Tag: R S Kalsi

  • Maruti Suzuki straps on your seat belt with #PehniKya

    Maruti Suzuki straps on your seat belt with #PehniKya

    MUMBAI: Road accidents and fatalities are a national concern. According to the recent Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MRTH) data, not wearing seat belts resulted in 5,638 fatalities during 2016. Fifty percent of these fatalities could be prevented through use of seat belts, an important safety device often ignored by car users in India. A recent study by Maruti Suzuki conducted with Kantar Group (Millward Brown and IMRB) reveals seat belt usage rate is as low as 25 per cent in India.

    To address the issue, Maruti Suzuki India has recently rolled out a nationwide social campaign to create awareness and promote seat belt use among drivers and passengers.

    Maruti Suzuki senior executive director RS Kalsi says, “Seat belt is one of the most effective safety equipment in a car. Studies by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), USA, show that if an occupant is not wearing a seat belt in a vehicle equipped with airbags, the airbags may actually cause more harm in the event of a crash. At the same time, with the new safety regulations, more cars in India will come equipped with airbags. This makes the usage of seat belts even more critical.”

    Called #PehniKya, conceived by Happy mcgarrybowen, a unit of Dentsu Aegis Network, it focuses on driving this behaviour change among car users in India. The high impact 360-degree integrated campaign by Maruti Suzuki comprises print, TVC, radio, digital and on-ground activations.

    The emotionally resonant TVC for ‘#PehniKya?’ is centred on a kid trying to stop his father from driving his car, because his father is not in the habit of wearing the seat belt. The TVC is currently being played on major television channels in India spanning the genres of news, movies, etc.

    He added, “Lack of awareness of seat belt as a safety device, lack of encouragement from family and friends, and weak law enforcement were among the key reasons for non-usage. Through this campaign, we aim to encourage car occupants to wear their seat belts.” 

    Happy mcgarrybowen chief creative officer and MD PM Praveen Das mentions, “We were very excited to work on their latest campaign on the seat belt initiative. Drawing from research, we decided to keep the message simple and thought-provoking, thus was born #PehniKya? Another key insight that was validated by research was that people would be far more impacted if the message came from a family member. Hence, the construct of the TVC. The film captures the simple emotion of love of a son for his father.”

  • Discovery goes #Indiamyway in Maruti Suzuki

    Discovery goes #Indiamyway in Maruti Suzuki

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel in association with Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) organised an event in New Delhi to celebrate the culmination of its journey across 29 states. Cruising around in a Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, covering over 28,000 kilometers, the epic-journey entitled #Indiamyway was captured by Discovery cameras and was televised on the network.

    A showreel presenting the best-off moments of the journey was screened at the event. On this occasion, Discovery also released a DVD pack of the television series unveiled MSIL executive director – marketing and sales R S Kalsi, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific VP advertising sales (south Asia) Karamjit Dua, and Meraj Shah, actor and presenter of the series.

    The 13-part series which aired on Discovery, travelled across India in search of young Indians, their passion and their continual quest for the unusual, glamourous and adventurous side of life. The series was hosted by Paloma Monappa, an actor and avid traveler, and Shah, a travel writer, who went on a road trip for an exploration of a ‘New India’. They introduced viewers to a range of fun, eclectic characters ranging from celebrities, tribal fashionistas, women wrestlers, young scientists, tattoo artists, path breaking entrepreneurs and many others.

    Kalsi said, “It has been a matter of immense pride for the two pioneering brands – Maruti Suzuki and Discovery to collaborate and explore the new-age India.” Dua said, “Discovery offers captivating and incomparable blend of programmes that stimulate viewers’ mind. #Indiamyway has been our endeavor to showcase the immense talent, passion and changing aspirations of the millennials in the country.” Shah said, “I have been travelling for years, however, this road trip was unique and invigorating.”

  • Discovery goes #Indiamyway in Maruti Suzuki

    Discovery goes #Indiamyway in Maruti Suzuki

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel in association with Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) organised an event in New Delhi to celebrate the culmination of its journey across 29 states. Cruising around in a Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, covering over 28,000 kilometers, the epic-journey entitled #Indiamyway was captured by Discovery cameras and was televised on the network.

    A showreel presenting the best-off moments of the journey was screened at the event. On this occasion, Discovery also released a DVD pack of the television series unveiled MSIL executive director – marketing and sales R S Kalsi, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific VP advertising sales (south Asia) Karamjit Dua, and Meraj Shah, actor and presenter of the series.

    The 13-part series which aired on Discovery, travelled across India in search of young Indians, their passion and their continual quest for the unusual, glamourous and adventurous side of life. The series was hosted by Paloma Monappa, an actor and avid traveler, and Shah, a travel writer, who went on a road trip for an exploration of a ‘New India’. They introduced viewers to a range of fun, eclectic characters ranging from celebrities, tribal fashionistas, women wrestlers, young scientists, tattoo artists, path breaking entrepreneurs and many others.

    Kalsi said, “It has been a matter of immense pride for the two pioneering brands – Maruti Suzuki and Discovery to collaborate and explore the new-age India.” Dua said, “Discovery offers captivating and incomparable blend of programmes that stimulate viewers’ mind. #Indiamyway has been our endeavor to showcase the immense talent, passion and changing aspirations of the millennials in the country.” Shah said, “I have been travelling for years, however, this road trip was unique and invigorating.”

  • Maruti Suzuki, Ola tie up to train drivers

    Maruti Suzuki, Ola tie up to train drivers

    MUMBAI: Maruti Suzuki India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ola to train aspiring drivers-partners. Under the ‘Maruti Ola Training Program,’ the company aims at benefiting 40,000 Ola partner-drivers in safe driving, over a period of three years.

    Maruti Suzuki and Ola partnership will create entrepreneurship opportunities for aspiring drivers¬ partners as well as make urban transportation safe, reliable and convenient. The pilot phase of the initiative will be rolled out in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and in NCR. The driving training programme will be gradually rolled out in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Pune.

    Ola, as a technology platform will help create opportunities for these trained drivers by giving them access to infrastructure, financing and continuous revenue. Over the last 5 years, Ola has been successful in on-boarding over 5 lakh skilled driver-partners onto its platform.

    Maruti Suzuki marketing and sales executive director R S Kalsi said, “Maruti Suzuki is committed to promote quality driving training in the country. Studies show that driver’s fault’ is the biggest reason of road accidents. We have evolved a comprehensive training program comprising simulators, theory and practical sessions, imparted through 370 Maruti Driving Schools and six IDTRs across India. The curriculum, besides driving skills, offers soft skills like grooming, manners, etiquette that develop a positive attitude among the drivers. We are glad that through this partnership with Ola, we will be able to expand quality driving training while creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. We target to train 40,000 individuals over three years.”

    Ola COO Pranay Jivrajka said, “Mobility in India is a huge need and the industry has the potential to empower aspiring individuals from all walks of life to become micro-entrepreneurs. This partnership falls in line with Ola’s goal of skilling five million drivers in the next five years and continue to build a conducive ecosystem for them to grow as entrepreneurs. We are delighted to work with a trusted Indian brand like Maruti to create a unique solution to skill tens of thousands of aspiring driver entrepreneurs realize their dreams. This is yet another initiative from Ola towards creating a robust and balanced driver ecosystem; which is vital to realize our mission of creating mobility for a billion Indians.”

    According to the MoU, Maruti Suzuki would help the individuals/Ola partner-drivers obtain commercial license and also assist in availing vehicle financing to purchase their own car, after the completion of their course. Ola will also provide qualified leads of potential driver-partners to Maruti Suzuki for facilitating them with commercial driving training.

    All the aspiring drivers will undergo a 30-day driving training which includes a pre- and post- assessment tests to gauge the driving skills of these individuals.

    The classroom sessions will familiarize the trainee with basic requirements such as vehicle controls and mechanisms, road signage, rules and markings, driving in difficult conditions, maintenance and fuel efficiency tips and traffic laws. Besides these dedicated sessions on soft skills like being a good road user, interactive case studies on the effect of bad driving habits, the importance of positive attitude, grooming tips, etiquette and good manners are imparted to instill safe driving habits and become a responsible driver.

    The practical training sessions cover intensive training on safe and efficient driving, pre-checks before starting to drive, risk perception, defensive driving techniques, driving in difficult conditions, rules of the road and emergency handling.

    Ola works closely with multiple state governments to create a skilled workforce that has access to capital, insurance and vehicle at discounted prices. Ola aims to add 50 lakh driver-partners on its platform by 2022 by mobilising, training and engaging with aspirants through such partnerships.

  • Maruti Suzuki, Ola tie up to train drivers

    Maruti Suzuki, Ola tie up to train drivers

    MUMBAI: Maruti Suzuki India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ola to train aspiring drivers-partners. Under the ‘Maruti Ola Training Program,’ the company aims at benefiting 40,000 Ola partner-drivers in safe driving, over a period of three years.

    Maruti Suzuki and Ola partnership will create entrepreneurship opportunities for aspiring drivers¬ partners as well as make urban transportation safe, reliable and convenient. The pilot phase of the initiative will be rolled out in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and in NCR. The driving training programme will be gradually rolled out in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Pune.

    Ola, as a technology platform will help create opportunities for these trained drivers by giving them access to infrastructure, financing and continuous revenue. Over the last 5 years, Ola has been successful in on-boarding over 5 lakh skilled driver-partners onto its platform.

    Maruti Suzuki marketing and sales executive director R S Kalsi said, “Maruti Suzuki is committed to promote quality driving training in the country. Studies show that driver’s fault’ is the biggest reason of road accidents. We have evolved a comprehensive training program comprising simulators, theory and practical sessions, imparted through 370 Maruti Driving Schools and six IDTRs across India. The curriculum, besides driving skills, offers soft skills like grooming, manners, etiquette that develop a positive attitude among the drivers. We are glad that through this partnership with Ola, we will be able to expand quality driving training while creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. We target to train 40,000 individuals over three years.”

    Ola COO Pranay Jivrajka said, “Mobility in India is a huge need and the industry has the potential to empower aspiring individuals from all walks of life to become micro-entrepreneurs. This partnership falls in line with Ola’s goal of skilling five million drivers in the next five years and continue to build a conducive ecosystem for them to grow as entrepreneurs. We are delighted to work with a trusted Indian brand like Maruti to create a unique solution to skill tens of thousands of aspiring driver entrepreneurs realize their dreams. This is yet another initiative from Ola towards creating a robust and balanced driver ecosystem; which is vital to realize our mission of creating mobility for a billion Indians.”

    According to the MoU, Maruti Suzuki would help the individuals/Ola partner-drivers obtain commercial license and also assist in availing vehicle financing to purchase their own car, after the completion of their course. Ola will also provide qualified leads of potential driver-partners to Maruti Suzuki for facilitating them with commercial driving training.

    All the aspiring drivers will undergo a 30-day driving training which includes a pre- and post- assessment tests to gauge the driving skills of these individuals.

    The classroom sessions will familiarize the trainee with basic requirements such as vehicle controls and mechanisms, road signage, rules and markings, driving in difficult conditions, maintenance and fuel efficiency tips and traffic laws. Besides these dedicated sessions on soft skills like being a good road user, interactive case studies on the effect of bad driving habits, the importance of positive attitude, grooming tips, etiquette and good manners are imparted to instill safe driving habits and become a responsible driver.

    The practical training sessions cover intensive training on safe and efficient driving, pre-checks before starting to drive, risk perception, defensive driving techniques, driving in difficult conditions, rules of the road and emergency handling.

    Ola works closely with multiple state governments to create a skilled workforce that has access to capital, insurance and vehicle at discounted prices. Ola aims to add 50 lakh driver-partners on its platform by 2022 by mobilising, training and engaging with aspirants through such partnerships.

  • Dentsu: Be ‘Swift’, #PushYourLimits

    Dentsu: Be ‘Swift’, #PushYourLimits

    MUMBAI: From the day of its launch, Maruti Suzuki Swift has redefined performance across the automotive industry. This desire to face any challenge thrown at it has strengthened the brand’s image as a leader in the last 10 years.

    Having been there and done that, the brand now has plans to go the next level by challenging its own limits. It aims to shift from the performance of the car to the performance of an individual who is behind the wheels. Thus, the new brand campaign celebrates the idea ‘Push Your Limits.’

    However, this strategic shift from an aspirational brand to an inspirational one could not be complete without one critical element – personalities who are admired as symbols of unconventional achievement. Personalities like Vijender Singh, AB de Villiers, and the man who jumped out of a plane without a parachute, Luke Aikins. Using these unique ambassadors, brand Swift wants to tell the world that only those who go the extra mile inspire people, not the ordinary.

    The brand plans to launch and embed this philosophy with an action packed TVC. Filled with quotes, match-cuts, high-octane shots and electric music, the commercial is all set to get the pulse racing.

    After, giving its consumer the much-needed adrenaline rush, Maruti Suzuki Swift will further compliment and spread its philosophy through a 360-degree surround. The campaign is all set to launch by the end of this month and is expected to push its past limits.

    Maruti Suzuki marketing & sales executive director R S Kalsi, “Since the last two years Maruti Suzuki has made a definitive shift in its offerings and positioning in India. Today we have a host of new offering which are at par with international products all the while making them more relevant for the Indian consumer today. With products like CIAZ and Brezza becoming one the highest selling models, its proof to the fact the consumer today has appreciated the new product offerings. This excitement and effort has to be taken to the existing portfolio of brands also. With Swift being one of our star brands, it was important we bring in the sheen and attention back on the brand. The new commercial is just the right step on that route, where we bring in the dynamism on to Swift in a way like never done before.

    Maruti Suzuki marketing associate vice-president Vinay Pant said, “The new Maruti Suzuki Swift campaign is here further our mission of being seen as new and more dynamic Maruti Suzuki. With a strong message like ‘Push your limits’, the brand aims to shift from the performance of the car to the performance of an individual who is behind the wheels. This strategic shift from an aspirational brand to an inspirational one will surely connect with our target audience.”

    Dentsu Impact executive creative director Anupama Ramaswamy said, “With the new campaign of ‘Push Your Limits’, we aim to go beyond the mundane ‘product-talk’. It’s an attitude that symbolises the people who drive the car, those who challenge and push themselves. And that’s why the personalities shown in the commercial are not your regular models, but heroes who inspire. The car moves exactly like them in the commercial while the match-cut editing maintains the tempo and adrenaline rush from the word ‘go’.”

  • Dentsu: Be ‘Swift’, #PushYourLimits

    Dentsu: Be ‘Swift’, #PushYourLimits

    MUMBAI: From the day of its launch, Maruti Suzuki Swift has redefined performance across the automotive industry. This desire to face any challenge thrown at it has strengthened the brand’s image as a leader in the last 10 years.

    Having been there and done that, the brand now has plans to go the next level by challenging its own limits. It aims to shift from the performance of the car to the performance of an individual who is behind the wheels. Thus, the new brand campaign celebrates the idea ‘Push Your Limits.’

    However, this strategic shift from an aspirational brand to an inspirational one could not be complete without one critical element – personalities who are admired as symbols of unconventional achievement. Personalities like Vijender Singh, AB de Villiers, and the man who jumped out of a plane without a parachute, Luke Aikins. Using these unique ambassadors, brand Swift wants to tell the world that only those who go the extra mile inspire people, not the ordinary.

    The brand plans to launch and embed this philosophy with an action packed TVC. Filled with quotes, match-cuts, high-octane shots and electric music, the commercial is all set to get the pulse racing.

    After, giving its consumer the much-needed adrenaline rush, Maruti Suzuki Swift will further compliment and spread its philosophy through a 360-degree surround. The campaign is all set to launch by the end of this month and is expected to push its past limits.

    Maruti Suzuki marketing & sales executive director R S Kalsi, “Since the last two years Maruti Suzuki has made a definitive shift in its offerings and positioning in India. Today we have a host of new offering which are at par with international products all the while making them more relevant for the Indian consumer today. With products like CIAZ and Brezza becoming one the highest selling models, its proof to the fact the consumer today has appreciated the new product offerings. This excitement and effort has to be taken to the existing portfolio of brands also. With Swift being one of our star brands, it was important we bring in the sheen and attention back on the brand. The new commercial is just the right step on that route, where we bring in the dynamism on to Swift in a way like never done before.

    Maruti Suzuki marketing associate vice-president Vinay Pant said, “The new Maruti Suzuki Swift campaign is here further our mission of being seen as new and more dynamic Maruti Suzuki. With a strong message like ‘Push your limits’, the brand aims to shift from the performance of the car to the performance of an individual who is behind the wheels. This strategic shift from an aspirational brand to an inspirational one will surely connect with our target audience.”

    Dentsu Impact executive creative director Anupama Ramaswamy said, “With the new campaign of ‘Push Your Limits’, we aim to go beyond the mundane ‘product-talk’. It’s an attitude that symbolises the people who drive the car, those who challenge and push themselves. And that’s why the personalities shown in the commercial are not your regular models, but heroes who inspire. The car moves exactly like them in the commercial while the match-cut editing maintains the tempo and adrenaline rush from the word ‘go’.”

  • Discovery to take viewers on journey across 29 states

    Discovery to take viewers on journey across 29 states

    MUMBAI: Discovery is all set to premiere a new show which will see two road-trippers taking a journey around India. Titled #IndiaMyWay, it goes in search of young Indians, their passion and their continual quest for the unusual, exotic and adventurous side of life. The 13-part series introduces viewers to a range of characters ranging from celebrities, tribal fashionistas, women wrestlers, young scientists, tattoo artists, path breaking entrepreneurs, etc.

    Paloma Monappa, an actor and avid traveler, and Meraj Shah, a travel writer, will share their passion for adventure and exploration of a new India.

    The show starts on 16 October every Sunday at 8 pm. Travelling across all the 29 states, the series brings inspirational stories, a testament to young India’s grit and a fresh way of looking at the world.

    Monappa said, “#Indiamyway has been a thrilling journey that traces juxtaposition of the new with the old. The series encapsulates incredibly liberating and empowering works of young Indians which paints an inspiring picture of the emerging India.”

    The duo will cruise around in a Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, covering over 28,000 kilometers, travelling through the roads of Delhi, trotting lush vineyards of Nashik, taking a safari in the Rann, cruising treacherous terrains of Ladakh, the duo is driven by the irresistible lure of far flung roads on an ultimate expedition.

    “I have been travelling for years, however, this road trip was unique and refreshing. #Indiamyway has been one of the most enriching experiences, offering a stimulating view about the contemporary wave in our socio-cultural structure,” added Shah.

    The road-trippers talk to everyone from photographers to chefs, comedians, sound-designers and artists to hear the challenges they faced and the conviction that carried them in their quest for meaningful work.

    “Maruti Suzuki is thrilled to partner with Discovery on this journey across 29 states to discover the new-age India from the perspective of the millennials. It’s an exploration of the changing culture, lifestyle, landscape and the people of the country. I believe the viewers would enjoy this adventurous journey in the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza,” said Maruti Suzuki India executive director, marketing and sales R.S Kalsi.

  • Discovery to take viewers on journey across 29 states

    Discovery to take viewers on journey across 29 states

    MUMBAI: Discovery is all set to premiere a new show which will see two road-trippers taking a journey around India. Titled #IndiaMyWay, it goes in search of young Indians, their passion and their continual quest for the unusual, exotic and adventurous side of life. The 13-part series introduces viewers to a range of characters ranging from celebrities, tribal fashionistas, women wrestlers, young scientists, tattoo artists, path breaking entrepreneurs, etc.

    Paloma Monappa, an actor and avid traveler, and Meraj Shah, a travel writer, will share their passion for adventure and exploration of a new India.

    The show starts on 16 October every Sunday at 8 pm. Travelling across all the 29 states, the series brings inspirational stories, a testament to young India’s grit and a fresh way of looking at the world.

    Monappa said, “#Indiamyway has been a thrilling journey that traces juxtaposition of the new with the old. The series encapsulates incredibly liberating and empowering works of young Indians which paints an inspiring picture of the emerging India.”

    The duo will cruise around in a Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, covering over 28,000 kilometers, travelling through the roads of Delhi, trotting lush vineyards of Nashik, taking a safari in the Rann, cruising treacherous terrains of Ladakh, the duo is driven by the irresistible lure of far flung roads on an ultimate expedition.

    “I have been travelling for years, however, this road trip was unique and refreshing. #Indiamyway has been one of the most enriching experiences, offering a stimulating view about the contemporary wave in our socio-cultural structure,” added Shah.

    The road-trippers talk to everyone from photographers to chefs, comedians, sound-designers and artists to hear the challenges they faced and the conviction that carried them in their quest for meaningful work.

    “Maruti Suzuki is thrilled to partner with Discovery on this journey across 29 states to discover the new-age India from the perspective of the millennials. It’s an exploration of the changing culture, lifestyle, landscape and the people of the country. I believe the viewers would enjoy this adventurous journey in the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza,” said Maruti Suzuki India executive director, marketing and sales R.S Kalsi.

  • India’s participative sports firm hosts swift devils circuit in Bangalore

    India’s participative sports firm hosts swift devils circuit in Bangalore

    Bangalore: Volano Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., India's leading participative sports firm hosted an adrenaline-pumping event, the 'Swift Devils Circuit' in Bengaluru which saw participation from over 4000 individuals. The event took place on Sunday – 09 October 2016 at Prestige Beverley Hills at Bannerghatta, Bengaluru.

    Devils Circuit, one of the most innovative concepts of running introduced by Volano, is designed to encourage sports enthusiasts to stand together for a fit and active India.

    Its unique model encourages camaraderie between runners as they tackle a running track interspersed with military-style obstacles, including high net walls, barbed wire and ice.

    The day also saw participants of both gender compete in the competitive category with Sanjay Negi and Swati Goswami leaping ahead of all participants to claim the top prize in the men and women category.

    Commenting on the event, Adnan Adeeb, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Volano Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. said, "I want to dedicate the Second Bengaluru Edition of the Devils Circuit to the spirit of this city and to the indomitable attitude of all participants who signed up to enjoy an experience of a lifetime. We aim to make Devils Circuit Bengaluru a landmark race and will continuously engage with our Devil Slayers here to make it a bigger and better experience every year.  We are also confident that we'll receive a greater response with each passing year, thereby making the Devils Circuit one of the most sought-after races in South India. We would also like to extend our thanks to our amazing sponsors Maruti Suzuki swift, Reebok, Apollo Hospitals and Playfish who are on a multi edition journey with us and who make it possible for us to create this amazing engagement platform."

    A similar thought was echoed by Mr. R. S. Kalsi, Executive Director – Sales and Marketing Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.: "We truly believe in the potential of Devils Circuit and find tremendous synergies between our two brands. Devils Circuit is designed to appeal to the young and Vibrant India. Brands like the Swift have a cult following among the youth and beyond. Our endeavour is to create platforms that allow young and aspiring Indians to break free from the mundane, explore newer avenues, innovate, and challenge their limits. With a focus on celebrating our customer performance, we feel the Devils Circuit is the right platform for this engagement and we shall work as a team towards a bigger and better future for both brands."

    The concept has grown popular among fitness enthusiasts as well as corporates seeking to build a healthy team spirit. Devils Circuit enjoys participation from individuals across a diverse age group ranging from 16 to 70 years old. Designed for those across varying fitness levels, it allows everyone to test themselves in a highly challenging environment.  

    Amassing over 25,000 participants already, Volano is now on a pan-India roll out and expecting over 40,000 participants overall. Devils Circuit Season 2016-17 kicked off in Chennai last month and will conclude in Delhi in March 2017.    With a grand prize of a brand new Maruti Suzuki swift up for grabs in both the male and Female competitive participation categories, the property also offers the biggest prize in amateur sports in the country today.

    Volano Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. is India's leading participative sports firm headquartered in New Delhi. Credited with the conceptualization and execution of some of India's biggest participative sports properties, Volano has been responsible for creating brands such as the Devils Circuit, Devils Circuit Swift Challenge, and GameOnIndia.