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Tag: Mahindra

  • Eight years of GST: India’s landmark tax reform turns a corner

    Eight years of GST: India’s landmark tax reform turns a corner

    MUMBAI: Eight years after its midnight launch, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) stands as a defining milestone in India’s economic reform journey. Introduced by the Modi 1.0 government on 1 July 2017, GST replaced 17 indirect taxes and 13 cesses, creating a unified tax system aimed at transforming revenue collection and compliance mechanisms.

    From its inception, GST has aimed to simplify the tax landscape and improve compliance—especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently reiterated this in a social media post, calling GST a “powerful engine” of economic growth and an exemplar of cooperative federalism, where states act as equal partners in market integration.

    GST revenues have seen consistent growth—from Rs 7.19 lakh crore in 2017–18 to Rs 22.08 lakh crore in 2024–25. Registrations have more than doubled, rising from 60 lakh to 1.51 crore active taxpayers. The government credits this to technology-led compliance features such as e-invoicing, auto-populated returns, AI-driven analytics, and e-way bills, which together have helped reduce fraud and encourage voluntary adherence.

    The media and marketing industry has also undergone a structural shift under GST. Earlier fragmented under multiple state-level service taxes, the sector now operates under a more uniform 18 per cent GST slab, enabling centralised billing and improving cash flow predictability for agencies and broadcasters. For the television industry, in particular, GST eliminated disparities between content producers and distributors across states, streamlining operations and reducing cascading taxes. However, smaller agencies have flagged concerns about delayed input credit refunds and compliance costs, prompting calls for more sector-specific easing.

    Leaders across industry reflected on GST’s journey. Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, called it “India awakening as a common market for the first time.” Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of Paytm, termed GST “the dawn of a new India.” Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson of Biocon, described it as “transformational,” while also calling for further simplification.

    Despite progress, key issues remain. Over two lakh disputes are pending due to the delayed establishment of GST appellate tribunals. The presence of multiple tax slabs and inverted duty structures—particularly in textiles and fertilisers—continues to create inconsistencies. Petroleum products and real estate remain outside GST’s ambit, limiting its scope as a truly comprehensive indirect tax.

    Tax experts from PwC India advocate for rationalising the rate structure to three tiers and gradually bringing petroleum products under GST to remove economic distortions. The GST Council has indicated that such reforms are under active consideration. Plans to operationalise 31 appellate tribunals by December aim to address the litigation backlog.
     

  • Brand new day as Epic Brand Map goes global with India as launchpad

    Brand new day as Epic Brand Map goes global with India as launchpad

     MUMBAI: What’s in a brand? Quite a lot, if you ask the folks at the newly minted Epic Brand Institute. The Epic Brand Institute (EBI) has officially stepped onto the global stage with the public launch of its flagship framework the Epic Brand Map (EBM), a system designed to bring Evocativeness, Precision, Insight and Clarity (yes, that’s EPIC) to the chaotic world of brand-building.

    Already battle-tested by corporate heavyweights like the Tata Group, Aditya Birla Group, Reliance, Mahindra, HCL, and international giants like Coca-cola, Medtronic, Sun Life Financial, Mars, Walmart and Nokia, the framework is finally being made available to the wider world of founders, marketers, consultants and creatives.

    Created by global brand strategist Saurabh Uboweja, also the founder of BOD Consulting, the EBM will now form the core of EBI’s in-person training cohorts. The first will be hosted in New Delhi from 9–11 June 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, and a second will follow in Dubai from 19–21 September 2025.

    “We’re launching not just a course, but a global movement,” said Uboweja. “After years of working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in business, we’re now opening the EPIC Brand Map to a new generation of brand-led business builders.”

    The inaugural Delhi edition will be an intimate affair, limited to 30 handpicked founders and practitioners looking to sharpen their brand-building acumen. Dubai, meanwhile, is set to attract a mix of Middle East and South Asian brand professionals hoping to join the ranks of EPIC strategists.

    With storytelling getting louder, attention spans shrinking, and differentiation harder than ever, EBI’s pitch is simple stop winging it and start mapping it. The message is clear: if your brand strategy feels like a game of darts in the dark, it might be time to go EPIC.

  • Disruption edition Forbes India turns sweet sixteen with giant strides

    Disruption edition Forbes India turns sweet sixteen with giant strides

    MUMBAI: Who says turning sixteen can’t come with serious swagger? Forbes India has marked its 16th anniversary not with cake and candles, but with a hard-hitting, forward-looking special edition titled Giant Strides, a tribute to the power of disruption as the engine of transformation. Themed around seismic shifts shaping the country’s economy, society and culture, the commemorative issue brings together some of India’s sharpest minds and boldest voices.

    From boardrooms to Olympic podiums, this edition rounds up a powerhouse lineup: Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer, Tata Power Praveer Sinha, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, Info Edge Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Mahindra Rajesh Jejurikar, Zydus Group Sharvil Patel, and even Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who steps in to talk about mental health and elite sport.

    The essays span everything from clean energy to AI, manufacturing to healthcare, charting India’s reinvention across sectors. These aren’t just nostalgic reflections; they’re bold blueprints for the road ahead, a call to embrace reinvention with urgency, clarity and intent.

    Ditching its usual cover design, the issue features a striking new visual identity, a bold aesthetic shift that mirrors the theme of transformation itself. It’s disruption, by design.

    In keeping with Forbes India’s mission since its 2009 debut, this edition doubles down on future-forward storytelling, shining a light on the entrepreneurs, thinkers and leaders driving the next chapter of India’s growth. Because in the age of disruption, standing still isn’t an option, it’s a liability.

    You can grab a copy at your nearest newsstand or digitally. But don’t expect a nostalgia fest. This is not a rear-view mirror moment, it’s a periscope into possibility.

    Sixteen years in, and Forbes India is still writing tomorrow’s headlines today.

  • Mahindra races past Hyundai as India’s no two carmaker in February 2025

    Mahindra races past Hyundai as India’s no two carmaker in February 2025

    MUMBAI: India’s automobile sector witnessed a power shift in February 2025, as Mahindra outsold Hyundai to claim the second-largest carmaker spot in the country. With 50,420 domestic sales, Mahindra registered a robust 19 per cent YoY growth in the passenger vehicle segment, while Hyundai’s domestic sales dropped by 4.3 per cent YoY to 47,727 units, securing its third-place position.

    Mahindra’s total sales, including exports, reached 52,386 units, riding high on India’s SUV boom. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the company registered 20 per cent growth, selling 5,03,439 units in FY25, compared to 4,10,246 units in FY24.

    Mahindra’s export performance was particularly impressive, nearly doubling YoY, with 3,061 units shipped in February 2025, marking a 99 per cent surge from 1,539 units last year.

    Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) recorded total sales of 58,727 units, including 47,727 domestic sales and a strong export performance of 11,000 units registering 6.8 per cent YoY growth. However, the domestic market decline from 50,201 units in February 2024 signalled a 4.3 per cent drop.

    Market leader Maruti Suzuki maintained its top position, selling 1,60,791 passenger vehicles, reflecting a marginal 0.32 per cent YoY growth. The company’s exports, however, dipped by 13.5 per cent, with 25,021 units shipped compared to 28,927 units in February 2024.

    Tata Motors saw a 9.43 per cent YoY decline in February, selling 46,435 passenger vehicles, down from 51,267 units in 2024. The company’s EV sales were particularly affected, registering a 22.82 per cent drop, with 5,343 units sold, compared to 6,923 in the previous year.

    Toyota Kirloskar Motor maintained its stronghold in the Indian automotive market, recording an impressive 13 per cent YoY growth in February 2025. The company sold 28,414 units, a significant jump from 25,220 units in February 2024. Of these, 26,414 units were dispatched to domestic dealers, while 2,000 units were shipped to international markets. With this steady growth, Toyota continues to strengthen its position, riding high on demand for its premium and reliable offerings in India and beyond.  

    Kia continued its upward trajectory, selling 25,026 vehicles in February 2025, marking an impressive 23.89 per cent YoY growth from 20,200 units in February 2024. Kia kept the momentum going in February 2025, clocking an impressive 25,026 unit sales, a 23.89 per cent YoY surge from 20,200 units in the same month last year. Leading the charge was the ever-popular Sonet, roaring ahead with 7,598 units, followed by the stylish and powerful Seltos at 6,446 units. The all-new Syros made a strong debut, securing 5,425 units, while the Carens, a favourite among families, registered 5,318 units. Meanwhile, the premium Carnival added an exclusive touch to Kia’s lineup with 239 units sold. With this stellar performance, Kia continues to solidify its place in India’s ever-evolving automobile landscape.

    Mahindra’s rise highlights India’s growing preference for SUVs, while Hyundai’s dip suggests an evolving competitive landscape. Tata Motors faces challenges in the EV space, while Kia continues to gain traction. As the race heats up, all eyes are on how carmakers respond to shifting market trends.

     

  • Mahindra Tractors celebrates the underdogs for Kisan Diwas – Farmers!

    Mahindra Tractors celebrates the underdogs for Kisan Diwas – Farmers!

    MUMBAI: In a world powered by AI and technological marvels, where convenience reigns supreme and lifestyles are defined by lattes and luxury, there exists a timeless force often overlooked—our farmers.

    Without them, there’s no favourite meal, no comforting home-cooked dish, no Swiggy, no Zomato – nothing. And yet, how often do we pause to say thank you?

    These unsung heroes, with soil-streaked hands and unyielding spirits, labour tirelessly not for wealth or applause but to nourish a nation. They rise with the sun, weather storms, and endure backbreaking toil, all for a marginal fee, just to ensure that our plates are never empty.

    While the modern world chases corporate perks and glittering paychecks, these guardians of the earth find joy in simplicity, gratitude in hard work, and purpose in feeding millions.

    This Kisan Diwas, Mahindra Tractors, India’s leading tractor brand, reminds us of a debt we can never truly repay. Through their heartfelt campaign, “Did You Thank the Farmer?”, they urge us to pause, reflect, and honour the silent strength behind every meal we consume. It’s not just a celebration—it’s a call to remember, respect, and cherish those to whom we owe our very sustenance.

    The campaign features a vibrant digital film that draws parallels between food delivery personnel and farmers. It acknowledges how urban dwellers regularly thank delivery personnel when receiving food parcels but often overlook the farmers who make every meal possible. Mahindra’s campaign encourages everyone to use Kisan Diwas as an opportunity to show appreciation for farmers, urging people to post messages with the hashtag #ThankYouKisan on social media.

    Kisan Diwas, observed annually on 23 December, honours the legacy of India’s fifth prime minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh, a champion of farmers’ rights. The day is dedicated to recognising the invaluable efforts of farmers across the country.

    Mahindra Tractors’ initiative aligns with its mission to empower farmers through innovative solutions, reliable tractors, and robust financial support. The campaign aims to bridge the urban-rural divide by fostering a sense of gratitude among audiences and highlighting the crucial role farmers play in sustaining the nation.

    Express your gratitude to farmers by posting messages on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook with the hashtag #ThankYouKisan.

    Watch the video here:

     

     

    Mahindra Tractors continues its commitment to supporting farmers, celebrating their dedication through this initiative, and urging the nation to acknowledge their contributions every day. Let us rise together, not just in gratitude, but in action, to honour their toil and ensure they too reap the fruits of their endless devotion.

  • TAM Sports: Over 165 new brands were advertised in 23 matches of ICC World Cup’23

    TAM Sports: Over 165 new brands were advertised in 23 matches of ICC World Cup’23

    Mumbai: TAM Sports has released an advertising report based on the first 23 matches of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup’23 and for all the channels on which matches are telecasted.

    ICC World Cup’23 witnessed indexed growth of 24 per cent from the first 23 matches in terms of average ad volumes per match compared to ICC World Cup’19.

    The count of categories, advertisers & brands grew by 29 per cent, two per cent and 24 per cent respectively in ICC World Cup’23 compared to ICC World Cup’19 during the first 23 matches from both World Cups.

    In ICC World Cup’23, Perfumes/deodorant was the leading category with nine per cent share of ad volumes. Perfumes/deodorant & ecom-wallets were the only common categories between ICC World Cup’23 and ICC World Cup’19 in the first 23 matches. Also, the top five categories together covered 33 per cent share of ad volumes during the first 23 matches of ICC World Cup’23. Among the top five advertisers, Vini Product & FX Mart were the only common advertisers between ICC World Cup’23 and ICC World Cup’19. The top five advertisers collectively added 32 per cent share of ad volumes during ICC World Cup’23.

    Over 45 new categories and over 165 new brands were advertised in 23 matches of ICC World Cup’23 compared to the same number of matches in ICC World Cup’19. Among the 165 plus new brands, ‘Bharat Petroleum MAK’ was the leading brand followed by ‘Mahindra XUV 700’.

  • Ankit Taparia joins Yulu as head of marketing

    Ankit Taparia joins Yulu as head of marketing

    Mumbai: Electric mobility brand Yulu has brought Ankit Taparia on board as the head of marketing.

    In this role, his primary responsibilities include making Yulu synonymous with sustainable mobility and a leader in the shared mobility space, said the brand in a statement.

    Taparia brings with him a deep understanding of mobility business and experience of branding, marketing, and business delivery. He also has launched and managed more Indian auto brands. In his last assignment as deputy general manager – marketing, Taparia was the head for Mahindra Bolero.

    “Ankit joins Yulu at a pivotal phase in our growth journey when our use case has expanded significantly from moving people to now moving goods too for the last mile,” stated Yulu co-founder Amit Gupta. “He resonates with our objective of building a new age brand Yulu as a category synonym and driving a strengthened narrative around the potential of electric mobility. I am looking forward to this phase of our journey, enriched by his domain knowledge, and attitude of innovation.”

    “Yulu has a deep market understanding, business agility, technology strength, and integrated operations ecosystem needed to respond to changing mobility needs and emerging new segments, at scale. I am very excited to join this fantastic team at Yulu that is leveraging innovation and technology to make a difference to the planet, one city at a time,” Taparia said on his new role.

  • Akhil Almeida is new head of marketing at Aegon Life

    Akhil Almeida is new head of marketing at Aegon Life

    MUMBAI: Digital life insurance company Aegon Life has onboarded Akhil Almeida as its head of marketing. In this role, Almeida will be responsible for heading the company's branding, communication, and other digital marketing functions. 

    Almeida has more than 16 years of experience in various sectors of marketing that include media + OTT, e-commerce, tech, FMCG, auto, and BFSI. Before joining Aegon Life, he has worked in companies like Mahindra Group, Ignitee, VJive Networks, Kia Motors, and Citi. 

    Almeida said that Aegon Life is all set to revolutionise the insurance buying experience. 

    "We’re on a journey to radically enhance the insurance buying experience – combining innovative and relevant products, consumer-centric experiences at the right price. We’re leveraging data and consumer insights to support product development and sales efforts, increase awareness, and market innovative products," he added. 

    Aegon Life managing director & chief executive officer Satishwar Balakrishnan said, "Akhil is a highly skilled leader with experience in leading marketing initiatives for consumer-led brands in India. He has closely studied consumer preferences and evolving digital behaviours, which will help us develop strategies to reach our target audience, keeping the brand essence alive and agile. We look forward to the expertise he brings to the table, which will help us in enhancing Aegon Life’s positioning as India’s first and only fully digital life insurance company."

  • Mahindra’s ‘With You Hamesha’ digital platform crosses 800,000 customers

    Mahindra’s ‘With You Hamesha’ digital platform crosses 800,000 customers

    MUMBAI: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., part of the USD 20.7 billion Mahindra Group, today announced that its customer care digital initiative ‘With You Hamesha’ has crossed 800,000 registered customers. Available on both web and mobile platforms, it has it has been pioneering innovation in the automobile after-sales technology offerings and currently celebrates its 6th anniversary.

    With several Industry First Features, the app has been downloaded by 3 lakh users and has a rating of 4.3 on Google Play, the highest among its competitors. To commemorate the 6th anniversary, two new features have been added to the app: ChatBot and DigiLocker.

    The chatbot, named “With You Hamesha TotBot” is an automated chatting platform for Mahindra after-sales domain that gives quick information to customers about their vehicles, and makes transactions like service bookings, feedback, locating a dealer, SOS request, warranty extensions and enrolling for roadside assistance as easy as chatting with a friend. Mahindra has interestingly called the chatbot a “tot” taking cognizance of the fact that artificial intelligence is poised to evolve and revolutionize customer service in the near future, and the With You Hamesha TotBot is all set to learn and evolve steadily.

    The DigiLocker feature will enable customers to access their vehicle and personal documents like the RC, driving license, PAN card, and Aadhar card on the move. These e-documents are valid and accepted by traffic departments across the country.

    Veejay Nakra, Chief of Sales & Marketing, Automotive sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said:“Mahindra has always strived to be an early-adopter of next-generation technology, be it in products or services that we offer to our end consumers. ‘With You Hamesha’ is one such initiative that has truly revolutionized the customer ownership experience through its multi-faceted service offerings. We, at Mahindra, are committed to providing many more novel & exciting features in this space in times to come”.

    Since its launch in 2013, ‘With you Hamesha’ has ensured that customers get complete transparency, unmatched convenience and a personalized experience, seamlessly available across all digital mediums, including mobile and the web.

  • Mahindra First Choice Services gets you to service your own car

    Mahindra First Choice Services gets you to service your own car

    MUMBAI: Mahindra First Choice Services (MFC Services), a chain of multi-brand car service workshops, and part of the $19 billion Mahindra Group, has launched a unique initiative, A Date with your Car.

    This one-of-a-kind experience will give car owners an opportunity to service their cars themselves. The idea behind the initiative is to give customers a hands-on experience of their cars under the guidance of MFCS technicians and to empower them with the information they need when making car-servicing decisions in the future.

    Mahindra First Choice Services CEO YVS Vijay Kumar says, “Being a car enthusiast is all about feeling a connection with your car. The aim behind this initiative is to encourage car owners to come and service their cars themselves under MFCS’s guidance. With our skilled technicians, genuine MFC spare parts and state-of-the-art equipment, we are committed to delivering the best car service. This initiative is also an endeavour to educate and empower our customers and is yet another step in our mission to build trust and transparency in the highly fragmented and unorganised car service industry.”

    The car owners can come to the workshop on an appointed day and service the car themselves. Throughout the session, trained MFCS crew will be available for consultation and help customers fix their car. Customers will also get access to all the tools and equipment needed for undertaking the service job under MFCS guidance and no labour cost will be charged. This program will only undertake regular and basic work. 

    To participate in this exclusive appointment-based activity customers can log on to www.mahindrafirstchoiceservices.com for registration.

    With over 340 workshops across 24 states, MFC Services is steadily marching towards its vision to be amongst the top three service providers for out of warranty cars by 2018. The company is constantly enhancing the customer experience through digitisation and has launched Carworkz, a car servicing workshop aggregator. 

    It is also exploring partnerships with insurance companies and fleet operators to increase the inflow of customers into franchisee workshops. It aims to grow its network to 1000 workshops across the country.

    The company also provides cashless insurance facility with leading insurance companies and a convenient booking service for customers.