Category: Brands

  • Hero Motocorp shifts gears, powers into electric three-wheelers

    Hero Motocorp shifts gears, powers into electric three-wheelers

    MUMBAI: Hero Motocorp is revving up its electric ambitions, acquiring a significant stake in Euler Motors, a fast-growing player in the EV space. The deal, worth up to Rs 525 crore, will give Hero a strong foothold in the booming electric three-wheeler market, where EVs are expected to hit 35 per cent of total sales in the near future.

    “Our strategic investment in Euler is a bold step towards realising our vision to ‘Be the Future of Mobility’,” said Pawan Munjal, executive chairman, calling the move a blend of innovation, sustainability, and smart expansion.

    The investment, approved by Hero’s board, will be made in one or more tranches and will see Hero take an approximately 32.5 per cent stake in Euler on a fully diluted basis. The funds will be a mix of primary investment in equity and Series D convertible preference shares, along with the option to buy shares from existing Euler shareholders.

    Euler Motors, already present in 30 Indian cities, is a rising force in electric three-wheelers and recently launched its first electric commercial four-wheeler. The company’s turnover has accelerated sharply, jumping from Rs 25 crore in 2022 to Rs 172 crore in 2024.

    For Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, this investment is more than just a new venture—it’s a clear signal that the future is electric, and Hero is here to lead the charge.

  • HUL picks up a stake in Lucro to turn plastic waste into treasure

    HUL picks up a stake in Lucro to turn plastic waste into treasure

    MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) is putting its money where its sustainability pledge is, snapping up a 14.3 per cent stake in Lucro Plastecycle, a rising star in recycled flexible plastics. The deal, approved by HUL’s board today, marks a fresh push towards a zero plastic waste future.

    Lucro isn’t just in the business of recycling—it’s on a mission to turn trash into cash by converting post-consumer flexible plastics into high-quality recycled material. The tieup with HUL aims to boost the supply of recycled content for packaging, giving businesses a clearer path to sustainability and tackling the challenge of hard-to-recycle plastics.

    “This investment is a significant step in building the capabilities in recycling and developing the circular economy model for plastic, which is in line with our firm belief that what is good for India is good for HUL,” said  HUL CEO & MD  Rohit Jawa.

    Lucro managing director  Ujwal Desai said the deal will help ramp up recycling capacity and drive large-scale commercial adoption of post-consumer resin. “This investment by HUL paves the way for us to set a new benchmark for sustainable plastics,” he said.

    HUL, India’s biggest FMCG player, already reaches nine out of ten Indian households—and now, it wants to clean up the planet while it’s at it.

  • Hindalco gets a bold makeover, bets big on engineered solutions

    Hindalco gets a bold makeover, bets big on engineered solutions

    MUMBAI:  Hindalco, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has rebranded itself with a sharp new identity, shedding its image as a mere materials supplier to become a full-fledged engineered solutions powerhouse. With a fresh logo and a new tagline—’Engineering Better Futures’—the company is making an aggressive play in electric mobility, renewable energy, semiconductors, and high-end electronics.

    The rebrand was unveiled by group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla before an audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and business partners.

    “Hindalco is no longer just a metals player—it’s a mini-conglomerate in itself, with 52 plants across 10 countries producing high-quality products that shape the global economy,” said Birla. “We are committing Rs 45,000 crore to aluminium, copper, and specialty alumina businesses to deliver both upstream and next-gen high-precision engineered products. Our new identity reflects our role as a catalyst for change, a problem solver, and a co-creator of industrial progress.”

    The new Hindalco logo features a bold, dynamic ‘H’—symbolising forward momentum and innovation. But this isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. The rebrand signals a shift towards high-performance materials and precision engineering, with a focus on sustainability, circularity, and cutting-edge applications.

     

    Kumar Mangalam Birla and Satish Pai

    Managing director Satish Pai called it a “pivotal moment” for Hindalco as it moves beyond being a metals manufacturer to an innovation-driven solutions provider. “Our investments in advanced materials, circular economy solutions, and state-of-the-art applications will redefine Indian manufacturing. The pillars of our transformation—sustainability, circularity, durability, and precision engineering—will ensure we create a lasting impact for generations,” said Pai.

    Hindalco is already shaking up industries with its engineered solutions:

    * Auto & EVs: Lighter, more efficient materials for electric vehicles, including battery enclosures that improve safety and extend range.
    * Packaging: A leader in aluminium can-body stock, pushing an 80 per cent recycled model for a truly circular economy.
    * Energy & storage: Partnering with battery makers to develop aluminium and copper materials for next-gen energy storage solutions.
    * Aerospace & defence: Supplying ultra-high-performance alloys for Isro’s Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, while developing specialised defence-grade materials.

    And it’s not stopping there. Hindalco is building India’s first e-waste recycling plant at Birla Copper and has launched a 100MW renewable energy project in Odisha that combines wind, solar, and pumped hydro storage for round-the-clock power.

    Hindalco has been ranked the world’s most sustainable aluminium company in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for five consecutive years. Its focus on energy-efficient production, waste reduction, and green materials is in lockstep with India’s net-zero ambitions.

    “We invite our customers to demand more—not just materials, but co-designed, custom-engineered, next-generation products,” said Birla. “Together, we can power a more sustainable, more advanced, and more impactful future. ” 

    With its bold rebrand and an arsenal of game-changing solutions, Hindalco is making it clear: the future isn’t just being built—it’s being engineered.

  • Zomato changes corporate name to Eternal

    Zomato changes corporate name to Eternal

    MUMBAI; After gorging on acquisitions from Blinkit to Paytm’s ticketing business, the Indian food delivery giant formerly known as Zomato has rebranded itself as Eternal Ltd—though fans need not worry, as the familiar Zomato app will continue to serve up curry in a hurry.

    The company, founded by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah in 2008, received approval from the registrar of companies at the ministry of corporate affairs on 20 March, marking the culmination of a rebranding process first announced to stock exchanges in February. (read: Deepinder Goyal’s Zomato levels up to its final form: Eternal Ltd)

    What began as a restaurant discovery service has morphed into an ambitious conglomerate with fingers in many pies. After floating on the stock market in July 2021 at a whopping valuation north of $8 billion, Zomato—pardon, Eternal—has been cooking up a storm of diversification.

    The aptly named Eternal has shown a voracious appetite for expansion. In June 2022, it splashed out $568 million to snap up quick-commerce upstart Blinkit, allowing customers to receive groceries and essentials in minutes rather than hours.

    .Last August 2024, the corporate tentacles stretched further with the launch of District, an events and ticketing app built on the bones of Paytm’s ticketing business. It runs a B2B service company addressing procurement and supply chain challenges for the HoReCa industry, which includes hotels, restaurants, and cloud kitchens. It offers ingredient sourcing, a modern central kitchen, and temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics to support the growth of restaurants and quick commerce. 

    Zomaland by Zomato is India’s largest food and entertainment carnival to enjoy a wide range of culinary delights, an assortment of fun games and a fantastic artist line-up to ensure your weekend is truly what it should be – filled with food, fun and frolic!It also runs Weather Union  – which tracks weather across the country.

    While the corporate entity will henceforth answer to Eternal Limited, the food delivery app that made the company’s name will continue to operate under the Zomato brand, ensuring that hungry Indians need not learn a new name when their tummies start to rumble.

  • Hexaware builds a solid partnership with Rahul Dravid as cultural ambassador

    Hexaware builds a solid partnership with Rahul Dravid as cultural ambassador

    MUMBAI: Hexaware Technologies has bowled a winning move by bringing cricketing legend Rahul Dravid on board as its cultural ambassador. Known as The Wall for his unshakable presence on the field, Dravid’s leadership, perseverance, and quiet strength mirror Hexaware’s core values, making him the perfect fit to inspire and engage employees.

    “We are excited to welcome Rahul Dravid to the Hexaware family,” said Hexaware CEO R Srikrishna. “Rahul’s talent, humility, discipline, and ability to thrive under pressure reflect the qualities we believe in as an organization. This partnership is a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and shared growth.”

    Hexaware COO Vinod Chandran added, “Rahul Dravid is an inspiration not just for his illustrious achievements on the field but also for his ability to lead with trust and determination. His involvement will energize our teams and remind us of the power of collaboration and tenacity.”

    Dravid’s role as cultural ambassador will see him interacting with Hexaware employees worldwide, offering insights into leadership, collaboration, and performing under pressure. Through a series of engaging sessions, he will share his experiences, motivating teams to push boundaries, build stronger connections, and embrace challenges head-on.

    “I am delighted to partner with Hexaware, a company that values its people and their growth,” said Rahul Dravid. “I look forward to engaging with Hexaware’s talented teams and sharing experiences that inspire individuals to aim higher and achieve together.”

    With this partnership, Hexaware strengthens its commitment to fostering an empowering and growth-oriented work environment. By aligning with a sporting icon renowned for his discipline, adaptability, and resilience, the company reinforces its belief in teamwork, leadership, and a people-first culture, proving that whether on the cricket pitch or in the corporate world, success is built on a solid foundation.
     

  • Iqoo plays its ace, hunts for a gen z gaming guru with Rs 10 lakh bounty

    Iqoo plays its ace, hunts for a gen z gaming guru with Rs 10 lakh bounty

    MUMBAI: Hold onto your controllers, Gen Z gamers—Iqoo has decided it’s time to level up your gaming obsessions into something that pays real cash. The tech brand known for smartphones faster than your pizza delivery has now set out to find India’s ultimate gaming pro. The reward? A jaw-dropping Rs 10 lakh. Forget bragging rights; we’re talking serious gamer currency here!

    Iqoo has kicked off the epic quest for its 2025 chief gaming officer (CGO), a role packed with more perks than a cheat code. The chosen gaming genius will help co-create new smartphones, steer the brand’s ambitious eSports vision, and hobnob with India’s gaming elite. Sounds better than a power-up mushroom, doesn’t it?

    The CGO gets exclusive first dibs on the latest Iqoo gadgets and the chance to represent the brand at epic global gaming events. Better start practising those winning speeches and perfecting your gaming stance—your big break might be just a button-click away.

    Iqoo India CEO Nipun Marya says, “We have always believed in the power of India’s gaming community, and the phenomenal response to our previous CGO hunt reaffirmed this. After receiving countless requests from our community, we knew we had to bring it back. At Iqoo, we are committed to empowering young gaming enthusiasts by giving them a platform to step into the eSports industry and shape the future of mobile gaming in India. With CGO as an I.P, we continue to create opportunities for Questers to turn their passion into a profession and be a part of the vision.”

    With registrations open on Iqoo India’s website until 30 March 2025, young gamers aged 18-25 are invited to apply for this dream gig. The CGO will not only strategise with Iqoo’s top brass but also interact closely with over two million Questers from Iqoo Connect, the brand’s vibrant community.

    The Indian gaming community is exploding like popcorn in a microwave, growing at 14.6 per cent annually from 2018 to 2024, according to IMARC. India now boasts nearly 48 crore gamers—a number larger than some countries’ entire populations!

    Iqoo has already made waves, teaming up with gaming legends like Dynamo Gaming, GamerFleet, Mortal, Payal Gaming, Scout, Shreeman Legend, and UnGraduate Gamer. These superstars have stress-tested Iqoo’s devices, ensuring they’re battle-ready for the toughest gaming showdowns.

  • Cars24 adds a nostalgic twist to no parking signs in Gurgaon

    Cars24 adds a nostalgic twist to no parking signs in Gurgaon

    MUMBAI: No parking signs are usually dull and unremarkable, but Cars24 has injected a dose of nostalgia into them by replacing standard warnings with playful phrases that take people back to their childhood.  

    Instead of stern messages, Gurgaon streets now feature signs with a humorous spin, such as,

    Bolo pencil, yahan parking cancel.

    Aao milo Sheela Shaalo, car kahin aur lagalo.

    The initiative aims to grab attention, evoke nostalgia, and gently remind drivers to park responsibly without the usual monotony. The campaign has already sparked a buzz on social media, with residents sharing photos and tagging friends, turning an everyday frustration into a moment of joy.

    A local resident summed it up, “For the first time, a no parking sign made me laugh instead of sigh. Now, I want to spot them all.”

    Cars24 commented: “Our goal was to take an everyday challenge and make it more engaging. These signs not only serve their purpose but also bring a smile to people’s faces. We’re thrilled to see the response.”

    Designed for maximum visibility, the signs have been strategically placed in high-traffic areas where parking is a common issue. By blending humour with a practical message, Cars24 continues to connect with urban audiences in a creative and relatable way.

  • TCS takes off with Air New Zealand in AI-fuelled digital leap

    TCS takes off with Air New Zealand in AI-fuelled digital leap

    MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has clinched a five-year deal with Air New Zealand to revamp the airline’s digital infrastructure, propelling it into the AI-powered future. The tie-up, inked at TCS’ Banyan Park campus in Mumbai, aims to supercharge customer experience, sharpen operational efficiency and make Air New Zealand the world’s most digitally advanced airline.

    With the airline ferrying over 15 million passengers on 3,400 weekly flights, TCS will streamline digital services across 600-plus applications, injecting AI-driven automation and cloud muscle into fleet management, crew scheduling and ground services. Disruption management, cargo services, retail offerings and maintenance systems are also in for a tech overhaul.

    The signing ceremony saw a heavyweight guest list, including New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon, Tata Group chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran and TCS chief executive K Krithivasan.

    Foran called TCS an “instrumental partner” in Air New Zealand’s cargo digital transformation and digital retail expansion. “We’ve already seen results since teaming up in September 2024. The benefits this partnership will bring to our customers and the aviation sector are huge,” he said.

    Krithivasan echoed the excitement: “With AI, automation and cloud tech, we’ll help Air New Zealand set new benchmarks in efficiency, sustainability and passenger engagement. This partnership is all about reimagining airline operations and unlocking new growth.”

  • Superkicks drops the mic, steps up game with Air.Wav on Air Max Day

    Superkicks drops the mic, steps up game with Air.Wav on Air Max Day

    MUMBAI: Ever wondered what your favourite sneakers would sound like if they had their own playlist? Probably cooler than your gym playlist. Thankfully, Superkicks is sparing us from guessing games by fusing sneakers and music with its new initiative—Air.Wav. Celebrating Air Max Day on 26 March 2025, Superkicks is making waves, or rather, “wav”-es, in a bold new way. Who said kicks were just for your feet?

    Air.Wav isn’t just another marketing gig; it’s a sonic celebration that connects the thump of sneaker culture with the rhythm of independent music. Superkicks, known for its street cred in streetwear, has elevated its game this year by creating an original track that personifies the pulse, innovation, and dynamic legacy of Air Max. Think of it as sneakers having their own soundtrack—without the awkward dancing.

    “Superkicks has always been more than just a retail space; it’s a community hub. We have sought to nurture street culture and independent music since day one. Through our co-sign platform, we have highlighted over 30 artists, giving them a platform to showcase their work. Air.Wav is a bold new step in our journey, and we’re excited to continue pushing boundaries and paving the way for global collaborations in the years to come,” says Superkicks CEO & co-founder Sangeet Paryani.

    Air.Wav cleverly blends the sonic concept of ‘airwaves’ with the legendary Air Max sneaker technology. Genius, isn’t it? At the project’s heart is a musical squad you wish you were cool enough to join: rappers RAK, Tienas, and Feni Fina, with beats crafted by visionary producers Dhiraaj and 3BHK. These artists merge hip-hop, baile funk, rap, and electronic textures, creating an immersive mix that could make even your grandmother tap her feet.

    Tienas spins intricate wordplay, RAK punches with lyrical storytelling, and Feni Fina storms the scene with fearless bars and distinctive sound. Producer Dhiraaj’s immersive soundscapes and 3BHK’s genre-defying beats elevate the track, making Air.Wav a delicious cultural cocktail you didn’t know you needed.

    Want more than just ear candy? Superkicks is releasing a short documentary shot at Subculture Studios in Khar, Mumbai, offering fans a peek behind the creative curtain. Interviews with the artists and Superkicks’ own Paryani spill the beans on how this groundbreaking track came to life.

    Oh, and did we mention the launch event? Iron Buzz Tattoo Studio will host an exclusive bash to celebrate the global drop. Expect first listens, visual treats, and a chance to rub shoulders with the creators—much cooler than your usual Thursday night plans.

    Superkicks is not just selling sneakers; it’s curating a culture where kicks meet beats and style meets sound.