Ather Energy Opens Its First Experience Centre In Colombo, Sri Lanka

-          Ather’s flagship scooter, the Ather 450X, will be retailed in the market

-          After Nepal, Sri Lanka is Ather Energy’s second international market

Ather Energy Limited, a pioneer in the EV two-wheeler industry in India, has opened its first Experience Centre, Ather Space, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy. This marks the company’s entry into its second international market, following its debut in Nepal in November 2023. At the Experience Centre, Sri Lankan customers can test ride and purchase Ather’s flagship scooter, the Ather 450X, which caters to the performance segment.

The Experience Centre was opened in collaboration with Evolution Auto Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between Sensei Capital Partners, Atman Group, and Sino Lanka Private Limited. As Ather’s national distributor in Sri Lanka, Evolution Auto will not only manage sales, service operations, and network expansion, but will also be establishing Ather grid fast-charging stations across the country. This approach aims to facilitate EV adoption and ensure a seamless experience for customers.

Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy Limited, shared, “We are thrilled to enter our second international market, Sri Lanka, where we are starting our sales with the Ather 450X. We believe that the Ather 450X, with its emphasis on performance, is fit for the Sri Lankan market. Its acceleration, maneuverability and ride handling allows riders to easily navigate city routes and diverse terrains. The EV industry in Sri Lanka is still in its nascent stages, and we are excited to be a part of their journey as the industry continues to grow. Sri Lanka is an important part of our global expansion plans and in the following years, we will continue to seek opportunities in other international markets.”

Dhiren Kundanmal, Director, Evolution Auto Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to open the first Ather Experience Centre in the heart of Colombo. This center symbolizes our commitment to innovation and sustainability in mobility. Here, we invite everyone to experience the cutting-edge Ather electric scooters, engage with the Ather technology, and become a part of a greener future. We believe that the journey towards sustainable transportation begins with the right experience, and we are excited to share it with the vibrant community of Colombo.”

Last year, Ather entered its first international market, Nepal and as of 31st October 2024, has established 5 Experience Centres and 16 Ather grid fast-charging stations across the country. In India, Ather has 239 Experience Centres across 175 cities and has established over 2000 Ather Grid fast-charging stations, as of 31st October 2024. Ather has 2 manufacturing plants in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, one each for vehicle assembly and battery manufacturing and an upcoming third manufacturing facility in AURIC, BIDKIN, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra.  

Tata Motors Registered Total Sales Of 74,753 Units In November 2024

* Total PV Sales of 47,117 units, 2% YoY

* Total CV Sales of 27,636 units, -1% YoY

Tata Motors Limited sales in the domestic & international market for November 2024 stood at 74,753 vehicles, compared to 74,172 units during November 2023.

Domestic sale of MH&ICV in November 2024, including trucks and buses, stood at 12,481 units, compared to 12,303 units in November 2023.

Total sales for MH&ICV Domestic & International Business in November 2024, including trucks and buses, stood at 13,230 units compared to 12,895 units in November 2023.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Continues Sales Momentum, Records Wholesales Of 25,586 Units In November 2024

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) continues to post robust growth trajectory, recording sales of 25,586 units in November 2024, a remarkable 44% increase over the same period last year. In the month of November 2023, the company sold 17,818 units. Exports in the month of November 2024 stood at 1140 units.

In the first eight months of FY'24-‘25, TKM achieved a significant milestone, with total sales reaching 2,19,054 units, reflecting a 39% growth over the 1,63,636 units sold during the same period in FY'23-‘24. This impressive performance was driven by strong market demand for TKM's MPV and SUV portfolio, further supported by the success of customer-centric initiatives and tailored offerings.

Speaking on this strong performance Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We are delighted to report another month of strong sales performance, reflecting our sustained growth and customer trust. Our diverse portfolio, spanning from hatchbacks to SUVs, continues to offer tailored mobility solutions that resonate with varying lifestyles. Notably, two of our flagship models, the Innova Hycross and Urban Cruiser Hyryder, have each achieved the remarkable milestone of 1,00,000 sales. This milestone underscores the success of our India-focused product strategy, which emphasizes providing a range of advanced technologies to meet the diverse mobility needs of our customers.

Moreover, exclusive year-end benefits of over ?1 lakh on select models, including the Urban Cruiser Taisor, Toyota Glanza and Rumion (excluding CNG variants), available until December 31, 2024, have played a key role in driving robust sales momentum. This has been instrumental in providing customers with exceptional value and contributing to Toyota’s continued success in meeting market demand. The year 2024 has exceeded our expectations and we are gearing up to close it on a strong note, with a continued focus on redefining customer experience to effectively meet evolving market demands.” 

Synergy Marine Group Recognised As Crewing Company Of The Year For Exemplary Response To “DALI” Incident

Synergy’s unwavering commitment to its seafarers—as seen, for example, in its compassionate response to the DALI incident, and its focus on innovation, sustainability, and crew welfare—earned it the prestigious Crewing Company of the Year Award at the 11th International Samudra Manthan Awards 2024.

Determination and unity in adversity are ingrained qualities for seafarers, and these were clearly demonstrated by the crew of the DALI and Synergy Marine Group following the events of 26 March.

In response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge incident, Synergy’s Emergency Response Team acted with proactive transparency, ensuring full cooperation with authorities, prioritising crew welfare, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders. Swift medical treatment ashore was coordinated for an injured crew member with the support of the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C., alongside ongoing reassurance for families in India and Sri Lanka.

Shortly thereafter, Synergy delivered pre-prepared meals, deployed additional personnel onboard the DALI, and ensured consistent communication between the crew and their loved ones. These comprehensive efforts fostered unity both on board and ashore, enabling the crew to fulfill their responsibilities while collaborating with various authorities.

Today, 11 crew members remain in Baltimore to assist with the ongoing investigation. Synergy continues to prioritise their wellbeing, providing serviced accommodations, regular check-ins, and practical assistance—reflecting the Group’s unwavering dedication to its seafarers.

This dedication was recognised at the 11th International Samudra Manthan Awards 2024, held on 21 November at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, where Synergy Marine Group’s crewing arm, Synergy Maritime Recruitment Services Private Limited (SMRSPL), was honoured as the Crewing Company of the Year.

Captain Vivek Bhandarkar, CEO of Bhandarkar Publications, India’s foremost maritime publishers, established in 1975 by the late Professor K.R. Bhandarkar, warmly praised Synergy’s efforts following the 26 March incident, stating: "Mumbai has long been not just the maritime capital of India but also the crewing capital of the world, known for its close-knit maritime community. In this spirit, it is only fair to commend Synergy Marine Group’s exemplary response to the incident. Their unwavering commitment to their seafarers—from swift emergency actions and family support to ensuring crew wellbeing amid adversity—truly stands out. Synergy’s determination, compassion, and collaboration have set a benchmark in crew management excellence, exemplifying the resilient and united spirit of seafarers, always ready to rise to the challenge."

The Award also reflects Synergy’s broader initiatives, such as Kaushal Vikas (“Skill Development”), which focuses on upskilling seafarers, enhancing crew welfare, and supporting mental health. Additionally, under Harit Sagar Surakshit Sagar (“Green Ocean, Safe Sea”), Synergy has implemented sustainable shipping practices and prioritised maritime security. These initiatives align closely with the Bhandarkar Shipping News criteria for excellence in crewing, showcasing Synergy’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the wellbeing of its workforce.

Commenting on this recognition, Captain Anshul Rajvanshi, Managing Director of SMRSPL, said: “This Award reflects the incredible dedication and resilience of Synergy’s teams, both at sea and ashore. It honours our steadfast focus on crew welfare and operational excellence, values that have always been at the heart of Synergy’s mission. With over 26,000 Synergy seafarers globally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their unwavering commitment and professionalism. We will continue to ensure that our seafarers are equipped with the skills, support, and opportunities they need in order to thrive in an ever-evolving maritime industry.”

Maneesh Pradhan, Managing Director of SMRSPL, said: “Being recognised in this way reaffirms the importance of collaboration and compassion in crew management. Synergy’s ability to adaSynergy Marine Group Recognised as Crewing Company of the Year for Exemplary Response to “DALI” Incidentpt and innovate, and to support our seafarers during challenging times, sets us apart. This Award reflects the hard work and resilience of our entire team—ashore and at sea. We are also deeply grateful to our Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Washington, and India’s Director General of Shipping for their steadfast and continuing help. Furthermore, this accolade is a testament to the unwavering trust between owners, crew, and the whole Synergy team. We extend warmest gratitude to our partners and the maritime community for their continued support.”

Nova IVF Fertility Hosts Fertility Conference To Address Changing ART Trends

* Fertility Specialists At Nova Discuss The Rise In social egg freezing queries, at least 10 queries a month

Nova IVF Fertility, a leading fertility chain in India, organized an insightful fertility conference at Hotel Taj Bengaluru on 1st December 2024, in collaboration with the Bengaluru Society of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (BSOG). About 200-250 prominent obstetricians, gynaecologists, and fertility professionals discussed the evolving trends in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive drinking, sedentary lifestyle, and having irregular sleep cycles have been linked to infertility issues These elements have the potential to disrupt the hormonal balance, which might lead to infertility issues. Additionally, a growing trend of delaying parenthood for reasons like career focus or difficulty finding the right partner has led to more couples having children later.

In this scenario, there is a rise in queries related to procedures like egg freezing. Egg freezing is a fertility preservation method in which a woman's eggs are retrieved, frozen, and preserved for future use. This procedure preserves the quality of the eggs despite age-related deterioration, enabling women to postpone motherhood for personal or medical reasons. After being stimulated by hormones to mature several eggs in the ovaries, the eggs are extracted by a simple procedure. When needed, the frozen eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm, and used for an IVF procedure to achieve pregnancy.

Emphasizing on egg freezing for medical reasons, Dr Aviva Pinto Rodrigues, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Basaveshwarnagar, Bengaluru said, “While Egg freezing is being popular for social reasons, medical reasons for egg freezing needs to be given more importance as well, as women battling certain medical conditions like cancer may certainly have issues conceiving.  Egg freezing is crucial for patients facing conditions such as cancer, endometriosis, a genetic history of early menopause, or taking medications that may impact fertility.  Endometriosis can lower ovarian reserve (the number and quality of eggs) as it progresses. Egg freezing allows women to preserve their fertility by storing healthy eggs early, ensuring options for future pregnancy, even if the condition worsens or surgery impacts the ovaries. Many patients are unaware that treatments for certain conditions might affect their fertility, it is important that doctors recommend egg freezing at the right time.”

Dr Mahesh Koregol, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Koramangala, Bengaluru mentioned “Research says that Indian women’s ovaries age 6 years faster compared to western women.  As women age, their eggs quality and quantity declines, making it harder to conceive. Women are mostly freezing their eggs these days because they haven’t found the right partner, career, and they might be separated from their husband. The age group of women seeking egg is mostly early to mid-30s. This trend reflects that women are aware of the biological clock and have a proactive approach to managing their reproductive health.”

Nova IVF Fertility is a comprehensive fertility treatment centre, that has well-equipped labs with the latest technologies and follows international standards for delivering fertility treatments.

About Nova IVF Fertility:

Nova IVF Fertility is one of the largest service providers of fertility treatment across India. With an average IVF experience of over a decade, our highly experienced IVF specialists, and well–trained embryologists, Nova IVF Fertility has successfully achieved over 85,000 clinical pregnancies in the country. With vast international expertise, the fertility chain brings exceptional and ethical standards of processes, protocols, and policies to India. Through personalized treatment plans of medical management, basic ART, and advanced ART – all procedures aim to significantly improve the chances of a positive pregnancy. Nova IVF Fertility currently operates 90+fertility centres across 59 cities in India.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Prepares For A Remarkable Participation At The Global Toyota Ekiden Relay Race 2024 In Japan

In a celebration of health, fitness, and camaraderie, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is proud to announce its participation in the Global Toyota Ekiden Relay Race 2024 to be held on 8th December at Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan. This year, 20 exceptional employees, including 10 women participants for the first time, will represent India at this prestigious event. This year’s milestone, with women making up half of the team, represents TKM’s ongoing efforts to create equitable opportunities and recognize the vital role of gender diversity in building a dynamic and innovative workforce.

The Ekiden relay race, which originated in Japan, symbolizes unity, resilience, and collaboration—values deeply embedded in Toyota’s culture. Since 2005, TKM has embraced this tradition to inspire employees to prioritize health and teamwork. Inspired by Toyota Motor Corporation’s long-standing focus on employee well-being, TKM regularly organizes initiatives like Ekiden and internal marathons to promote fitness and team spirit. This reflects Toyota’s belief that a healthy body and mind are fundamental to a happier life and a productive workplace.

The selected participants come from diverse divisions across TKM, representing the collaborative ethos of the organization. The women’s team includes Lavanya D.N., M. Shendure Madhavi, Ranjitha K., B.L. Chaithra, Saritha, Kavana N.R., Deepika K., Soumya Jammihal, Aishwarya D.J., and Meghana S. Acharya. Joining them are the men’s participants:  Gagan B.R., Ramesh Hanamant Singadi, K. Sharanappa, Kishor M.K., M.Y. Sandeep Kumar, M. Uday Kumar, Siddartha M.S., Madhu K.M., Siddaraju C., and Darshan A.

These employees have undergone months of rigorous training, including time trials and practice runs designed to enhance their fitness, build endurance, and strengthen their teamwork. The preparation has not only refined their athletic skills but also fostered deeper connections among team members, creating strong bonds that will drive their collective success at the race.

Highlighting the significance of this milestone, Mr. G. Shankara - Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The Ekiden relay race is a shining example of the power of teamwork and inclusivity. We are immensely proud to see our employees represent TKM on this prestigious global platform. This year’s increased participation of women is a significant milestone for TKM, reflecting our commitment to gender diversity and our belief in creating opportunities for all. At TKM, we recognize that an inclusive team not only strengthens our organizational culture but also drives innovation and excellence. Ekiden embodies our philosophy that a healthy body and a healthy mind are essential for personal and professional fulfillment. By fostering a culture of well-being and equality, we create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.”

As the TKM team prepares to join their global counterparts in Japan, they carry with them the shared values of health, collaboration, and resilience. Their participation reaffirms Toyota’s belief that nurturing a healthier workforce paves the way for stronger connections and greater achievements within the organization. 

Tata Motors And Tata International Launch Re.Wi.Re, An Advanced Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility, In Pune

* The state-of-the-art facility has an annual capacity to scrap 21,000 end-of-life vehicles

Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, and Tata International, the global trading and distribution arm of the Tata Group, today inaugurated a new Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) in Pune. Named 'Re.Wi.Re – Recycle with Respect’, this cutting-edge facility has an annual capacity to safely disassemble 21,000 end-of-life vehicles with environmentally friendly processes.

This RVSF is operated by Tata International Vehicle Applications (TIVA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata International, and is equipped to scrap passenger and commercial vehicles of all brands.

Inaugurating the facility, Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said, "Tata Motors is at the forefront of shaping the future of mobility and focused on partnering customers to success by delivering values through its products, services, and digital solutions. Re.Wi.Re represents our commitment to creating a circular economy, leveraging advanced recycling processes that not only extract maximum value from end-of-life vehicles but also contribute to our nation's sustainability goals. Tata International has been our partner in several international markets, and we are delighted to strengthen this longstanding relationship by adding a new chapter with Re.Wi.Re.”

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Rajeev Batra, CEO, Tata International Vehicle Applications, said, "TIVA and Tata Motors have taken a pivotal step in transforming the approach to the lifecycle of vehicles in India. With the capacity to dismantle 21,000 vehicles annually, this facility has been designed to address the growing need for efficient and safe vehicle recycling. We understand the critical role of end-of-life vehicle management in shaping a sustainable and organized ecosystem for our society. This initiative supports India’s transition toward a cleaner and more regulated vehicle-recycling framework. At TIVA, we constantly push ourselves to reach new heights and remain committed to delivering our best to the communities we serve.”

Re.Wi.Re. is a cutting-edge facility, purpose-built for dismantling end-of-life passenger and commercial vehicles across all brands, with a focus on employing environmentally friendly practices. Five Re.Wi.Re. facilities are already running successfully in Jaipur, Bhubaneshwar, Surat, Chandigarh, and Delhi NCR.

Each Re.Wi.Re facility is fully digitalized, with all its operations seamless and paperless. Equipped with cell-type and line-type dismantling for both commercial and passenger vehicles, there are dedicated stations for the safe dismantling of various components, including tyres, batteries, fuel, oils, liquids, and gases. Every vehicle undergoes a meticulous documentation and dismantling process designed specifically to meet the responsible scrapping requirements of passenger and commercial vehicles, guaranteeing safe disposal of all components as per the nation’s vehicle scrappage policy. The Re.Wi.Re. concept and facility embodies a ground-breaking leap towards fostering sustainable practices within the automotive industry.

Tata International Vehicle Applications (TIVA) stands as India's largest trailer manufacturer. With four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in Ajmer, Jamshedpur and Pune, the company has established itself as a leading force in the trailer and truck body-manufacturing sector. The manufacturer leverages its advanced engineering techniques and custom design capabilities to serve diverse applications.

Tata International Vehicle Applications (TIVA)

Established in 2005, Tata International Vehicle Applications (TIVA) began its journey with a singular focus: to provide the best-in-class trailers to Tata Motors. With an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, the company quickly built a reputation for delivering reliable and high-performance trailers tailored to meet the unique requirements of Tata Motors.

After achieving several milestones and garnering immense success in its partnership with Tata Motors, TIVA expanded its operations to serve the open market. Guided by a steadfast vision to provide India with trailers of international quality, TIVA set a new benchmark in the commercial vehicle industry. The company's focus on superior engineering, durability, and customer satisfaction has positioned it as a pioneer in the trailer manufacturing segment.

Leveraging years of expertise and innovation in the commercial vehicle industry, TIVA has emerged as the first choice for trailer buyers across the country. Whether catering to individual customers, OEM partnerships, or specialized requirements for the Defence sector, TIVA continues to deliver solutions that exceed expectations, reinforcing its leadership in the Indian trailer market.

Today, TIVA stands as a symbol of excellence and reliability, contributing to India's growing logistics and infrastructure needs with products that embody the Tata Group's legacy of trust and performance.

For more information, visit: https://www.tivatrailers.com/

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 165 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 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, fuelled 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, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2024, Tata Motors’ operations include 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.