ITV

Category: MAM

  • Honda steers ahead with 50,000 Adas-enabled cars on Indian roads

    Honda steers ahead with 50,000 Adas-enabled cars on Indian roads

    MUMBAI: Honda Cars India has hit the accelerator on safety, crossing the milestone of 50,000 Adas-enabled cars on Indian roads. With its Honda Sensing technology making waves, the company is reaffirming its commitment to a future of accident-free driving aligning with Honda’s global goal of achieving zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050.

    First introduced in India with the Honda City e:Hev in 2022, Honda Sensing has rapidly expanded across the lineup, making its way to the Honda City (2023), the Elevate (2023), and most recently, the Amaze (2024). The third-generation Amaze now holds the title of India’s most affordable Adas-equipped car, bringing advanced driver assistance technology within reach of more customers.

    With safety now a key purchase driver, Adas-equipped variants account for 60 per cent of elevate sales, a whopping 95 per cent of City sales, and 30 per cent of Amaze sales. Among customers choosing ADAS models, half cited safety tech as their top reason for purchase.

    Honda Cars India vice president for marketing & sales Kunal Behl said, “At Honda Cars India, safety is at the core of everything we do. The 50,000 ADAS milestone reflects our commitment to making roads safer while also demonstrating the growing acceptance of advanced safety technology among Indian consumers.”

    In 2023, Honda became the first automaker in India to introduce Adas in manual transmission models, ensuring safety innovation isn’t limited to automatic variants. 

  • Harman welcomes Christian Sobottka as new CEO; Michael Mauser hung his boots after 27 years

    Harman welcomes Christian Sobottka as new CEO; Michael Mauser hung his boots after 27 years

    MUMBAI: A changing of the guard is underway at Harman International, the tech powerhouse behind cutting-edge automotive, consumer, and enterprise innovations. Michael Mauser, the company’s longtime leader, is stepping down as president & CEO on 31 March 2025, making way for Christian Sobottka, who will officially assume the role on 1 April 2025.

    After 27 years at Harman, Mauser has decided to pass the baton, having led the company through industry-defining moments, including Samsung’s acquisition in 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global semiconductor shortages. Under his leadership, Harman hit $11 billion in revenue, achieved record profitability, and amassed a jaw-dropping $45 billion in automotive business backlog.

    “After nearly three decades with Harman and aligned with our diligent succession planning process, I have decided to step away to spend more time with my family and explore new opportunities,” Mauser said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and confident in Christian’s ability to lead Harman into its next chapter.”

    Stepping up is Sobottka, a seasoned automotive industry veteran with over 25 years of experience. Since taking over as president of Harman’s automotive division in 2021, Sobottka has been at the forefront of major transformations, steering Harman towards a product- and software-focused model. His expertise in advanced in-cabin experiences and strategic automotive partnerships makes him the ideal choice to drive Harman’s next wave of innovation.

    “I am honored to assume the role of president & CEO of Harman,” Sobottka said. “Building on our legacy of innovation and excellence, I look forward to working with our talented teams to drive the next phase of growth and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners.”

    Harman’s board of directors chairman Young Sohn praised Mauser’s unwavering leadership and vision, stating, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Michael for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to Harman’s success. His strategic vision has positioned the company for continued growth. We are confident that Christian’s extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal leader to guide Harman into the future.”

    Alongside Sobottka’s appointment, Harman’s lifestyle division president Dave Rogers will join the board of directors, marking another shift in the company’s leadership team.

    With its legacy of cutting-edge innovation, Harman remains committed to revolutionising connected technology across automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets. The transition from Mauser to Sobottka signals a new era of growth, software-driven advancements, and global expansion.

  • Confirmtkt puts passengers on the fast track with travel guarantee

    Confirmtkt puts passengers on the fast track with travel guarantee

    MUMBAI: Train ticket waitlists often leave travellers in limbo, but Confirmtkt has just flipped the script with its latest feature ‘travel guarantee’. Designed to ease the uncertainty of unconfirmed tickets, this game-changing option offers passengers up to three times the fare refund, helping them seamlessly rebook alternative transport, from flights to buses, without breaking the bank.

    Confirmtkt & ixigo Trains CEO Dinesh Kumar Kotha said, “At ConfirmTkt, we aim to make train travel seamless and stress-free. ‘Travel Guarantee’ tackles the uncertainty of waitlisted tickets by offering up to 3x refunds, ensuring travellers can switch to an alternative without the burden of last-minute fare hikes.”

    Peak travel seasons often turn train ticketing into a gamble, forcing passengers to scramble for last-minute options at soaring prices. ‘Travel Guarantee’ ensures that if a waitlisted ticket remains unconfirmed at the time of chart preparation, passengers get a 1x refund to their original payment mode, with the remaining amount credited as a travel coupon 2x for flights/buses and 1x for trains, giving them the flexibility to replan their journey instantly.

  • Krafton & Moloco shake up gaming ads with CTV blitz for Cookierun India

    Krafton & Moloco shake up gaming ads with CTV blitz for Cookierun India

    MUMBAI: For years, mobile gaming ads have tried to hook users through endless pop-ups, flashy in-app banners, and intrusive five-second videos that you just can’t skip. But Krafton and Moloco had a different game plan—Connected TV (CTV) advertising. And judging by the numbers, they just cracked the next big marketing play.

    Krafton, the publisher behind Pubg: Battlegrounds and Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), went all-in on CTV ads via LG channels to launch Cookierun India, a localised version of Devsisters’ globally popular Cookierun series. Why? Because while mobile ads target app users, CTV taps into a much bigger screen with an audience that’s notoriously hard to reach. And as it turns out, when you see a fast-paced, sugar-fueled game running on your TV, you’re far more likely to download it.

    Krafton realised that while traditional TV commercials (TVCs) build brand awareness, they lack precise performance measurement. Enter Moloco’s CTV ads, which not only put Cookierun India in front of TV audiences but also let Krafton track how many users installed the game after seeing the ad.

    By integrating Moloco’s CTV platform with LG Channels, a free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, the campaign strategically placed ads on major Indian channels like NDTV and India TV. That meant Cookierun India wasn’t just reaching gamers—it was reaching families, casual viewers, and people who never considered downloading a mobile game before.

    The results? CTV didn’t just work—it outperformed expectations:

    ●    22 per cent of users acquired through Moloco’s mobile app campaigns were also exposed to CTV ads—and these users showed two times higher D1 retention than those who only saw mobile ads.

    ●    14 per cent of CTV viewers were entirely new users, proving that smart TV ads bring in fresh audiences.

    ●    Users acquired through CTV ads had 20 per cent higher D1 retention and 37 per cent higher D7 retention than those from mobile-only campaigns.

    Retention in mobile gaming is the holy grail, and CTV just schooled mobile ads in keeping users engaged.

    Krafton head of the India performance marketing team Sangbum Kim summed it up, “Moloco’s CTV advertising maximises campaign efficiency through a data-driven approach and differentiates itself from traditional TV advertising by enabling performance measurement. The users acquired through the CTV campaign have shown high retention, proving its potential as a new and effective marketing channel. We expect it to have a positive impact on our future campaign strategies.”

    Moloco Korea country manager JaeKyun Ahn added, “This collaboration has demonstrated that CTV advertising is an effective way to reach TV audiences that are difficult to access through mobile app ads, while also enabling advertisers to accurately measure performance. By leveraging CTV channels alongside mobile app campaigns, advertisers can further expand their reach, and this can also serve as a key marketing strategy to acquire high-value users, especially when launching new games.”

    With CTV proving its worth, expect more game publishers to take their campaigns beyond mobile screens. Krafton and Moloco’s partnership just set a new standard for game launches in India.

  • Dr. Fixit’s new ad with Amitabh Bachchan seals the deal on waterproofing

    Dr. Fixit’s new ad with Amitabh Bachchan seals the deal on waterproofing

    MUMBAI: Dr. Fixit has turned up the entertainment quotient with its latest campaign, featuring none other than movie legend Amitabh Bachchan, proving once again why it’s Waterproofing Ka Baap. In a quirky and engaging TVC, Bachchan not only lends his voice to the jingle but also brings his signature wit to highlight the importance of advanced waterproofing solutions keeping homes dry, no matter how torrential the downpour.

    Celebrating 25 years of Dr. Fixit, the campaign, conceptualised by Ogilvy and directed by Prasoon Pandey, blends humour with an unforgettable tune. With lines like Paani hai baahar, sookha hai andar, Dono ko never mix it, the ad cleverly reinforces the brand’s expertise in keeping homes leak-free.

    Pidilite Industries Ltd MD Bharat Puri expressed enthusiasm for the campaign’s fresh approach. “Mr. Bachchan’s presence, combined with a humour-infused narrative, makes this campaign both engaging and informative. Dr. Fixit has been a trusted waterproofing expert for years, and this campaign solidifies our commitment to keeping homes safe and worry-free.”

    The TVC is part of a larger multimedia push, spanning television, digital, and OTT platforms, ensuring that Dr. Fixit’s legacy of protection reaches every homeowner. With Amitabh Bachchan at the helm and a jingle that sticks, this campaign makes one thing clear, when it comes to waterproofing, Dr. Fixit reigns supreme.
     

  • Malaika Arora joins Skinnovation as brand ambassador for Wonder

    Malaika Arora joins Skinnovation as brand ambassador for Wonder

    MUMBAI: Skinnovation has announced Malaika Arora as the official brand ambassador for Wonder, a globally acclaimed muscle-building and fat-burning device.

    Developed in Spain, Wonder is an advanced, non-invasive body sculpting device designed to enhance core strength and redefine physique with precision and efficiency. Utilising cutting-edge electromagnetic field and neuro-muscular stimulation technology, it targets stubborn fat, tightens skin, and improves muscle definition in just 25-minute sessions. Seamlessly complementing regular fitness routines, Wonder offers a fast, effective solution for achieving a toned and sculpted body.

    With customisable programmes tailored for different body types, pain-free application, and time-efficient sessions, Wonder is revolutionising body transformation.

    Skinnovation Pvt. Ltd. founder & director Kalpesh Gawade stated, “We are delighted to welcome Malaika Arora to the Skinnovation family. Her unwavering dedication to fitness, wellness, and self-care aligns perfectly with Wonder’s vision. This collaboration is more than just a partnership—it is about inspiring individuals to prioritise their health, no matter how busy their lifestyle. With Malaika as our face, we aim to drive one of India’s biggest fitness revolutions.”

    Beyond personal transformation, Wonder also empowers aesthetic dermatologists by providing them with an innovative, results-driven solution to integrate into their practice, further enhancing patient outcomes and business growth.

  • NP Digital India ropes in Venkata Gavaskar Dontha from iProspect India

    NP Digital India ropes in Venkata Gavaskar Dontha from iProspect India

    MUMBAI: The performance-driven digital marketing agency, NP Digital India, has welcomed Venkata Gavaskar Dontha as its new head of digital operations. Armed with over 17 years of expertise in performance marketing, SEO, social media, and analytics, he’s stepping in to lead client growth, revenue expansion, and the next wave of digital innovation tailored for the Indian market.

    Venkata joins NP Digital India from iProspect India, where he helmed the performance practice, driving cross-functional teams to award-winning success. His strategic vision helped the agency bag prestigious Agency of the Year titles, cementing his status as a digital marketing trailblazer. Now, at NP Digital India, he’s all set to shake things up.

    The appointment of Venkata is part of NP Digital India’s aggressive growth strategy. Over the past few months, the company has strategically onboarded two senior leaders, reinforcing its commitment to expanding global digital solutions in India.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Venkata to our leadership team. His remarkable expertise will be key to our strategy of integrating technology-driven digital services and SEO, enabling us to deliver global products in the Indian market. In fact, over the last couple of months, we have strategically onboarded two leadership positions to strengthen our executive team and accelerate our growth. This is just the beginning of a transformative phase for NP Digital India,” said NP Digital India CEO & co-founder Prady.

    Venkata, too, is ready to hit the ground running. “I have always admired the digital marketing insights of Neil Patel. Now, joining NP Digital India gives me a unique opportunity to both learn and apply my existing experience within a company that embodies an innovative, ahead-of-the-curve approach. I’m excited to transform digital challenges into creative, performance-driven solutions for our clients,” he said.

    NP Digital India is on a mission to dominate the digital marketing space, and bringing in leaders like Venkata only strengthens its commitment to innovation and client success. With his expertise, the company aims to drive operational excellence, expand revenue streams, and continue leading the charge in digital marketing’s technological evolution.

  • KKR unveil new jersey featuring three-star tribute for IPL 2025

    KKR unveil new jersey featuring three-star tribute for IPL 2025

    MUMBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have revealed their new-look jersey for the 18 edition of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL), featuring a striking tribute to their three championship titles.

    In a unique campaign, KKR launched the official jersey video, showcasing fans’ obsession with the number three. The design incorporates three stars woven into the fabric, symbolising the team’s triumphs in 2012, 2014, and 2024. Players Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Anukul Roy, Mayank Markande, and Luvnith Sisodia feature in the launch video, sporting the new purple and gold kit.

    Additionally, this year’s jersey bears a golden Tata IPL badge on the arm, an exclusive emblem introduced to honour the defending champions. The design is inspired by the “Three-edged star”, and the jerseys are now available for purchase via the Knight Club app, official website, and KKR’s social media channels.

    Emphasising their global presence, KKR’s Intheknightsky campaign has taken a celestial turn. Three stars in the night sky have been officially registered and named ‘Korbo’, ‘Lorbo’, and ‘Jeetbo’, paying homage to the franchise’s motto and its three IPL titles. Fans can view these stars using coordinates or QR codes provided on official certificates.

    KKR will kick off their Tata IPL 2025 campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on saturday, 22 March, aiming to add a fourth star to their crest.

  • TotalEnergies sets Guinness Record for largest influencer dance challenge

    TotalEnergies sets Guinness Record for largest influencer dance challenge

    MUMBAI: TotalEnergies, in partnership with Goat (part of WPP) and Xley by Mad Influence, has secured a Guinness World Record for the most videos of people dancing to the same song uploaded to Instagram in one hour. Over 400 unique videos were shared within 60 minutes, making it one of the largest influencer-led activations in history.

    The record-breaking campaign marked the launch of the LambaChalega anthem, promoting TotalEnergies’ hi-perf engine oil. The track, symbolising endurance and performance, was brought to life through an energetic dance challenge led by Varun Dhawan, alongside influencers such as Awez Darbar, Amol Kamble, Kheshavi Chhetri, and RJ Tripti.

    More than 400 influencers from across India participated in the launch, demonstrating the vast reach of digital marketing. The initiative will expand to over 3,000 influencers, spanning nano, micro, macro, and celebrity tiers, to maximise engagement across categories such as fitness, biking, food, travel, and lifestyle.

    Goat, a global influencer marketing leader within WPP, spearheaded the strategy and execution, ensuring seamless participation and widespread impact. Xley by Mad Influence played a crucial role in influencer selection and campaign execution, leveraging AI-powered discovery, real-time tracking, and content management.

    Following strict verification, a Guinness World Records adjudicator confirmed the achievement and presented the official certificate on-site.

    Xley by Mad Influence founder & CEO, Gautam Madhavan stated, “This is a historic moment for influencer marketing. This campaign proves that influencer marketing is no longer just about collaboration—it’s about creating movements that redefine brand engagement globally.”

    By merging Goat’s execution expertise, Xley’s technology, and TotalEnergies’ vision, this initiative has set a new benchmark for large-scale influencer-driven campaigns.
     

  • Sony Sab lights up Ujjain’s sky with groundbreaking 3D holographic show

    Sony Sab lights up Ujjain’s sky with groundbreaking 3D holographic show

    MUMBAI: When it comes to pushing creative boundaries, Sony Sab just took things to another dimension-literally. In a spectacular fusion of technology, mythology, and marketing, the channel transformed Ujjain’s night sky into an enormous, immersive 3D canvas to mark the launch of its epic new series, Veer Hanuman. This jaw-dropping holographic sky projection-the largest of its kind in India—was unveiled on Mahashivratri, delivering a larger-than-life spectacle that left audiences spellbound.

    Harnessing cutting-edge scrim technology, Sony Sab projected breathtaking visuals of young Hanuman’s legendary journey onto a non-dimensional surface, creating the illusion of celestial storytelling floating in mid-air. As light, movement, and sound intertwined, the sky became a stage for an experience never seen before in Indian television marketing.

    This industry-first activation showcases Sony Sab’s commitment to reimagining audience engagement. It wasn’t just a launch; it was a moment of devotion, technology, and entertainment converging in a way that redefines how audiences experience television content.

    “As we launch Veer Hanuman, we’re drawing on India’s rich cultural heritage and harnessing cutting-edge technology by creating an immersive experience that will captivate audiences,” said Sony Sab head of marketing and communications Vaishali Sharma. “Our innovative approach with this breathtaking 3D holographic sky projection will break new ground, enabling us to connect with viewers in a fresh way. Ujjain served as the perfect backdrop to mesmerise audiences and set the tone for a show that will inspire and entertain millions.”

    Sony Sab didn’t stop at the sky. The channel rolled out a multi-platform campaign, integrating television, social media, Youtube, and digital activations to bring behind-the-scenes moments, bite-sized content, and interactive experiences directly to audiences.

    The highly anticipated Veer Hanuman, premiering 11 March, narrates the journey of Lord Hanuman, from an adventurous young boy to a revered deity symbolising devotion, bravery, and loyalty. Featuring Aan Tiwari, Sayli Salunke, Arav Chowdharry, and Mahir Pandhi, the show airs Monday to Saturday at 7:30 pm on Sony Sab.

    With this pioneering holographic spectacle, Sony Sab has set a new benchmark for how television marketing can transcend screens and enter the realm of real-world, immersive storytelling.