ITV

Category: Brands

  • Cars24 launches Care Plus to offer full support for used car buyers

    Cars24 launches Care Plus to offer full support for used car buyers

    MUMBAI: Why should buying a used car feel like buying a mystery box? Cars24 says not anymore. Cars24 has just fired up a game-changer for Indian car buyers with the launch of Care+, an all-in-one post-sale ownership plan that promises to take the stress out of second-hand car purchases. Rolling out across major cities and soon pan-India, the plan offers an integrated mix of extended warranty, annual servicing, 24×7 roadside assistance, and even a guaranteed resale value all bundled into a single offering.

    In a market where more than 80 per cent of used car buyers feel uncertain after the sale, Care+ aims to flip the script. According to internal data, 65 per cent of buyers have never received warranty or post-sale support, 70 per cent are clueless about resale value, and nearly half end up footing bills for repairs that should’ve been covered.

    Enter Care+, designed to remove the guesswork and offer clarity from the get-go:

    ●    Extended Warranty: Up to 3 years or 45,000 km on key components including engine and AC, with national repair access and free pickup/drop.

    ●    Annual Servicing: Certified technicians, real-time tracking, genuine parts and freebies like wheel alignment.

    ●    24×7 Roadside Assistance: For flat tyres, fuel issues, jumpstarts and minor repairs, with towing up to 40 km.

    ●    Assured Buyback: A guaranteed resale value from day one, making upgrades easy after 12 months.

    “We’ve seen that trust in the used car market comes down to two things clarity and support,” said Cars24 Co-founder and CMO Gajendra Jangid. “Care+ isn’t just another feature. It’s a mindset shift. It tells customers they’re not on their own after the sale.”

    Since its soft launch, Care+ has already been adopted by over 1,000 customers in three cities, with a glowing 4.8/5 satisfaction score. Cars24 expects more than half of its buyers to opt into Care+ by the year’s end, a bold indicator that consumers are hungry for post-sale certainty.

    With Care+, Cars24 becomes the first platform in India’s used car segment to offer a tech-enabled ownership experience that goes well beyond the transaction. In a space plagued by patchy support and limited service guarantees, Care+ might just be the much-needed tune-up the industry didn’t know it needed.

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  • Artport teams up with The Good Doll to stitch purpose into airport retail

    Artport teams up with The Good Doll to stitch purpose into airport retail

    MUMBAI: Artport, the conscious retail vertical by India Retail and Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. (IRHPL), has announced a heart-led partnership with The Good Doll, the Shark Tank India-featured social enterprise. The result: an exclusive, limited-edition collection of handcrafted, upcycled fabric dolls—now landing at Artport stores across India’s major airports.

    But this isn’t just another airport souvenir. It’s retail with roots — and purpose. Each doll is stitched with love by a collective of over 95 women artisans from the Nilgiris, many of whom are first-generation income earners. Made from pre-consumer textile waste, the dolls are designed to be body-positive, waste-free, and brimming with stories.

    “ARTPORT is redefining the airport shopping experience. We’re not just offering products—we’re offering purpose,” said Naresh Sharma, CEO,IRHPL Group of Companies and Artport is one of the brands from IRHPL. “Through our partnership with The Good Doll, we are proud to amplify the voices and skills of women artisans, while showing that conscious commerce can thrive even in high-footfall infrastructure spaces.”

    No two dolls are alike — each one stitched with intention and individuality. The launch aligns with IRHPL’s broader CSR vision: to create circular, sustainable economies that celebrate local artisanship while reducing environmental impact.

    “Our dolls are more than fabric—they represent resilience, dignity, and economic independence,” said Suhas Ramegowda, Co-Founder, The Good Doll. “Thanks to ARTPORT by IRHPL, these stories now have a national platform, connecting travellers to the heart of rural India.”

    For travellers, it’s a new kind of carry-on: a story of empowerment, stitched into fabric, ready for the journey ahead.

     

     

  • Medusa Beverages taps One Source to brew stronger brand buzz

    Medusa Beverages taps One Source to brew stronger brand buzz

    MUMBAI: In a move to dial up its narrative and pop the cap on sharper communication, Medusa Beverages has partnered with One Source, an integrated marketing consultancy known for its multi-sector mojo. The mandate: to manage reputation, shape strategy, and amplify Medusa’s brand voice across key markets.

    Founded in 2017, Medusa has carved out a distinctive niche in India’s beer scene with its mid-strength 5.9 per cent brews that hit the sweet spot between flavour and buzz. In just six years, it’s become Delhi’s third-largest beer brand, commanding a 7 per cent market share. Its portfolio includes Medusa Beer, Medusa Air, Medusa Premium Strong Ale, and its most recent collab — the fire-breathing Medusa House of the Dragon Beer, in partnership with Warner Bros.

    The communications brief will be led by Dyutiman Basu, reporting into Honey Mehra, co-lead for corporate communication, alongside One Source’s national team.

    “At Medusa Beverages, we have always believed in pushing boundaries and creating a unique beer-drinking experience for our consumers. As we continue to expand our footprint, our partnership with One Source will enable us to craft compelling narratives, engage with our audience more effectively, and strengthen our position as a category leader in the industry,” said Medusa Beverages founder & CEO Avneet Singh.

    One Source managing director Sandeep Rao added, “Medusa Beverages is a brand that has redefined the beer-drinking culture in India. Our approach as a consultancy is to align with our partners’ business objectives and drive impactful communication strategies. We are excited to work with Medusa Beverages and look forward to building a strong, resonant brand story that connects with beer enthusiasts across India.”

    With offices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, One Source brings cross-industry experience across consumer goods, BFSI, tech, and startups — and is known for blending branding, content, digital, and corporate playbooks into one seamless pour.

     

  • Smirnoff stirs up a flavour fiesta with Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango and Zesty Lime

    Smirnoff stirs up a flavour fiesta with Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango and Zesty Lime

    MUMBAI: Smirnoff Is raising the bar (and a few eyebrows) with the launch of three punchy new flavours — Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango, and Zesty Lime — tailor-made for the bold, experimental tastes of India’s new-age drinkers.

    Now hitting shelves across Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra, this flavour-forward line-up is part of Smirnoff’s India-first playbook, as it courts the Gen Z and millennial crowd that prefers party nights on rooftops over banquets, and DIY cocktails over bar menus.

    “We’re seeing a clear shift in how young Indians approach their favourite spirits — they want global brands to build a stronger local connect that is fresh and premium and yet playful. With Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango,and Zesty Lime we’re not just offering new flavours, we’re creating moments of discovery that are vibrant, social, and rooted in today’s cultural codes,” said Diageo India (USL) CMO Ruchira Jaitly.

    Each variant packs its own punch:

    . Minty Jamun: A throwback to schoolyard summers, now with a stylish twist

    . Mirchi Mango: A sweet-spicy bombshell, echoing India’s chilli-laced fruit obsession

    . Zesty Lime: Bright, breezy and built for easy pours at pre-games and house parties

    The launch is wrapped in Smirnoff’s new campaign “Flavour is a Vibe” — a cheeky nudge to embrace taste with spontaneity, style, and a generous splash of self-expression.

    With India’s cocktail culture bubbling over and at-home mixology becoming the new norm, Smirnoff’s latest desi detour is likely to find itself clinking glasses at celebrations of every size. Because in 2025, it’s not just about what you’re drinking, it’s how you vibe with it.

  • Oppo zooms in on culture with second edition of Lumo Photography Awards

    Oppo zooms in on culture with second edition of Lumo Photography Awards

    MUMBAI: Oppo India is turning up the shutter speed with the launch of the second edition of its Lumo Photography Awards, themed ‘Super Every Moment’ – a celebration of the extraordinary hidden in the everyday.

    Formerly known as the Imagine IF Awards, the rebranded Lumo marks Oppo’s sharpened focus on mobile imaging and storytelling that snaps beyond selfies. The 2025 edition adds cultural spice to the mix, thanks to a new partnership with Discovery Channel and the launch of a fresh category: Super Culture Moment.

    Oppo India head of product & digital marketing Sushant Vashistha said, “LUMO is our ode to creativity – a platform where every image tells a story, and every story becomes a moment of magic. The first edition, Imagine IF, received thousands of stunning submissions from across India. It laid the foundation for this year’s competition, powered by LUMO. This season, we aim to celebrate not just the outcome but the creative journey behind every powerful visual, powered by OPPO’s imaging technology.”

    Entrants are encouraged to capture India’s kaleidoscopic cultural tapestry using Oppo’s imaging tech. And the stakes are high – judging the entries are Joseph Radhik, India’s celebrity wedding lensman, and Vikram Channa, vp at Warner Bros Discovery and content lead for Southeast Asia.

    Commenting on the initiative, Joseph Radhik said, “As a photographer, I constantly strive to push creative boundaries and inspire others to do the same. The OPPO India Photography Awards 2025 represent a bold step in celebrating imagination and innovation in mobile photography. I urge young creators to capture the extraordinary, imagine the impossible, and leave behind a legacy of inspiration.”

    The contest is open to Indian citizens aged 18 and above, with entries accepted across nine categories: Super Snap, Youth, Live, Me, Vibe, Story, Connection, Culture, and Environs. Each photo must be accompanied by a 60–150-word description that unpacks the story behind the shot.

    In Round 1, the jury will shortlist 50 finalists. Round 2 turns up the heat, with finalists tackling a creative challenge using the Oppo Find X8 Pro. Winners will be picked based on originality, impact, and narrative flair.

    Warner Bros Discovery VP and editorial chief for content production for South East Asia, Vikram Channa commented, “At Discovery Channel, storytelling is central to our work. Our collaboration with OPPO India supports our mission to highlight diverse cultures. The ‘Super Culture Moment’ category encourages creators to capture and celebrate India’s cultural heritage using OPPO’s advanced technology.”

    Oppo’s global photography contest has already seen over 7 lakh entries from 51 countries since its 2023 debut. In India alone, the 2024 edition drew more than 34,000 entries. The 2025 chapter is poised to go bolder, brighter — and definitely more desi.

  • Mother’s Recipe gives pickles a wellness twist with ‘Hearty Roots’ launch

    Mother’s Recipe gives pickles a wellness twist with ‘Hearty Roots’ launch

    MUMBAI: In a zesty move that marries ancient wisdom with modern wellness, Mother’s Recipe has rolled out Hearty Roots– a bold, Ayurveda-inspired range of pickles that’s high on flavour and low on guilt. With zero oil, superfoods like ashwagandha, moringa, flax seeds, and jaggery, this isn’t your grandma’s pickle or maybe it is, but with a clean-label makeover.

    Touted as India’s first healthy pickle range, Hearty Roots taps into the booming Rs 10,352 crore health and wellness foods segment, growing at 10 per cent a year, and is aimed squarely at millennials and health-aware consumers craving clean eating without killing their taste buds.

    From lime pickle that’s completely oil-free to mango with ashwagandha (for stress-busting snacking), garlic with moringa (a real antioxidant punch), and even a bittersweet karela twist (blood sugar, be warned), the line-up is designed to spice up the wellness aisle.

    Each jar is sun-cured, fermented the old-fashioned way, and free of artificial nasties. It’s healthy with heritage and attitude.

    Desai Foods executive director Sanjana Desai and the force behind the launch, shared, “Every household has grown up with the familiar taste of pickles, passed down with love through generations. With Hearty Roots, we are holding on to that emotion while responding to how food habits are evolving today. This brand reflects a conscious step forward – making wellness accessible through ingredients that are time-tested and purposeful. Hearty Roots is rooted in our culture, created for those who seek flavour, function and familiarity on every plate.”

    Currently available in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad via Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, Amazon Fresh, Bigbasket, and www.mothersrecipe.com, Hearty Roots is all set to pop open in more cities and select specialty stores soon.

    Because let’s face it, no salad ever sparked a memory like a good old pickle can.

  • Tesla drives into India: Mumbai showroom opens with high-priced model Y

    Tesla drives into India: Mumbai showroom opens with high-priced model Y

    MUMBAI: Mumbai played host to a pivotal moment in India’s electric vehicle narrative on Tuesday as Tesla officially inaugurated its first showroom, a sleek 4,000 sq ft experience centre at the upscale Maker Maxity Mall in Bandra Kurla complex (BKC).1 The much-anticipated debut marks the EV behemoth’s initial physical foray into one of the globe’s burgeoning EV markets, kicking off its Indian journey with the Model Y SUV.

    The Model Y, imported as completely built units (CBUs) from Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, comes with a rather hefty price tag for Indian consumers: the rear-wheel drive variant is listed at Rs 60 lakh, while the long-range version will set buyers back Rs 68 lakh.2 These figures significantly eclipse Tesla’s base pricing in established markets such as the US ($44,900), China (263,500 yuan), and Germany (45,970 euros), largely due to India’s substantial import duties. Customs documentation revealed each Model Y arrived at Mumbai port declared at Rs 27.7 lakh ($31,988), attracting over Rs 21 lakh in import duties, aligning with India’s 70 per cent tariff on fully-built vehicles priced under $40,000.Devendra Phadnavis

    Beyond the showroom, which is strategically located near Apple’s flagship store, Tesla has imported nearly $1 million worth of Supercharger infrastructure and accessories from the US and China, earmarked for installation around Mumbai to support early adopters. The company is also establishing a dedicated service centre in Kurla West for after-sales support.

    The long-term play for India appears clear. Tesla already boasts a registered office in Bengaluru and an engineering hub in Pune. Maharashtra deputy chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, underscored this broader vision, hailing Tesla’s arrival as more than a mere commercial venture.

    “This is not just the inauguration of an experience centre but a statement that Tesla has arrived, a statement that it has arrived in the right city and state, that is Mumbai, Maharashtra. Mumbai stands for innovation and sustainability. Tesla is not just a car and car company but stands for innovation and sustainability,” Fadnavis declared.

    Tesla had teased its entry on its India-specific X handle with a coming coon” post, hinting at a July 2025 debut.

  • Ola Electric posts Rs 428 crore Q1 loss despite doubling its revenue

    Ola Electric posts Rs 428 crore Q1 loss despite doubling its revenue

    MUMBAI: It’s been a quarter of high voltage and higher losses at Ola Electric. Despite clocking a robust revenue of Rs 896 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2025 more than double from Rs 428 crore in Q1 last year, the EV unicorn reported a net consolidated loss of Rs 428 crore, widening from Rs 347 crore a year ago.

    The red flags come despite steady momentum on the top line. Ola’s revenue from operations stood at Rs 828 crore, and other income added Rs 68 crore. Segment-wise, automotive sales accounted for Rs 826 crore of the operating revenue, while cell manufacturing remained a minor contributor at Rs 3 crore.

    On the cost side, it was a heavy ride. Total expenses ballooned to Rs 1,065 crore, up from Rs 1,849 crore in Q1 FY24. Material costs alone stood at Rs 441 crore, while employee benefits and other expenses amounted to Rs 451 crore. Ola also booked Rs 259 crore towards depreciation and finance costs.

    While the company has notched gains in market presence and brand recall, the earnings sheet paints a more complex picture. Ola’s net loss before tax stood at Rs 428 crore, matching its loss for Q4 FY25. There was no exceptional income or tax expense this time, but the company had previously reversed Rs 23 crore of production-linked incentives.

    Ola, which debuted on the stock exchanges in August 2024 after a Rs 5,275 crore IPO, still has Rs 2,594 crore of those funds unutilised. According to filings, Rs 2,563 crore is parked in fixed deposits, and Rs 31 crore remains in monitoring accounts. The company had earmarked Rs 1,228 crore for battery cell production, Rs 800 crore for debt repayment, Rs 1,600 crore for R&D, and Rs 350 crore for organic growth.

    While the EV major faces scrutiny from regulatory bodies such as the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and the National Stock Exchange over complaints and data discrepancies, management has expressed confidence that these will have no material impact on financials.

    Despite negative operational cash flow of Rs 143 crore in Q1, the company is optimistic. It recently secured board approval to raise Rs 1,700 crore via non-convertible debentures to bolster liquidity and growth plans.

    Ola Electric chairman and managing director Bhavish Aggarwal noted that the group continues to assess its operations as a going concern, factoring in expected cash inflows, credit lines, and product rollouts.

    For Ola Electric, the road ahead may be steep but with big ambitions in the EV and battery space, it’s not shifting gears just yet.

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  • Blissclub launches AirMelt collection

    Blissclub launches AirMelt collection

    MUMBAI: Blissclub has announced the launch of its latest collection – AirMelt. Engineered for comfort, flexibility, and all-day wear, the collection introduces a new fabric innovation that supports Indian women through every part of their day, from work to leisure.

    Developed using a premium polyester-spandex blend, AirMelt is characterised by its featherlight feel and four-way stretch. The material also offers sweat-wicking capabilities, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor movement. Blissclub has adopted fibre-stage dyeing techniques for this collection, resulting in colours that are long-lasting and resistant to fading.

    The inclusive range features silhouettes tailored for Indian body types, including flare pants with invisible pockets, cuffed joggers, shorts, crop tees, apple-hem tees, and zippered jackets. The designs aim to provide functional versatility while offering easy styling options for everyday wardrobes.

    “AirMelt is the result of months of research, material testing and design iteration,” said Blissclub founder & CEO Minu Margeret. “Every detail was carefully considered to ensure the garments move with you and feel like second skin. We wanted to create pieces that allow women to go about their day without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. At Blissclub, we have always believed in designing for how Indian women actually live and move, and AirMelt is our response to that. It brings together thoughtful construction, everyday performance and unmatched softness in a way that feels seamless. Our goal is to create clothing that doesn’t just look good but feels effortless to wear and adapts to your day.”

  • Plush and Instamart join forces

    Plush and Instamart join forces

    MUMBAI: No more last-minute period hacks! Plush has partnered with Instamart to redefine period care with a breakthrough solution, Plush’s Seamless Period Panty. Combining innovation, convenience, and comfort, this game-changing product is transforming the disposable period panty space with a seamless, undie-like design – nothing like the bulky, diaper-like options out there. Now, with just a tap, Plush Period Panties arrive in 10 minutes via Instamart, making period care effortless, and eliminating the need for last-minute makeshift fixes that women have relied on for generations.

    Their latest ad film takes a quirky, relatable spin on period prep struggles, capturing a classic jugaad moment where an older sister creatively layers multiple pads as a DIY leak-proofing hack, only to be stopped by her younger sister, who effortlessly orders a Plush Seamless Period Panty in a snap. This collaboration is a call to move beyond outdated solutions and embrace the future of period care.

    “For years, period care has been about adjustments and compromises. At Plush, we set out to change that,” said Plush co-founder Prince Kapoor. “Our Seamless Period Panty redefines period care – blending innovation, style, and superior leak protection for ultimate comfort.  Periods come with enough worries, but finding the right care shouldn’t be one of them. Teaming up with Instamart ensures just that.”