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Tag: Narain Karthikeyan

  • Drivex rides home with heartwarming Diwali campaign

    Drivex rides home with heartwarming Diwali campaign

    MUMBAI: Drivex, India’s pioneering pre-owned two-wheeler brand, has launched a touching new campaign, Ride Back Home, celebrating the spirit of togetherness, gratitude, and the emotional pull of returning home for Diwali.

    Dedicated to those who work away from their families, the campaign honours the journeys that people take to build a better life. For Drivex, a two-wheeler isn’t just transport; it’s a bridge between distance and belonging.

    “In a season filled with gifts and glitter, we wanted to celebrate something deeper, the joy of going home,” said Drivex head of marketing Vipin Yadav. “Diwali is about moments of connection. Every ride tells a story, and this campaign celebrates those that lead us back to where we truly belong – home.”

    To spread the festive spirit further, Drivex has also introduced Light Up With Drivex, a social initiative inviting people to recognise everyday heroes who make life brighter. Participants are encouraged to tag someone they believe truly deserves a scooter and share, in one heartfelt line, why that person deserves to win, whether for their kindness, hard work, or selfless spirit. One deserving participant will receive a Drivex TVS Jupiter worth Rs 85,000, symbolising how one thoughtful gesture can light up many lives.

    Drivex director Narain Karthikeyan added, “As Diwali approaches, many wish to go home but are held back by costly travel or tight schedules. Sometimes, all it takes is two wheels and a bit of determination to close that distance. With Ride Back Home, we’re celebrating the power of mobility to connect hearts.”

    Running through October 31, the campaign invites India to celebrate connection over consumption and reminds everyone that sometimes, the brightest light isn’t found under the lamps, it’s found at the end of the road home.

  • Drivex shifts gears with Vivekanand Kini to steer tech-driven growth

    Drivex shifts gears with Vivekanand Kini to steer tech-driven growth

    MUMBAI: Drivex is revving up its digital engine, and at the helm of this acceleration is Vivekanand Kini, appointed as senior vice president for technology & product. With 18 plus years of experience in technology and product engineering, including 8 years in leadership roles, Kini joins as the pre-owned two-wheeler disruptor doubles down on its tech-first strategy.

    From cloud-native architectures and microservices to scaling B2B and B2C SaaS platforms, Kini’s career spans leadership roles at Acko, Ivy Mobility, Khoros, and Opentext, with earlier stints at Oracle. At Acko, he spearheaded transformational initiatives that reshaped engineering operations expertise now set to drive Drivex’s ambition of building a robust digital backbone for India’s fragmented pre-owned two-wheeler market.

    “Mobility is being reshaped through technology, and Drivex is at the forefront of this transformation,” said Kini, adding that his focus will be on building scalable platforms to deliver seamless customer journeys from discovery and financing to after-sales.

    Welcoming him aboard, Padma Shri Narain Karthikeyan director Drivex said: “Technology powers every touchpoint at Drivex from smarter vehicle evaluations and strict quality checks to complete transparency on every two-wheeler parameter. Vivekanand’s expertise in scaling platforms and leading high-performing teams will help us strengthen our digital backbone and redefine the pre-owned mobility category.”

    The timing is critical. Drivex is in rapid expansion mode, opening new stores across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, while also scaling Drivex Direct, its C2C platform that offers consumers greater choice and convenience. With ambitions of deeper market penetration, Kini’s appointment signals Drivex’s determination to transform customer experience through tech innovation.

    As the pre-owned two-wheeler space shifts into higher gear, Drivex is banking on Kini to keep its engine running smooth, fast, and future-ready.

     

  • DriveX shifts gears with Vipin Yadav as head of marketing

    DriveX shifts gears with Vipin Yadav as head of marketing

    MUMBAI: Marketing in the fast lane, DriveX puts Vipin Yadav in the driver’s seat. DriveX Mobility, the TVS Motor Company–backed disruptor in India’s booming pre-owned two-wheeler market, has turbocharged its leadership by appointing Vipin Yadav as Vice President and head of marketing. With over 17 years of experience building consumer brands, Yadav’s arrival signals a clear intent: to take the DriveX brand from showroom to stardom.

    In his new role, Yadav will spearhead omnichannel marketing, brand strategy, digital innovation and customer engagement key ingredients in DriveX’s vision to scale up to 500 outlets by 2027.

    Before hitching a ride with DriveX, Yadav was the marketing director at Hisense India and head of marketing at Toshiba TV. But his longest and perhaps most high-octane stint was with OPPO India, where he played a pivotal role in building the brand’s identity and accelerating market share during its growth sprint.

    “This is more than marketing. It’s about reimagining trust in a segment that’s ripe for disruption,” said Yadav. “DriveX isn’t just selling refurbished two-wheelers. It’s crafting a bold new mobility experience and I’m here to make sure India hears that story.”

    Known for balancing creativity with data, Yadav has contributed to marketing forums and jury panels, while also sharing his insights at institutions like IIT Delhi and Symbiosis Pune. He holds dual MBAs in Marketing from International Management Institute (Europe) and the Indian Institute of Planning & Management, alongside a Bachelor’s in Commerce from the University of Delhi.

    Welcoming him aboard, DriveX founder & director Narain Karthikeyan said, “Vipin understands the pulse of Indian consumers and knows how to convert insight into impact. His leadership will be crucial as we scale operations and deepen our connect with riders across the country.”

    With the Indian mobility space revving up, Yadav’s entry at DriveX feels less like a pitstop and more like a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre one that’s aimed squarely at pole position.
     

  • Usha International launches “Live like a Racer” TVC featuring Narain Karthikeyan

    Usha International launches “Live like a Racer” TVC featuring Narain Karthikeyan

    MUMBAI: Usha International, one of India’s leading consumer durables companies, today launched a new campaign including both digital and TVC for its recently launched ‘Racer fans’. This range is endorsed by Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula One driver, who embodies its spirit. Aimed at filling the need the gap for ultra-high-speed fans with superior air delivery, the Racer fans cater to the evolving consumer who wants that ‘little bit more’. The campaign is also supported by BTL activations including a promotional scheme for trade partners, and in-shop promotions, across India.

    Commenting on the campaign Usha International president – marketing Sandeep Tewari said, “At Usha, we believe in tech for all approach to give customers what they want, so we constantly innovate and launch technologically advanced, superior products that make their lives better. The Racer fans are the result of customer demand for a superior technology offering high-speed air delivery and we are optimistic with these fans we will be creating a new segment for ultra high-speed fans.”

    Commenting on his association with Usha International India's first Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan said, “I am extremely thrilled to be associated with Usha International for their Racer range of fans. Usha is definitely one of India’s most loved and trusted brands and filming for Racer — with racing cars, racing gloves and helmets was intense and exciting. These remote-controlled fans are convenient and pretty awesome!”

  • Times Network joins hands with Autocar India for TV show

    Times Network joins hands with Autocar India for TV show

    MUMBAI: The Times Network has joined hands with Autocar India magazine to launch a show called The Autocar Show.

     

    It may be recalled that The Autocar Show was until now aired on Bloomberg TV India.

     

    With India becoming the fastest growing automobile market in the world and individuals looking for the best in-class products, the show will showcase reviews by car experts on ET Now and Times Now from 11 December, 2015 onwards. 

     

    The Autocar Show will air on ET Now on Fridays at 10:30 pm with repeats on Saturday (11:30 am and 3:30 pm) and Sunday (10 am and 2 pm). On Times Now, the show will be telecast on Saturdays at 6:30 pm and Sundays at 9:30 am.

     

    Autocar India is widely quoted by the media across the globe for its detailed views. In addition to providing car reviews in the most insightful manner, the magazine gives its readers unmatched access to the automobile industry news. With the likes of Autocar India editor Hormazd Sorabjee, who has three decades of experience, and Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first F1 racer set to grace the television screens, viewers are in for a engrossing and informative ride with every episode.

     

    Times Now and ET Now president – news and editor in chief Arnab Goswami said, “We are delighted to have tied up with India’s most respected experts in the automobile circuit to launch The Autocar Show. I am sure that Hormazd and his team will make the show a one-stop destination that caters to the needs of everyone interested in the magical and enticing world of automobiles. The Autocar Show, which will air on ET Now and Times Now, will add to the world class quality, variety and relevance of our programming bouquet.”

     

    Sorabjee added, “We are thrilled to have tied up with Times Network which will give a huge boost to the popularity of The Autocar Show. It’s not just the fact that both ET Now and Times Now are undisputed leaders in their genres but the high energy and passion of the Times Network that motivates us to go that extra mile to deliver cutting edge content.”

     

    The Autocar Show will review the latest Skoda Superb before any other Indian media. It will look to heighten the enthusiasm through feature activities that have never been carried out before such as driving the Lamborghini Hurracan to Khardung la Pass, the highest motorable road in the world. In addition to such feats, the show will keep viewers informed through its segment that will shed light on the automobile market scenario.

  • Land Rover invites customers to discover adventure with the new Discovery Sport

    Land Rover invites customers to discover adventure with the new Discovery Sport

    MUMBAI: Land Rover announced a unique opportunity for its fans and enthusiasts to feature in an adventure film alongside their favourite sports personalities, Yuvraj Singh and Narain Karthikeyan. For this Land Rover has launched the READY TO DISCOVER Contest, in which fans and enthusiasts simply have to express what adventure means to them.

     

    Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd (JLRIL) President Rohit Suri said, “The new Discovery Sport is the perfect premium versatile SUV for people who have the adventure gene in them. Through this contest, we are looking for such Land Rover fans and enthusiasts and create an interactive and exciting platform to engage with them. After-all one does not get a chance to star in a film alongside Yuvraj and Narain everyday”.

     

    The Ready to Discover contest has been rolled out on Land Rover’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LandRoverIndia) and its Twitter handle (@JLRIndia). Land Rover fans and enthusiasts need to use the hashtag ReadyToDiscover and simply state their expression and understanding of adventure. Contest winners will be chosen from amongst all entries received by Land Rover and they will get the most unique opportunity of featuring in Land Rover’s Adventure film.   

     

    The new Discovery Sport was launched in India on 2nd September 2015 and more information on the product is available on www.landrover.in.

  • Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2013-14

    Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2013-14

    MUMBAI: Bloomberg TV India, the nation’s premier English business news channel and Autocar India the most definitive magazine of the auto industry will present the Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2013-14. The awards will be presented at a glittering function, in the august presence of an elite list of personalities from the corporate world who will come together, to salute achievers from the automotive sector.

    Ms. Amrit Rai, Business Head – Bloomberg TV India speaking about the Awards said, “The Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards have become the benchmark of performance for the industry and with each passing year the bar has been raised by the players. We expect the 2013 – 14 Awards to be a keenly fought battle across all categories and wish all nominees the very best.”

    Mr. Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor – Autocar India magazine, speaking about the Awards said, “These awards have unmatched credibility thanks to an exhaustive evaluation process and a jury that is the best in the business. Consumers can rely on these awards to make an informed car buying decision.”

    The Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2013-14 will be given across 20 categories to the best and the most deserving contributors to the auto industry. The categories are ~ Car of the Year ; Bike of the Year ; Viewer’s Choice Car of the Year ; Viewer’s Choice Bike of the Year ; Best Design and Styling ; Best Variant of the Year ; Manufacturer of the Year ; Car Dealer of the Year; Technology and Innovation award ; Best Driver’s Car ; Best Value for Money ; Performance Car of the Year ; Saloon Car of the Year ; Compact Luxury Car of the Year ; SUV of the Year ; Premium SUV of the Year ; MPV of the year ; Engine of the Year ; Premium Bike of the Year ; Import Bike of the Year.

    The jury panel comprising of experts like Hormazd Sorabjee (Editor – Autocar India); Renuka Kirpalani (Editor – Autocar show); Shapur Kotwal (Deputy Editor – Autocar India & Editor – What Car? India); Narain Karthikeyan (India’s first Formula 1 Driver); Kartikeya Singhee (Consultant Editor – Autocar Show); Manvendra Singh (India’s leading Automotive Historian & Restorer); Rishad Cooper (Two Wheeler Editor – Autocar India); C S Santosh (Motocross Rider).The entire methodology and process is validated by knowledge partners KPMG.

    The Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2013-14, to be held on December 20th at the Seaside Lawns of The Taj Lands End in Mumbai, is presented by Reliance General Insurance and powered by Mobil 1.

  • Micromax associates with F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan

    NEW DELHI: Micromax has announced its association with Indian Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan and the HRT Formula 1 team for the 2012 Indian Grand Prix, scheduled from October 26 to 28 at the Buddh International Circuit.

    Micromax, a homegrown brand, regards this association with India’s first Formula One racing driver Karthikeyan extremely valuable. Known for boldness and metal, both brands represent India on the global map and have tasted unprecedented success with their unconventional methods.

    Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma said, “Being a homegrown champion, we think Narain Karthikeyan is pride of the nation and his success perfectly aligns with our brand values. We are extremely happy to associate with him and the Micromax team would be cheering him in all his races ahead.”

  • Tata Tea partners with Narain Karthikeyan & F1 team

    MUMBAI: Tata Global Beverages‘ (TGB) Tata Tea has partnered with Indian Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan and the HRT Formula 1 team for the 2012 Singapore and Indian Grands Prix scheduled from 21-23 September and 26-28 October, respectively.

    With the association, Tata Tea will be promoted extensively. Its logos will appear on the HRT Formula 1 team car and the helmet worn by Karthikeyan. TGB‘s association with Karthikeyan and consequently, Formula 1, will also give it a platform to connect with a large global viewership.

    TGB VP-marketing Vikram Grover said, “Narain reflects the Indian youth‘s latent talent awakening to global sports which Tata Tea has been supporting since the launch of its Jaago-Re campaign, for e.g. The Tata Tea Jaago Re Inter Milan Soccer Stars program which is in its fifth season currently. Also, Formula 1‘s inherent teamwork, technology, innovation and fitness-centric nature synergises well with TGB‘s focus of being a global, health-enhancing, ‘good for you‘ beverages Company.”

    HRT Formula 1 team principal Luis Pérez-Sala added, “For two seasons now Tata and Tata Motors have offered important and loyal support for HRT Formula 1 team and it is great news that TGB has joined not only Narain‘s image but also that of the team for two very important Grands Prix such as Singapore and India. This incorporation is further proof of the good relationship we have with the Tata Group, which not only establishes itself but continues to grow at the same time as the team in such a competitive world as is Formula 1.”

  • Hero Motors to sponsor Karthikeyan at Indian GP in October

    Hero Motors to sponsor Karthikeyan at Indian GP in October

    MUMBAI: Hero Motors has announced its association with F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan and his Formula One team.

    Hero Motors will be sponsoring Narain Karthikeyan and his team for the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix to be held in India in October. Hero Motors has agreed to display its logo on Narain‘s racing car in the Grand Prix as a token of its association with the event.

    Hero Motors MD Pankaj Munjal said, “Hero Motors is committed to be amongst the first Indian corporate houses to compete in the Indian Grand Prix and we are indeed very proud to be associated with Narain Karthikeyan and Hispania Racing Team (HRT). The alliance with the HRT will provide a unique platform for the group to communicate its extensive competencies to a global audience.

    “The association with Narain Karthikeyan and HRT team has a lot of synergies in our core values for which we are known for and truly reflects our commitment towards excellence, speed, growth and innovation.

    “We operate in global markets as a truly home grown global corporate house and it gives us immense pleasure to endorse Narain Karthikeyan who is also the first Indian F1 driver who has made his presence felt at an early age of 19 years” Formula One the company says is one of the few sports in the world which has a global audience of millions and enjoys the same recognition in India as anywhere in the world. The upcoming Grand Prix in India provides the precise opportunity for Hero Motors to reinforce its core values. Formula One is a game of speed and passion. The sport is set to make its debut in India this October and the association with Narain Karthikeyan and his team gives Hero Motors the perfect opportunity to present itself to the global audience.

    “The maiden Indian Grand Prix has given us an opportunity to represent ourselves in the international platform promoting the fastest Indian in the world. We are proud of the fact that we will be a part of the historic event when F1 makes its debut in India. Hero Motors always believe in achieving the best and achieve the highest standards in performance, quality and relationships. Narain‘s personality and passion towards speed and adventure perfectly syncs with what we want to achieve” adds Munjal

    Karthikeyan said, “Hero is one of the oldest and most prominent Indian brands and I am pleased to be associated with it. Today is a very important step in the right direction for motor sports in the country. The sport has come a long way since the day I started racing. Viewership has gone up a lot, and corporate support is now more forthcoming. Formula One is in its nascent stage in India with great potential waiting to be explored. I hope with the support from Hero Motors we will be able to scale new milestones in the times to come”.

    The Indian Grand Prix will be held in Greater Noida, India from 28 – 30 October 2011.