Category: MAM

TCL reveals Republic Day campaign ‘Spin to Win Big with TCL’

MUMBAI: What’s better than upgrading your TV? Winning big while doing it. And trust me, Indians love winning big on super saver deals.

TCL has unveiled its ‘Spin to Win Big’ Republic Day campaign, an exciting initiative running from 13-31 January 2025. With this campaign, customers buying TCL’s 55-inch and above televisions can snag assured prizes while enjoying cutting-edge home entertainment.

The campaign celebrates the spirit of India’s 76th Republic Day, marking the nation’s transition to a sovereign republic. For TCL, it’s an opportunity to connect with Indian consumers through a unique blend of innovation and inclusivity. Why just shop when you can shop and win?

To participate, customers need to purchase a TCL TV model of 55 inches or above through authorised channels like Reliance Digital, Croma, TCL brand stores, or online platforms including Amazon and Flipkart. Whether you shop online or offline, participation is seamless.

. Offline shoppers: Scan the QR code provided at the point of sale.

. Online shoppers: Visit the TCL India website or brand page to access the QR code.

Once scanned, the QR code takes participants to a contest page where they input details, upload the purchase invoice, and spin a virtual wheel to win prizes ranging from air conditioners, soundbars, and washing machines to gift vouchers.

Expressing enthusiasm for the campaign, TCL India general manager Philip Xia said, “Republic Day is a time to celebrate unity and progress, and we, at TCL India, are proud to bring both to the forefront with our ‘Spin to Win Big’ campaign. This campaign is an extension of our efforts to thank our customers for their trust in TCL and give them a unique opportunity to make their purchases even more memorable. In addition, we strive to deliver cutting-edge products and unparalleled experiences, and this campaign exemplifies that commitment.”

The ‘Spin to Win Big’ campaign not only adds excitement to Republic Day shopping but also highlights TCL’s focus on customer satisfaction and innovation. By combining offline purchases with an engaging online experience, TCL underscores its commitment to seamless integration and exceptional value.

This exclusive offer is available at Reliance Digital, Croma, TCL brand stores, and authorised retailers across India. The campaign perfectly aligns with TCL’s mission to redefine consumer electronics while delivering memorable customer experiences.

January 22, 2025
Blue Energy Motors to invest Rs 3,500 crore in Maharashtra EV truck plant

MUMBAI: What’s better than a zero-emission truck? How about 30,000 of them.

Blue Energy Motors Ltd., a key partner in Essar’s green mobility initiative, has inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra. Signed at the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos, this ambitious partnership paves the way for a Rs 3,500 crore investment to transform the state into a powerhouse for electric vehicle (EV) truck manufacturing.

Set to kick off in the 2025-26 fiscal year, this state-of-the-art facility will churn out 30,000 advanced EV trucks annually. But that’s not all. The plant will feature cutting-edge research and development capabilities, a battery-pack line, a motor manufacturing unit, and its own charging infrastructure.

The investment doesn’t just promise innovation—it’s a win for the economy too. With 4,000 direct jobs in the pipeline, this initiative is set to energise Maharashtra’s green energy transition while cementing its status as a global hub for clean mobility solutions.

Why make this move now? Blue Energy Motors CEO Anirudh Bhuwalka explained, “We are excited to announce this landmark partnership with the Government of Maharashtra. This collaboration represents a crucial milestone in our ambitions of pioneering green trucking in partnership with Essar’s green mobility initiative. It reflects our shared vision for a cleaner, greener and a more sustainable future. Our investment will not only reaffirm Maharashtra’s position as a global hub for advanced clean mobility solutions but also will contribute to job creation and economic growth.”

Blue Energy Motors’ AI and ML-enabled EV commercial vehicles are more than just trucks; they’re game-changers. Designed for unmatched efficiency and reliability, these zero-emission giants promise to revolutionise heavy-duty trucking while significantly slashing carbon footprints.

The new facility will employ industry-leading manufacturing practices, ensuring that the trucks deliver on both performance and sustainability.

The transition to green energy isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about smart economics too. This investment by Blue Energy Motors aligns with global goals to combat climate change and champion sustainable development.

Is this the spark India needs to electrify its mobility future? With Maharashtra leading the charge, the answer might just be a resounding yes.

As industries worldwide embrace sustainability, this initiative marks a significant step forward for India’s EV ambitions. Will this partnership set the benchmark for green mobility solutions across the globe? Blue Energy Motors is betting Rs 3,500 crore that it will.

January 22, 2025
Value 360 Communications appoints Archana Hindocha to lead Bangalore

MUMBAI: What’s the secret to turning a good PR firm into a great one? Leadership.

As part of its ambitious growth strategy for 2025, Value 360 Communications has named Archana Hindocha as the head of its Bangalore operations. This bold move signals the first step in the company’s plans to achieve hypergrowth, geographic expansion, and a deeper dive into new industry capabilities.

With a stellar career spanning over 20 years, Hindocha is no stranger to steering big brands towards communication success. Her impressive resume includes leading strategies for titans like Wipro Technologies, Bharti AXA General Insurance, Bosch, Dell, and AWS. Whether it’s corporate communications, PR, or marketing strategy, Archana’s track record speaks volumes.

Her mission at Value 360? To anchor and amplify the firm’s presence in South India, a region rich with opportunities but fiercely competitive. Armed with a deep understanding of business development and marketing, Hindocha is well-positioned to take the Bangalore office to new heights.

Commenting on this key appointment, Value 360 Communications group CEO & co-founder & joint CEO, Kunal Kishore stated, “Value 360 Communications is at a critical inflection point as we prepare to unlock our next phase of accelerated growth. The year 2025 will witness our hypergrowth strategy in action, with a sharp focus on geographical expansion, industry diversification, and capability building. Archana’s appointment is a strategic step in this journey, and we are confident that her experience and leadership will drive our Bangalore operations to new heights.”

But what does Hindocha think of this challenge? She’s thrilled to take the reins.
“I am thrilled to join Value 360 Communications at such a transformative time in the company’s journey. The firm’s vision, client-centric approach, and innovative strategies resonate deeply with my professional values. I look forward to leveraging my experience to contribute to the company’s ambitious growth plans and deliver impactful communication solutions for our clients in South India,” she said.

With a client roster boasting big names like Kia India, Tata Motors, Pernod Ricard, Audi India, Mondelez, and EaseMyTrip, Value 360 isn’t just playing to win—they’re redefining the game. The company plans to expand its footprint across key regions while boosting its capabilities in emerging industry verticals.

In an industry where adaptability and vision are everything, strong leadership isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the difference between staying relevant and becoming indispensable. Will Value 360’s bold strategy set a new benchmark for PR and communications in India? Only time will tell, but the pieces are certainly in place.

January 22, 2025
Hindware ropes in Nirupam Sahay as new CEO for bath and tiles business

MUMBAI: It’s got a new senior executive in the corner office. Bathware brand Hindware Limited has appointed Nirupam Sahay as CEO of its bath and tiles business. Sahay’s extensive leadership experience and strong track record in driving growth will support Hindware’s expansion in sanitaryware, faucets, and tiles.

Nirupam joins Hindware from Dixon Technologies, where he served as president of the lighting solutions business. He has held senior roles at prominent companies such as Philips Lighting, GE Capital, Whirlpool, and Asian Paints. Additionally, he has served on the boards of Rexxam Dixon Electronics and GE Money Financial Services, and is an advisor at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Complex Choices.

Hindware chaIrman & managing director Sandip Somany expressed confidence in Nirupam’s leadership skills, stating, “His deep understanding of the Indian market and focus on innovation will drive our bathware business’s growth.”

Nirupam Sahay shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I am honored to join Hindware, an iconic brand in Indian households. My focus will be on fostering innovation and creating value for all stakeholders.”

Nirupam holds an honors BA in economics from St. Stephen’s College, a master’s in management from NMIMS, and completed the advanced management program at Wharton.

January 22, 2025
AiVanta inaugurates IMPACT to revolutionise business communication

MUMBAI: Can communication tools really keep up with today’s fast-paced industries? AiVanta thinks so.

At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in Delhi, the AI powerhouse unveiled AiVanta IMPACT (Intelligent Media Platform for AI-driven Communication and Targeting), an innovative platform designed to deliver hyper-personalised AI video solutions across diverse sectors.

From simplifying complex data to delivering hyper-targeted messaging, AiVanta IMPACT promises to bridge the gap between precision and scalability in communication. Whether you’re a manufacturing giant, a healthcare provider, or a financial leader, this platform offers tailor-made tools to engage audiences like never before.

Imagine a world where AI-generated videos are crafted for specific audiences, multilingual smart bots provide real-time customer support, and interactive training modules that speak your language (literally). With AiVanta IMPACT, the days of one-size-fits-all communication are over.

Commenting on this innovation, AiVanta co-founder & CEO Karan Ahuja said, “Traditional communication methods often lack the speed, personalisation, and scalability needed in today’s dynamic business environment. AiVanta IMPACT bridges this gap, providing businesses with AI-driven tools that are intuitive, adaptable, and IMPACTful. Our goal is to make communication not only efficient but also deeply meaningful, empowering organisations to achieve greater success.”

Already trusted by ICICI Bank, Bajaj Allianz, Tata Mutual Funds, Ajax Engineering, and Aster Healthcare, AiVanta continues to prove its expertise in customised AI solutions. Now, with AiVanta IMPACT, the company is extending its capabilities to industries including Mobility, Automotive, Manufacturing, and Energy.

Why stop there? AiVanta also showcased ‘ConcreteAI 2.0 Smart Bots’, developed for Ajax Engineering. Featuring natural voice interactions, multi-avatar support, and bilingual capabilities in Hindi and English, these bots streamline industrial workflows while keeping the user experience front and centre.

From virtual product tours to compliance communication, AiVanta IMPACT is an all-in-one platform for businesses looking to simplify operations and boost engagement. Whether you’re facing operational bottlenecks or aiming to captivate your audience, this AI solution has the tools to make it happen.

As industries evolve, the demand for dynamic and adaptable communication tools has never been higher. Will you embrace the future or stick with outdated methods? AiVanta’s AI-driven platform aims to redefine how businesses connect, communicate, and grow.

January 22, 2025
VDO.AI report outlines 2025 publisher profitability strategies

MUMBAI: What’s next for digital publishers navigating the turbulent AdTech seas?

VDO.AI, a global AdTech powerhouse, has released its much-anticipated “2025: The Year of Publisher Profitability” report, packed with actionable insights to help publishers scale revenue in the face of industry challenges. If you thought the digital ad landscape couldn’t get any trickier, think again—this report doesn’t just highlight the hurdles but lays out the tools to leap over them.

Did you know mobile advertising accounted for over 60 per cent of digital ad revenue in 2024, hitting a jaw-dropping $400 billion? In 2025, this figure is projected to grow even more, with native ads stealing the show. With advanced targeting and contextual alignment, native ads are expected to deliver 15-20 per cent higher revenue growth. For publishers, this isn’t just a trend; it’s a revenue revolution.

Want to know the secret sauce for better profitability in 2025? The report points to premium ad formats like video and native ads as game-changers. Rewarded ads—those interactive, opt-in ads that users love—are set to drive a 30 per cent revenue increase alongside an 18 per cent jump in eCPM.

What about interstitial ads? Brace yourself. With improved strategies and placements, these full-screen gems could make up more than 70 per cent of ad revenue in 2025. Are you ready to take your ad strategy up a notch?

Despite the usual mid-year dips, VDO.AI forecasts a 20 per cent year-over-year increase in global ad spend for Q1 2025. By Q4, this figure is expected to climb to a stellar 23 per cent. The big question is: are publishers equipped to ride this wave of growth?

VDO.AI chief business officer Akshay Chaturvedi puts it best, “2025 ushers in a transformative era for publishers, demanding resilience and strategic evolution. This report provides actionable insights to navigate CPM challenges, optimise premium ad formats, and build quality partnerships. By aligning monetisation with engagement and embracing innovation, publishers can discover new growth opportunities and achieve sustained profitability, setting a benchmark for success in digital advertising.”

OLX head of programmatic advertising, Shanky Bhat chimed in with high praise for interstitial ads, “Interstitial ads have emerged as a top performer for OLX, delivering higher CPMs and revenue impact compared to other formats. With VDO.AI’s expertise, we overcame initial challenges with in-app integrations and now enjoy seamless ad placements. Their consistent results and collaborative approach make them a trusted partner, driving substantial revenue growth and positioning OLX for continued success.”

The report doesn’t stop at trends; it’s a masterclass in digital advertising strategy. Among its key insights:

. Video formats like in-stream and out-stream will continue leading revenue charts with improved engagement metrics.

. Capitalising on seasonal ad surges is crucial, with tailored strategies for each quarter.

. Choosing the right technology and forming premium SSP/DSP partnerships will be critical for transparency, performance, and competitive CPMs.

VDO.AI’s report proves that success in digital advertising is about embracing innovation, investing in quality partnerships, and being bold with your strategies. Publishers who adapt will not just survive but thrive in 2025’s challenging landscape.

If you’re a publisher looking to future-proof your strategies, this report isn’t optional reading—it’s your 2025 survival guide. Ready to dive into a transformative year for AdTech?

January 22, 2025
Brand Finance Global 500 Brands 2025 report: Apple maintains lead as tech giants dominate

MUMBAI: The band of top brands globally continues to be dominated by tech giants. At least that’s what Brand Finance’s top 500 Global Brands report for 2025 has revealed. Apple has retained its position as the world’s most valuable brand, with a brand value of $574.5 billion. The tech giant is followed closely by Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, which occupy the second, third, and fourth spots, respectively.

The top 10 most valuable brands are dominated by US-based companies, with Walmart, Facebook, and Nvidia also featuring in the list. However, Chinese brands such as TikTok/Douyin, State Grid Corp of China, and China Construction Bank are rapidly gaining ground, with significant increases in their brand values.

The report highlights the growing influence of Asian brands, with 17 Chinese companies featuring in the top 100, including newcomers such as Moutai and Wuliangye. Japanese brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Group also make significant appearances in the list.

European brands, meanwhile, are struggling to keep pace, with only 12 companies from the continent featuring in the top 100. German brands such as Deutsche Telekom, Mercedes-Benz, and SAP are among the notable exceptions.

The report also notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on brand values, with many companies experiencing a decline in their brand worth. However, tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Google have been largely immune to the pandemic’s effects, thanks to their diversified revenue streams and strong brand recognition.

The top 10 most valuable brands in the world are:

1. Apple (USA) – $574.5 billion
2. Microsoft (USA) – $461.1 billion
3. Google (USA) – $412.9 billion
4. Amazon (USA) – $356.4 billion
5. Walmart (USA) – $137.2 billion
6. Samsung Group (South Korea) – $110.6 billion
7. TikTok/Douyin (China) – $105.8 billion
8. Facebook (USA) – $91.5 billion
9. NVIDIA (USA) – $87.9 billion
10. State Grid Corporation of China (China) – $85.6 billion

Brand Finance also analysed what brands have grown the most since 2020, plus TikTok – although Brand Finance began valuing the brand in 2022, its 79 per cent growth in four years puts it in the same league as the other high-growth brands.

1. TikTok/Douyin: USD105.8 billion, up from USD59.0 billion (in 2022)
2. DraftKings: USD5.1 billion, up from USD18 million
3. FanDuel: USD7.0 billion, up from USD56 million
4. NVIDIA: USD87.9 billion, up from USD4.7 billion
5. AMD: USD11.0 billion, up from USD1.4 billion
6. Pinduoduo: USD13.0 billion, up from USD2.5 billion
7. BYD: USD14.0 billion, up from USD3.1 billion
8. Apple: USD574.5 billion, up from USD140.5 billion
9. TSMC: USD34.2 billion, up from US8.6 billion
10. Microsoft: USD461.1 billion, up from USD117.1 billion
11. Lilly: USD8.0 billion, up from USD2.1 billion

To take a dekko at the Top 100 Global Brands 2025 list click on the word free. Basic data for the top 100 is available for free.

January 22, 2025
Brand Finance valuation Report 2025: Three Indian firms in top 10 IT list

MUMBAI: Indian information technology (IT) firms are rocking it, and how. What started as a dream project to build India’s IT capabilities some 30-40 years ago has yielded dividend in a manner possibly not imagined. Take a look at the brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance Global 500 and IT Services Top 25 reports. At least three Indian firms figure in the top 10 IT firms list.

The report also reveals that the value of the top 25 IT services brands has surged to $163 billion, spurred by increased corporate spending and demand for advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Top 10 IT Services providers as per the report are (in alphabetical order) — Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, Fujitsu (IT Services), HCLTech, IBM Consulting, Infosys, NTT DATA, TCS, and Wipro.

Accenture retains its title as the world’s most valuable IT services brand for the seventh consecutive year, with a brand value of $41.5 billion. It also claims the title of the strongest brand, surpassing IBM Consulting, and has secured $3 billion in new generative AI bookings over the past year. Its rise in brand strength is largely driven by its exceptional familiarity and market presence, particularly in the US, where it commands the highest familiarity levels among the top 25 brands. Accenture’s robust competitive position is further reflected in its top score for consideration in both Europe and the US.

TCS follows as the second most valuable IT services brand, with a brand value of $21.3 billion, bolstered by investments and its association with marathons and other high-profile sports events worldwide. From sponsoring iconic races like the TCS New York City Marathon and the TCS Sydney Marathon (its latest acquisition in 2024), to partnering with Jaguar TCS Racing in Formula E, TCS has cemented its global presence by using sports as a dynamic platform to connect with diverse audiences while highlighting its transformative digital solutions.

TCS chief marketing officer Abhinav Kumar said: “As we kick off a new year in 2025 with the World Economic Forum at Davos, we are delighted to see our brand cross this major landmark and cement its position in the top tier of our industry. We have been a strategic partner to WEF for 15 years and in this period our brand has nearly grown ninefold in value and is known globally for being a leader in innovation, the ability to deliver the most complex technology work in the world, and in creating long term partnerships of value with our clients. My thanks to the hundreds of thousands of TCSers who proudly build and live this great brand every second. We are all in it for the long run.”

Infosys, valued at $16.3 billion, ranks as the third most valuable brand, boasting the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18 per cent among IT services brands over the past five years. Bolstered by the robust leadership of CEO Salil Parekh, Infosys has redoubled its relevance in the AI-first world and consistently delivered strong performances and innovation in the rapidly evolving digital services landscape.

HCLTech is recognised as the fastest-growing IT services brand in 2025, achieving an impressive 17 per cent increase in brand value to $8.9 billion, driven by significant deal wins and early adoption of AI technologies. This growth is fuelled by its strong financial performance driven by a series of mega deal wins across diverse industries and geographies in 2024, the continued positive momentum of its successful brand transformation and its early leadership in AI/GenAI business. HCLTech’s AI offerings have created a lot of stickiness in the market, the company having entered the space almost a decade ago and having strong AI partnerships with all the leading Technology OEMs and Hyperscalers.

“FY24 saw HCLTech deliver solid market performance with our revenue growth rate the highest among tier 1 global IT services companies and our early leadership in the AI and GenAI space. This exceptional performance is directly mirrored in our brand valuation, showcasing the strong correlation between our business achievements and our brand’s market perception,” said HCLTech chief marketing officer Jill Kouri..

“Our global purpose-driven strategy is paying off great results. HCLTech’s fastest brand value growth reflects the continued relevance and stickiness of our company’s value proposition to all its stakeholders, driven by bringing together the best of technology andour people to supercharge progress,” added HCLTech global head of brand Zulfia Nafees.

Sustainability is increasingly influencing brand reputation, accounting for 17.5 per cent of decision-making in the sector. Accenture leads in this area with the highest Sustainability Perceptions Score among the top 25 brands, reflecting its commitment to ethical management and social responsibility.

Infosys’ Parekh, for the second year in a row, has topped the IT services ranking in Brand Finance’s Brand Guardianship Index (BGI) 2025 for the role of CEO as brand custodian and steward of long-term shareholder value.

“Over the past four decades, brand Infosys has been nurtured by our founders and our leadership, carefully balancing purpose, promise and performance. This relentless focus is reflected in the brand’s leadership and steady gains in brand value over the years”, said Infosys global chief marketing officer Sumit Virmani. “We are delighted with Brand Finance’s recognition of Infosys’ continued brand momentum and differentiated value creation for businesses in an AI-first world.”

Brand Finance’s findings highlight the critical importance of AI capabilities and sustainable practices for IT service providers aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

January 22, 2025
Hyundai powers ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ with localisation and EV breakthrough

MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) isn’t just making cars; it’s making waves. With a roaring 92 per cent localisation in manufacturing and a game-changing battery-pack assembly plant in Chennai, Hyundai is taking its ‘Make-in-India’ commitment to full throttle. If this isn’t a rev-up moment for India’s automotive landscape, we don’t know what is.

Let’s talk numbers—1,238 indigenised parts, 194 vendors, and a whopping $672 million in forex savings (over Rs 5,678 crore) since 2019. Hyundai’s localisation journey is no leisurely Sunday drive; it’s a turbocharged race to leverage India’s resources and engineering talent.

Hyundai’s whole-time director & chief manufacturing officer, Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, put it perfectly, “Our indigenisation aligns seamlessly with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision. The launch of the battery-pack assembly plant is not just a milestone; it’s a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class technology made in India.”

Oh, and did we mention that Hyundai’s Creta Electric now boasts locally assembled battery packs? Talk about an electrifying debut!

Why is everyone talking about Chennai? Because Hyundai and Mobis India have launched a state-of-the-art battery-pack assembly plant, complete with an annual capacity of 75,000 packs in phase one. Whether it’s NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt Oxide) or LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) batteries, this facility has it all.

Hyundai isn’t just building cars; it’s building them with 100 per cent locally sourced components like alternators, alloy wheels, catalytic converters, and shark fin antennas. Fancy tech like tyre pressure monitoring systems and panoramic sunroofs? Yep, localised too.

The company is also looking ahead with plans to replicate this success at its Talegaon manufacturing plant in Maharashtra. Can we hear a round of applause for the future?

In its localisation journey, Hyundai isn’t just saving forex; it’s creating jobs—1,400 direct employment opportunities, to be exact. The company’s engineering prowess and strategic partnerships are redefining what it means to be ‘Atmanirbhar’.

In a world racing toward electric and sustainable solutions, Hyundai’s efforts are more than just industry milestones—they’re a blueprint for automotive evolution. The localisation strategy isn’t just a business move; it’s a bold statement. And with the Creta Electric leading the charge, Hyundai is proving that Indian manufacturing isn’t just capable; it’s competitive.

January 22, 2025
DB Corp launches Bhaskar English news app

MUMBAI: DB Corp has officially launched Bhaskar English, a mobile news application aimed at expanding its reach as a trusted source of journalism in multiple languages. The company made this announcement through a regulatory filing with the Bombay stock exchange on 21 January 2025.

This launch underscores the company’s commitment to engage a diverse global audience as it is known for serving news in Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi, and it has four portals and three apps.It had launched the DNA English newspaper in partnership with Zee Media. It’s latest foray the Bhaskar English News app is claimed to offer the latest news to users from 16 states.

The app features advanced technology for real-time news updates and boasts an intuitive user interface, emphasizing DB Corp’s dedication to innovation and quality reporting. Designed for users who prefer news in English, Bhaskar English is available for download on both the App Store (iPhone) and Play Store (Android). At the time of writing it had got a rating of 4.9 on the App store and it had ranked at No 53 on the news chart.

“With the launch of Bhaskar English, we aim to strengthen our position as a leader in the media industry and enhance our pioneering efforts in multilingual news delivery,” said a company spokesperson.

DB Corp’s Dainik Bhaskar Hindi mobile app had 17.2 unique million monthly active users as of June 2024 while its Divya Bhaskar notched up 3.2 million unique monthly visitors.

January 21, 2025