 40 nationalities coming together to not only respect the diversity of the school, but also celebrate the message it promotes.”

The celebration was a treat for all attendees and a wonderful bonding opportunity for the community who spent weeks prior to the event choreographing and rehearsing their routines.

Devyani, a grade 5 student, shared her love for Diwali at CIS saying, “Today I feel proud to be on stage singing with my peers. It’s really nice to see so many cultures perform because it’s opening my knowledge about the practices of different cultures.” “I love that during Diwali at school we get to wear colourful clothes, dance for our parents and eat yummy sweets,” said Sumaiyyah, a grade 4 student.

The event exemplified CIS’s commitment to nurturing a global environment, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds to celebrate their unique contributions.

Each year it’s wonderful to see our diverse community growing and coming together to embrace the spirit of Diwali,” remarked Dr. Ted Mockrish, Head of School. “It really brings joy to the heart to see so many people from all over the world, young and old, participate in the rich cultural heritage of India, not just through dress, but in song and dance as well to share the light in this community.”

It’s heartwarming to see how people from different parts of the globe bring such infectious enthusiasm to celebrate this Indian festival. This serves as a reminder of the strength that emerges when diverse cultures unite with respect, integrity and joy for each other — the values that CIS was built with over 28 years ago and continues to deliver quality education with today.