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Tag: Maruti Suzuki India

  • Radio tunes into growth as ad volumes rise 3 per cent in H1 2025

    Radio tunes into growth as ad volumes rise 3 per cent in H1 2025

    MUMBAI: Radio isn’t just background noise, it’s making advertisers sit up and listen. According to TAM Adex’s Half-Yearly Advertising Report, radio ad volumes grew by 3 per cent in January–June 2025 compared to the same period last year, signalling a steady tune-up for the medium.

    Services struck the loudest chord, accounting for a massive 30 per cent share of all ad volumes. Collectively, the top ten sectors spanning auto (11 per cent), banking and finance (10 per cent), education (9 per cent), and food and beverages (7 per cent) captured nearly 89 per cent of the airtime. Durables made a new entry into the top 10, showing the medium’s appeal beyond traditional categories.

    Among categories, properties and real estate kept their prime spot with 14 per cent share, but hospitals and clinics surged into second place, clocking 18 per cent growth, while jewellers glittered with 17 per cent growth. Pan masala puffed up by 78 per cent, and commercial vehicles raced ahead, multiplying their presence 27 times over.

    On the advertiser leaderboard, Maruti Suzuki India overtook LIC of India to claim pole position, while newcomers like Vishnu Packaging and Muthoot Financial Enterprises accelerated into the top 10. Jeena Sikho was the leading brand on radio, followed by Maruti Suzuki Arena and SBI.

    Regionally, Gujarat topped the charts with an 18 per cent share of ad volumes, with Maharashtra close behind at 16 per cent. Jaipur retained its crown as the country’s leading radio city, commanding 9 per cent of the pie, ahead of Nagpur and Delhi.

    Evenings were prime time, accounting for 37 per cent of ad volumes, followed by mornings (31 per cent). And when it came to messaging length, advertisers kept it short and snappy 94 per cent of ads were under 40 seconds.

    With over 360 categories and 8,000 advertisers using radio in the first half of 2025, the medium is proving it’s still music to brands’ ears blending reach, resonance, and regional punch in equal measure.

  • Ad volumes tune up as TV, radio and print steal the show in H1 2025

    Ad volumes tune up as TV, radio and print steal the show in H1 2025

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, action, India’s advertising pie in 2025 is anything but half-baked. The first half of the year has seen TV, radio, and print rise with renewed swagger, even as digital took a cautious breather, according to a trends report by Excellent Publicity in partnership with TAM Adex and RCS India.

    Television strutted confidently, clocking a 27 per cent surge in ad volumes and a 64 per cent jump in spends over 2023. Unsurprisingly, Star India ruled the charts, while Jio Hotstar topped brand visibility. Together, Sports and GECs claimed 84 per cent of ad time, proving that prime time still makes advertisers shine. Entertainment, e-commerce, and social media alone accounted for 25.6 per cent of volumes.

    Radio kept its local beat alive, growing 10 per cent in revenues over 2023. Real estate and cars dominated the airwaves, with Maruti Suzuki India the top advertiser and Jeena Sikho the loudest brand. The real showstopper? Commercial vehicles, which roared with a 24x spike in ad spends, underscoring radio’s rural and tier-2 pull.

    Print, once counted out, flipped back into relevance with 26 per cent growth YoY. Cars led the page with 8.9 per cent of spends, while Retail Departmental Stores made a debut in the top 10. Allen Career Institute continued to hold the spotlight, and two-wheelers raced ahead with a 31 per cent surge in spends, showing print’s enduring power in suburban and semi-urban India.

    Digital, meanwhile, had a paradoxical season. Though overall spends dipped 8 per cent YoY, the platform saw its highest number of advertisers in three years. Online shopping led the charge with 11.2 per cent of total spends, Amazon India as the top advertiser and Amazon the most visible brand. Quirky shifts included washing powders and liquids exploding by 21x and perfumes/deodorants by 6x, while programmatic accounted for 88.3 per cent of spends, cementing automation’s dominance.

    As Excellent Publicity co-founder Vaishal Dalal put it: “TV still captures attention, radio keeps it local, print earns back trust, and digital is sharper than ever. The winners are those who embrace each medium’s strengths while staying innovative.”

    India’s ad world, it seems, is learning to juggle tradition with tech – and in 2025, every medium is fighting for its close-up.

  • Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi records over 1.6 billion minutes watch time in launch week

    Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi records over 1.6 billion minutes watch time in launch week

    MUMBAI: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi made a historic return to Indian television on 29 July and the response was nothing short of phenomenal. The show clocked 1.659 billion minutes of watch time on Star Plus and JioHotstar in its launch week, an extraordinary testament to its enduring appeal, reasserting its iconic status in India’s entertainment landscape. Drawing 31.1 million viewers on TV in just the first four days, and reaching millions more on streaming, the show has shattered records to become the biggest-ever GEC fiction launch on TV & digital streaming.

    The launch episode alone drew 15.4 million viewers on Star Plus, making it the highest-rated fiction premiere in recent history. The returning season’s massive opening on JioHotstar,  underscores the growing appetite for daily storytelling on streaming platforms and marks a pivotal moment for the evolution of fiction content in India’s digital entertainment landscape. This is the new high in the fiction journey, proving that daily drama, when reimagined along with streaming, can drive both cultural resonance and massive reach.

    “The return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has proven that great storytelling never loses its power. We approached this launch with a two-fold vision: to reignite the deep nostalgia associated with one of India’s most iconic shows, while also crafting a contemporary storyline and viewing experience that resonates with today’s audiences. The record-breaking numbers across Star Plus and JioHotstar reaffirm our belief in the timeless appeal of compelling narratives. This launch is a cultural moment that bridges generations, and we are proud to have delivered it to millions of homes across platforms,” said Sumanta Bose, head of cluster, entertainment (Star Plus and Bharat, Bengali, Marathi and Gujarati), JioStar.

    The premiere also drove large-scale organic conversations online, with 17,300 mentions and 86 per cent positive sentiment, underscoring the deep emotional connection and multi-generational pull of the show. The conversations were driven by nostalgia, connection with the star cast and fan anticipation, positioning Kyunki as both a cultural and content milestone.

    With its commanding return across TV and streaming platforms, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has not only revived a beloved legacy but also set the stage for a new era of appointment viewing, combining the mass reach of television with the deep engagement of digital streaming.

    The return has revitalized the fiction landscape, drawing significant attention from viewers and advertisers alike. The show had captured the interest of advertisers early on with Tide+, Kalyan Jewellers, and Maruti Suzuki India serving as co-presenting sponsors, with Fortune Soyabean Oil, Colgate, and Smart Bazaar joining as co-powered sponsors along with White Tone Face Cream and Good Knight as Special Partners on television. The digital platform JioHotstar features Kalyan Jewellers and Maruti Suzuki in co-presenting roles, Colgate, Fortune Chakki Fresh Atta, Uti Mutual Fund, Tata Consumer Products, and SMART Bazaar as co-powered by sponsors alongside Mankind Pharma – Prega News as a Special Partner.

    Source:

    * BARC, India U+R, 2+, SD+HD, Cume Reach Mn* Time Spent, W30’25

    **BARC, India U+R, 2+, SD+HD, Cume Reach Mn, W30’25

    ***BARC, India U+R, 2+, SD+HD, Cume Reach Mn, Original Programming, 29th July 2025 – W30’25

    JHS Viewers, JHS Data, Distillery

  • Maruti clocks Rs 4,943 crore Q1 profit on strong sales and margins

    Maruti clocks Rs 4,943 crore Q1 profit on strong sales and margins

    MUMBAI: India’s favourite carmaker isn’t just fuelling roads, it’s firing up the financials too. Maruti Suzuki India cruised through the first quarter of FY26 with a consolidated net profit of Rs 37,924 million, accelerating past last year’s Rs 37,597 million.

    Total consolidated income hit Rs 404,934 million in the quarter ended 30 June 2025, driven by Rs 386,052 million in revenue from operations marking a healthy bump from Rs 357,794 million a year ago. Other income also revved up to Rs 18,882 million from Rs 10,605 million.

    The company’s consolidated profit before tax reached Rs 49,435 million, with a tax outgo of Rs 11,511 million. What truly put Maruti in overdrive was its tight grip on costs. Material consumption stood at Rs 219,368 million, while purchases of stock-in-trade clocked in at Rs 57,038 million. A modest Rs 2,794 million gain from inventory changes also helped balance the books.

    Employee costs rose to Rs 20,483 million, and depreciation nudged up to Rs 15,560 million, but overall expense discipline kept total costs at Rs 355,854 million leaving room for a tidy operating margin.

    While the company didn’t pull any handbrakes this quarter, its joint ventures and associates chipped in too, contributing Rs 296 million and Rs 59 million respectively.

    On a standalone basis, the picture looked equally polished. Standalone profit came in at Rs 37,117 million, up from Rs 36,499 million a year ago, with revenue from operations at Rs 384,136 million. The basic and diluted earnings per share stood at Rs 118.06.

    Maruti’s quarterly detour into comprehensive income saw a gain of Rs 3,465 million from re-measurements and fair value adjustments despite a minor speed bump from actuarial losses on pension liabilities.

    For a company with Rs 960,827 million in other equity and a paid-up capital of just Rs 1,572 million, Maruti continues to steer shareholder value with turbocharged confidence. If Q1 is any indicator, the full-year drive promises more pit stops of profit.

  • JioStar reignites the Kyunki effect, locks in eight big-brand sponsors

    JioStar reignites the Kyunki effect, locks in eight big-brand sponsors

    MUMBAI: The much-anticipated return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has sent waves of excitement across living rooms and boardrooms. Ahead of its July 29 premiere, eight marquee brands have already signed on, betting big on the enduring cultural clout of the daily prime-time juggernaut.

    On Star Plus, Tide+, Kalyan Jewellers, and Maruti Suzuki India co-present the show, with Fortune Soyabean Oil, Colgate, and Smart Bazaar joining as co-powered sponsors. Over on JioHotstar, Kalyan Jewellers and Maruti Suzuki return as co-presenters, alongside Fortune Chakki Fresh Atta, UTI Mutual Fund, and Smart Bazaar, bringing the brand tally to a powerful eight across platforms.

    The advertiser playbook spans everything from TV integrations and graphic placements to JioHotstar’s arsenal of branded feature trays, pause ads, co-branded vignettes, and even interactive quizzes, ensuring visibility from screen to stream.

    “The return of Kyunki is a full-spectrum media moment. The show is a multi-generational IP which brings together a powerful blend of nostalgia, reach and cultural depth, which helps connect family members together, each finding their own story in the same narrative. Very few properties offer that kind of intergenerational resonance today, and Kyunki delivers on that with precision.We’re thrilled to see such strong interest from brands who recognise the long-term value this property offers across both TV and digital,” said JioStar head of revenue, entertainment & international, Ajit Varghese.

    Produced by Balaji Telefilms, the reboot marks 25 years since the show’s debut, bringing back Smriti Irani’s iconic Tulsi and Amar Upadhyay’s Mihir while introducing a new generation to the Virani universe. With a seven-day-a-week schedule and a dual-platform strategy marrying Star Plus’s reach with JioHotstar’s precision targeting, Kyunki is set to be 2025’s tentpole event for viewers and advertisers alike.

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  • Maruti launches 2025 Grand Vitara S CNG starting at Rs 13.48 lakh

    Maruti launches 2025 Grand Vitara S CNG starting at Rs 13.48 lakh

    MUMBAI: Ready, set, gas! Maruti Suzuki’s 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG is here to prove that efficiency can be exciting, not just economical. Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has launched the 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG, priced from Rs 13.48 lakh (ex-showroom), combining eco-conscious power with upgraded safety and tech, and giving India’s green SUV segment a serious push.

    Powered by the Next-Gen K-series 1.5-litre, Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine, the Grand Vitara S-CNG offers a mileage of 26.6 km/kg making it one of the most fuel-efficient options in its category. It churns out 64.6 kW (87.8 PS) at 5500 rpm and 121.5 Nm torque at 4200 rpm in CNG mode.

    But the upgrades aren’t just under the hood. The 2025 edition adds 6 airbags as standard across all variants, a timely move in line with India’s growing demand for enhanced safety. Other features keeping passengers secure include Electronic Stability Program+ (ESP), Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, front and rear disc brakes, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and more.

    Beyond safety, Maruti’s aiming for premium comfort. The Grand Vitara S-CNG now packs a punch with an Auto Purify system with PM 2.5 Display, a 22.86 cm (9”) SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless connectivity, a Clarion-tuned premium sound system, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, reclining rear seats (60:40 split), rear AC vents, and Suzuki Connect integration.

    The SUV’s dimensions hold steady at 4345 mm (length) × 1795 mm (width) × 1645 mm (height), maintaining its road presence and urban agility.

    Variant-wise Pricing (Ex-showroom, India)- Delta CNG – Rs 13,48,000, Zeta CNG – Rs 15,62,000.

    MSIL, senior executive officer of marketing and sales Partho Banerjee stated, “The new 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG offers a range of new convenience and safety features alongside the introduction of 6 airbags as standard. It delivers remarkable fuel efficiency, without compromising on the SUV experience.”

    Maruti’s multi-fuel strategy is on full display, with the Grand Vitara now available in S-CNG, Strong Hybrid, and Allgrip Select 4×4 variants. Whether it’s urban commutes or greener getaways, the S-CNG promises to take you further without breaking the bank or the planet.

  • Goyal’s Pivot spins heads at Lakmé Fashion Week, a sartorial butterfly effect

    Goyal’s Pivot spins heads at Lakmé Fashion Week, a sartorial butterfly effect

    MUMBAI: Somya Goyal’s Pivot collection, a veritable fashion fandango, pirouetted its way to victory at Lakmé Fashion Week, bagging the “Nexa Presents The Spotlight” award. Goyal, a design dynamo fresh from Pearl Academy and Central Saint Martins, London, showcased a collection that wasn’t just clothes; it was a manifesto on metamorphosis.

    Inspired by the butterfly effect – that tiny flap of wings causing a style tsunami – Goyal’s designs were a masterclass in versatility. Reversible silhouettes flirted with modular constructions, while gradient dyeing techniques painted the runway like a psychedelic sunset. Her 3D cord hand embroidery added a tactile kick, and colour-changing details kept the audience guessing, proving that this designer doesn’t just follow the beat, she remixes the entire track.

    Goyal, who launched her eponymous label in 2019, is a champion of sustainable chic, favouring natural and recycled fabrics. Her “Pivot” collection, however, was a bold experiment in reinvention, with garments that morphed and moved like a well-choreographed dance. “I wanted to explore how even the smallest design decisions can create a ripple effect,” she said, “transforming not just garments but the way we perceive fashion itself. The collection is a dialogue between precision and evolution—where modularity, reversibility, and fluid craftsmanship redefine versatility. For me, fashion is never static; it’ s an ever-changing expression, and Pivot is a  testament to that constant transformation.”

    “We are honoured to support initiatives such as ‘Nexa  e Vitara  Presents the Spotlight,’ which not only recognizes and celebrates emerging design talent, but also fosters innovation within the fashion industry. This season’ s theme has provided designers with a unique opportunity to explore the profound intersection of emotion, creativity, and storytelling through fashion. Somya Goyal has masterfully embodied the spirit of this theme with a bold and visionary collection,” said  Maruti Suzuki India senior executive officer marketing & sales Partho Banerjee.

    Meanwhile FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi stated, “We were impressed by the diverse and innovative presentations from participants nationwide, with Pivot by Somya Goyal’s showcase, particularly catching our attention.”

    In essence, Goyal’s “Pivot” wasn’t just a collection; it was a wink and a nudge to the ever-evolving nature of style, proving that even the subtlest design shift can create a full-blown fashion earthquake. This designer didn’t just turn heads; she spun them.

  • Maruti Suzuki drives out first electric SUV, e Vitara at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

    Maruti Suzuki drives out first electric SUV, e Vitara at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

    MUMBAI:  Maruti Suzuki India is moving int higher gear as far as its e-vehicles are concerned. The automaker officially launched its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV, the e Vitara, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The unveiling is part of the company’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation and customer convenience through its new ‘e for me’ electric eco-solutions.

    The e Vitara is built on the all-new Heartect e platform, specifically designed for electric vehicles. This robust platform promises superior performance, an excellent driving range, and uncompromised safety features. MSIL plans to market the e Vitara  through its premium Nexa channel, embodying values of innovation, sophistication, and premium customer experiences.

    Suzuki Motor Corp  president Toshihiro Suzuki  addressed the gathering, emphasising the strategic approach to making BEVs appealing to consumers. “We are focusing on three main strategies: developing a dedicated BEV platform for optimal performance, evolving products tailored to meet customer needs, and leveraging our economies of scale through centralized manufacturing in India,” he stated, highlighting the alignment with prime minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” vision.

    Maruti Suzuki  India managing director & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi elaborated on the e Vitara’s  technological features. “This SUV, equipped with an efficient 61kWh battery, can deliver ranges exceeding 500 kilometers on a single charge,” he said, adding that the car includes advanced capabilities such as Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and integrated digital displays for a seamless user experience.

    E Vitara

    In a bid to enhance electric vehicle adoption across India, MSIL introduced the ‘e for me’ initiative. “The goal is to create electric eco-solutions that cater to our customers’ needs,” Takeuchi explained.
     

    This initiative includes smart home charging solutions with installation support, a plan for fast charging stations in over 100 cities, and the establishment of 1,500 EV-enabled service workshops nationwide. The company aims to ensure that customers can find a charging station every 5 to 10 kilometers in major urban areas.

    The e Vitara  will be gradually rolled out across Nexa dealerships, with a significant ambition to export the vehicle to over 100 countries, including major markets like Japan and Europe. This move reinforces MSIL’s commitment to position India as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing.

    The design of the all-new e Vitara reflects Nexa’s signature “crafted futurism” philosophy, merging advanced technology with a sense of adventure. Its striking exterior features a bold stance, aerodynamic details, and advanced lighting systems, while the interior boasts a modern digital cockpit, premium sound system, and thoughtful amenities designed for passenger comfort.

    Constructed with high-strength, high-tensile steel, the Heartect -e platform enhances structural integrity and passenger safety. The e Vitara  also incorporates cutting-edge technology to optimise driving performance under varying conditions, with a driving experience enriched by multiple driving modes, including eco, normal, and sports.

     

    Tech specs

    Safety is paramount in the e Vitara , featuring standard seven airbags, electronic parking brakes, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and built-in Level 2 ADAS. The next gen Suzuki Connect offers over 60 advanced features, enabling remote vehicle controls and real-time updates via a user-friendly mobile application.

    The e Vitara  will be available in two battery options and a palette of 10 colors, including four dual-tone variants. As Maruti Suzuki embarks on this transformative journey, the introduction of the e Vitara  signifies the company’s dedication to reshaping the future of India’s automotive landscape, delivering unmatched value and innovation to its customers.
     

  • TAM AdEx: Auto sector advertising sees shift in H1 2024 across media platforms

    TAM AdEx: Auto sector advertising sees shift in H1 2024 across media platforms

    Mumbai: According to the latest TAM AdEx half-yearly report for January to June 2024, advertising trends in the Auto sector show a marked shift in media preferences. While TV ad volumes for the Auto industry saw a decline of 14 per cent compared to the same period in 2023, the digital space grew significantly, with a 55 per cent rise in ad impressions. Print media also saw a resurgence, with ad space growing by 25 per cent, demonstrating a renewed interest in this traditional medium.

    Key highlights from the report:

    1.Two-wheelers dominated TV ad volumes, capturing a 39 per cent share in H1 2024, surpassing the Cars category, which held a 37 per cent share.

    2.Print advertising saw a notable 25 per cent increase in ad space, with Honda Shine 100 leading as the top brand, accounting for seven per cent of the ad space.

    3.On radio, the Auto sector’s ad volumes grew by 14 per cent over the previous year, with Cars contributing to 72 per cent of ad volumes. Maruti Suzuki India maintained its top spot with an 18 per cent share.

    4.The digital medium witnessed the most substantial growth, with a 55 per cent increase in ad impressions. Maruti Suzuki India led digital advertising, holding a 26 per cent share, followed by Hyundai Motor India at 14 per cent.

    Top performing brands and categories:

    Honda Shine 100, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Nissan Magnite were among the leading brands across various platforms.

    The cars category dominated both Radio and Digital platforms, contributing to over 45 per cent of total ad volumes.

    Sales promotions constituted 54 per cent of ad space in print, with discount promotions being the most preferred method.

    Regional trends and insights:

    The north zone led print advertising, contributing 32 per cent of the total ad space, with Delhi and Mumbai as the top cities.

    For Radio, Gujarat emerged as the leading state, capturing 17 per cent of ad volumes.

    Hindi publications dominated print ads, accounting for 41 per cent of ad space, indicating a strong regional focus.

    The Auto sector’s shift towards digital platforms highlights an evolving advertising landscape, where brands are increasingly investing in online engagement. The significant growth in digital impressions suggests a strategic pivot to reach tech-savvy consumers, especially in the Cars and Two-Wheelers segments.

    The rise in print advertising also suggests that despite the digital boom, traditional media holds substantial value, particularly for localized and regional advertising. With news channels leading TV ad volumes and programmatic buying dominating digital transactions, advertisers are leveraging diverse media strategies to maximize reach and engagement.

  • Sidharth Malhotra named brand ambassador for Maruti Suzuki DZire

    Sidharth Malhotra named brand ambassador for Maruti Suzuki DZire

    Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki India has announced actor Sidharth Malhotra as the brand ambassador for the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire with a teaser, commencing bookings for its highly anticipated fourth-generation Dzire. India’s highest-selling compact sedan, the all-new Dzire is set to revolutionise the segment with its progressive design, segment-first features and unparalleled value proposition.

    Building on the remarkable legacy of the Dzire brand, this new generation model represents a significant leap forward in Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to offer exceptional vehicles to the Indian market.

    Maruti Suzuki India senior executive officer, marketing & sales, Partho Banerjee said, “The India growth story is a bright spot in the world today and this is fuelled by a new generation of ambitious, driven and confident Indians who are setting new benchmarks of success. We call these young achievers the thrivers, and it is for this driven and demanding consumer that we have designed the all-new Dzire- A car that matches the personality and compliments the successful life of the Thriver. To launch the all-new Dzire, we wanted to partner with someone who personified the essence of the ‘Thriver’ in spirit and in letter and it gives me immense pleasure in announcing that we found the perfect brand ambassador in Sidharth Malhotra.”