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Tag: Skoda

  • Škoda drives emotion with Heartbreak campaign

    Škoda drives emotion with Heartbreak campaign

    MUMBAI: They say love hurts, and Škoda Auto India is proving it with Heartbreak, a tongue-in-cheek campaign celebrating the coveted Škoda Octavia RS, created in collaboration with BBH India.

    The limited-edition Octavia RS, launched as part of Škoda’s 25-year anniversary in India, sold out in a blistering 20 minutes, leaving enthusiasts heartbroken, and inspired.

    At the centre of the campaign is a high-octane brand film that channels the car’s rally-bred spirit, turning FOMO into full-blown automotive passion. But the heartbreak doesn’t stop there.

    Fans can head to an interactive microsite, octavia heartbreak.skoda-auto.co.in, to explore the playful ‘Non-owner’s manual’, a witty guide for those who didn’t manage to grab one of the 100 cars.

    Adding to the fun, Škoda also launched ‘Driver’s Seat’, a special body perfume inspired by the RS’s thrill, letting fans “smell the drive” even without the keys.

    Škoda Auto India brand director Ashish Gupta said, “The ‘Heartbreak’ campaign celebrates not just those who own the Octavia RS, but also the countless fans who’ve kept its spirit alive. True performance isn’t just felt on the road, it stays with you.”

    BBH India chief creative officer Parikshit Bhattaccharya added, “When you’ve got 100 cars and a million fans, you create a coping mechanism for heartbreak. Every element of this campaign was crafted to make the experience unforgettable.”

    From film to fragrance, microsite to memes, Škoda’s Heartbreak proves that even when love for a car goes unrequited, the passion can still go full throttle.

  • Skoda fuels fanfare with ‘Fans Not Owners’ drive for 25 years in India

    Skoda fuels fanfare with ‘Fans Not Owners’ drive for 25 years in India

    MUMBAI: For Škoda, it’s not just about cars, it’s about cult status on wheels. Marking its 25th year in India, the Czech automaker has rolled out an integrated campaign titled ‘Fans Not Owners’, in partnership with ‘Team Drive’ at Publicis Groupe India, creatively led by BBH India.

    The campaign flips the conventional script of horsepower and specs, spotlighting Škoda drivers not as customers but as true-blue fans. It seeks to bridge the gap between admiration and action, nudging legions of admirers to take the leap into ownership.

    At the heart of the campaign is ‘Doda’, a heartwarming film that captures the whimsical love of a young girl for her Škoda. The story unfolds through the eyes of children who see magic in the machines, celebrating decades of emotional connections. Another film celebrating young fandom and pride is set to follow soon.

    The brand went a step further with a playful ‘Doda Takeover’ on Instagram, where Maya, the child protagonist, engaged Škoda’s followers. Even dealerships joined the celebration at some outlets in Mumbai, the Škoda logo was swapped out for Doda.

    Škoda Auto India brand director Ashish Gupta explained: “Our customers are more than just owners, they’re passionate fans who truly live the brand. As we celebrate 25 years, it’s this deep emotional connection that powers us forward.”

    Škoda’s 360-degree campaign doesn’t just dwell on sentiment, it reinforces the company’s reputation for European engineering, safety, and reliability while positioning its cars as practical, aspirational, and ready for modern Indian lifestyles.

    Saatchi & Saatchi India, BBH India and Saatchi Propagate CEO Paritosh Srivastava called the campaign “a step forward in building brand love and trust.” BBH India Chief creative officer Parikshit Bhattaccharya summed up the spirit: “Škoda was never just a car, it was always an emotion.”

    With 25 years on Indian roads and a fandom passed down through generations, Škoda is steering into the future with more than an engine, it’s running on emotion.

  • Value 360 gears up for IPO with pre-listing boost

    Value 360 gears up for IPO with pre-listing boost

    MUMBAI: Value 360 Communications is dialling up its next big move—preparing to become India’s first publicly listed PR firm. The integrated communications powerhouse has successfully closed its pre-IPO investment round, attracting interest from key investors, including Hindi movies actor Huma Qureshi. In a move signalling its evolution, the company has restructured itself as a limited entity, reinforcing its commitment to governance, scalability, and long-term value creation.

    With this latest development, Value 360 Communications is set to file its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP), accelerating its journey toward an SME IPO. The milestone aligns with India’s rapidly transforming corporate landscape, where businesses are prioritising strategic communications to enhance reputation and audience engagement. The firm, known for its extensive client portfolio that includes Tata Motors, Pernod Ricard, Poco, Skoda, Fedex, Digi Yatra, Kia Motors, and Zupee, aims to capitalise on the growing demand for integrated communications solutions.

    The pre-IPO investment is expected to fuel Value 360’s expansion plans, enabling the company to broaden its service capabilities, integrate cutting-edge technology into its operations, and extend its geographic footprint. Additionally, the firm is actively exploring strategic acquisitions to accelerate its vision of becoming a future-ready communications powerhouse.

    With India’s digital-first economy fuelling an unprecedented demand for PR and marketing solutions, Value 360 Communications has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to scale fivefold over the next five years. The strategy centres on strengthening core and emerging service areas, investing in AI-driven media intelligence and automation for data-led PR strategies, expanding into new markets and industry verticals, and pursuing strategic acquisitions to diversify offerings and reinforce market leadership.  

    “As India’s business landscape matures, PR is evolving from a traditional function to a strategic business enabler,” said Value 360 Communications group CEO & co-founder, Kunal Kishore. “Our IPO aligns with our long-term vision to not only grow but also redefine the communications industry with innovation, scalability, and impact. This pre-IPO investment brings us one step closer to building a company that is five times our current scale, integrating strategic advisory, digital intelligence, and technology-driven storytelling to shape the future of brand engagement.”

    Since its founding in 2009, Value 360 Communications has continuously evolved, expanding beyond traditional PR into high-growth areas such as digital creative agency Popkorn and influencer marketing platform ClanConnect. The firm is now doubling down on technology, investing in AI-driven media intelligence, advanced analytics, and integrated storytelling solutions that blend PR with emerging digital formats.

  • Zepto and Škoda tease 10-minute car deliveries, but there’s a catch

    Zepto and Škoda tease 10-minute car deliveries, but there’s a catch

    MUMBAI: Last night, at precisely 9 pm, Zepto turned social media upside down with a cheeky new TVC that had people convinced they’d cracked the code to 10-minute car deliveries. Yes, you read that right.

    Imagine scrolling through the Zepto app, adding a Škoda Kylaq to your cart, and having it delivered before you can even pick a playlist for your first drive. Too good to be true? Well, it is.

    The ad, directed with a mischievous twinkle, never outright says that Zepto will deliver cars. But the visual storytelling cleverly nudged viewers into believing the impossible. The message? A bold synergy between Zepto and Škoda—without a single spoken word confirming the deal.

    And, naturally, media outlets pounced. Business Today, India Today, CarDekho, and a flurry of others sprinted to drop the juiciest headline first. “Zepto to Deliver Škoda Cars in 10 Minutes!” screamed one. “End of Dealerships?” suggested another. The internet had a field day.

    But before the world could collectively lose its mind, Zepto’s co-founder & CEO Aadit Palicha, stepped in at around 7 pm today to clear the air with a LinkedIn post that read: “No, We’re Not Delivering Cars in 10 Minutes… yet. We’ve seen the headlines—Škoda & Zepto delivering cars in 10 minutes?! We love the energy, but let’s clear things up: you won’t be ordering a Škoda Kylaq from the Zepto app (as tempting as that sounds).

    What you can get in 10 minutes? A test drive of the Škoda Kylaq for now 🙂

    But… who knows what the future holds?”

    Aadit

    That last line? A classic cliffhanger. Zepto may not be handing over car keys at your doorstep just yet, but they’ve certainly kept the audience hooked. And let’s be honest, with how fast commerce is evolving, nothing sounds impossible anymore.

    So, while you might not be able to get a brand-new Škoda delivered faster than your morning espresso, the hype around this stunt proves one thing: Zepto and Škoda know exactly how to grab attention.

    What’s next? Supercars on subscription? Jetpack deliveries? One thing’s for sure—2025 is looking exciting.

  • Wunderman Thompson South Asia CEO, Shamsuddin Jasani, steps down

    Wunderman Thompson South Asia CEO, Shamsuddin Jasani, steps down

    Mumbai: Shamsuddin Jasani has announced he will be stepping down from the role of CEO at Wunderman Thompson South Asia.  

    Over the past two years, Jasani has accelerated the transformation of the agency to a modern day growth partner – delivering impactful solutions for clients across the entire customer journey. Under his leadership the agency won large competitive pitches including Skoda, Vivo,  Indigo, Hafele, NPCI, Rupay, Manyavar and Cult Sports, across Creative, MarTech and Commerce.

    Jasani reflected on the past two years stating: “It has been an amazing and rewarding two years at Wunderman Thompson and I’m proud of what we have achieved. During my time, we  have transformed the company into a partner that provides smart and impactful solutions to  crucial business problems – all powered by creative, tech and commerce.”

    “As the business continues its evolution, I believe my job is done. I am looking forward to a  new and exciting chapter in my life with an amazing opportunity. I thank everyone at  Wunderman Thompson – the clients, our partners and specially our team.” Jasani continued.

    Audrey Kuah, now Joint-CEO of VML APAC commented on Jasani’s commitment to the agency  over the past years: “With such a large and diverse market like India, I have seen Shams work  diligently to bring the offices and capabilities together. I would like to thank Shams for his  dedication to our business and wish him every success in his new endeavors.”  

    Jasani will move on to pursue a new opportunity with more to be announced in due course. 

  • Trip Creative designs launch campaign for Skoda Kushaq and Skoda Slavia

    Trip Creative designs launch campaign for Skoda Kushaq and Skoda Slavia

    Mumbai: Leading visual communication design company Trip Creative Services have been instrumental in designing the launch campaigns for Skoda Auto India’s new car launches, the ‘Skoda Kushaq’ and the ‘Skoda Salvia’ with event partners 70EMG.

    Trip was involved at multiple stages of the launches from the very beginning as part of the PR and communications team initiative of Skoda Auto India. Content design, social media marketing and execution for multiple campaigns from the naming film, to the covered drive content, videos, photos, and teasers to the world static premiere which also included content for a hybrid live and online virtual conference, to the market launch online premiere of the Kushaq. With shoots in the Czech Republic, and various cities across India, the deliverable not only included multiple films across various formats, platforms and events but also the launch websites with WebGL, AR filters for Instagram and Fb, VR modules, Infographics, Car 3D renders, VFX and much more. The world static premiere of the Slavia was the most-watched online car event in the history of Indian Car launches on youtube and Instagram garnering over one lakh live audiences with over 15 million views in the first 24 hours along with #SkodaSlavia was a trending number one in India on Twitter during that day.

    Trip Creative Services founder Prateek Sethi commented, “We have already established a benchmark in the animation industry working with 70EMG for the launch events is fantastic! Skoda PR and communication team are great clients. Our motive now is to expand our footprint. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the creative team of Skoda Auto India PR & brand communication for almost 4 years now and going strong. We are always trying to push the envelope across creatives and technologies for them.”

    The AR filters for the Skoda Slavia, which won first place in the Cult Critic Movie Awards 2022, while Skoda Kushaq won the Web & New Media Outstanding Achievement Award at the Black Swan International Film Festival in February 2022.

    An investment of multiple crores across launches was made by Trip to make this project successful with 70EMG and Skoda Auto India. Currently, the automaker is clocking numbers over 5000 units sold per month, a major boost for the company. The models sold in India include the Kushaq, Slavia, Octavia and Superb.

    Serving a variety of sectors with their exceptional services, Trip has proven to go a long way in aiming to serve the automobile industry and come up with new projects and digital art creativities that will give a new direction and fresh perspectives to the animation industry.

  • Škoda revives the love for sedans in its latest campaign

    Škoda revives the love for sedans in its latest campaign

    Mumbai: Auto major Škoda Auto India has unveiled an integrated campaign to promote the launch of its latest sedan Škoda Slavia. Crafted and executed by Publicis Worldwide India, the campaign is a part of Škoda Auto’s 2.0 philosophy of ‘Made of What Really Matters.’

    Directed by Sharat Kumar and produced by Crazy Few Films, the TVC traces the journey of a young boy as the protagonist, who has been creating his dream car since he was a toddler up till the moment of revelation when he finally spots it. The music is an original soundtrack composed by audio and music production house The Jamroom and sung by Indie music artist  Raghav Meattle.

    “We wanted to revive the de-growing sedan segment and bring back love for sedans,” Škoda Auto India head of marketing Tarun Jha said, speaking on the launch of the integrated campaign. “We tapped into a universal human insight that as a child the first car we imagine is a sedan and not any other body type. This love and fascination continue all our lives.”

    The campaign will tap all essential mediums for its nationwide launch, including a strong presence across national and regional television, print, outdoor, radio,
    digital and social media, said the statement. 

    “With all that the Slavia had on offer – be it the space, the style, the power and the presence, it felt so right to say that it was the car that we always had in mind since we were kids. Without quite knowing it was the car we always wanted,” commented Publicis Worldwide India national creative director Vikash Chemjong.

  • ŠKODA in association with Bloomberg|Quint and PHD Media launches ‘Pursuits’

    ŠKODA in association with Bloomberg|Quint and PHD Media launches ‘Pursuits’

    MUMBAI: Bloomberg|Quint India has announced its association with ŠKODA and PHD Media to produce Pursuits, a series highlighting journeys of individuals with remarkable achievements across various sectors. The 10-episode series will be launched on 10 January and augmented on multiple digital platforms.

    The series, which airs exclusively on bloombergquint.com, will capture stories of artists and activists, storytellers and curators of music, entrepreneurs and creators of change, who in pursuit of their dreams embarked on an unconventional journey and achieved something worthwhile. Identified by the Bloomberg|Quint team after extensive research and thought, these unconventional talents who share common attributes of making a difference in their respective fields, will tell their stories, to inspire others. Matt and Namrata, founders Blue Tokai Coffee, theater personality Roysten Abel, movie director Sriram Raghavan and many more, will be featured.

    For the first time ever, ŠKODA will travel across the length and breadth of the country, to tell their protagonists’ stories in a never-seen before manner. The series also breathes new life into the art of storytelling with crisp content and excellent visuals.

    Bloomberg|Quint CEO Anil Uniyal said, “We are elated to bring to India an all new storytelling experience with Pursuits. The series, much like our partner ŠKODA is all about standing out, setting new standards, and raising the bar for excellence. The idea behind Pursuits resonated with common values shared by all partners, and we look forward to the success of the show.”

    ŠKODA Auto India head of marketing and product said, “Storytelling is a part of ŠKODA’s global communication strategy. We look at human stories with elements of endeavour, dedication and achievement. The concept of Pursuits by ŠKODA fits this requirement beautifully and we are very happy to bring it to life.”

    Omnicom Media Group CEO Jyoti Bansal said, “In the spirit of finding a better way for ŠKODA to build deeper engagement with its customers- present and potential, PHD identified Pursuits – great stories of people who are ‘driven’ in different ways to realise their true potential. The premise is so fitting to what ŠKODA stands for and we are looking forward to creating a property which will set new standards.”

  • ŠKODA launches Rapid Onyx in India with integrated ad campaign

    ŠKODA launches Rapid Onyx in India with integrated ad campaign

    MUMBAI: The festive season witnesses a slew of new car launches including special edition offerings and other variants. With so much promotional activity undertaken by brands, it is important to stand out of the clutter and create an impact that will leave a memorable impression in the marketplace.

    ŠKODA Auto India has now launched its latest model, the new Rapid Onyx, which boasts unique features and a special price that makes it the best in the segment.

    The auto major has launched an integrated ad campaign that has been conceptualised and executed by Publicis India. As part of the ad campaign, the agency has launched a TVC that keeps the family at the heart of decision-making when it comes to car purchase. And who better to do the selling than kids, who know the best way to convince their parents into buying a car of their choice.

    In the TVC, we see a daughter trying hard to convince her strict dad to buy the latest Rapid Onyx, but in turn receives an unexpected surprise reaction from him. The film captures the many features of the new car including the reasonable price tag it carries, and why it is a family winner all the way.

    ŠKODA AUTO India Head of Marketing and Product Tarun Jha says, “ŠKODA is a human brand and in all our communication, we try to bring a human story which our consumers can relate to better. Similarly, our products and features are designed keeping consumers in mind. With the Rapid Onyx, we wanted to delight the customers with not only features but also the price point. We have managed to do all that keeping the family’s core interest in mind.”

    Publicis Ambience COO Paritosh Srivastava adds, “The biggest challenge was to do a pure product film in the tonality of brand ŠKODA. Weaving a family story around the product features does the job nicely for us. The added benefit obviously is the pester power we appeal to that is playing increasingly an important role in big purchases in any home. We’re confident that in the clutter of festivals we will stand out with this communication.”

    The campaign has been launched on air and will also explore popular offline and online mediums like print, outdoor, digital among others.

  • SKODA enhances customer experience in new ad with Boman Irani

    SKODA enhances customer experience in new ad with Boman Irani

    MUMBAI: Premium automobile brand SKODA Auto India has launched its latest campaign titled ‘Peace of Mind’ that focuses on enhancing ownership experience.

    The ‘4-year Service Care’ is a first in the industry, which offers 4 years warranty and 4 years road-side assistance as a standard feature with all SKODA cars. It also has an optional 4 years maintenance package.

    The simple and humorous campaign is a part of their long-term strategy of ‘Delightfully Surprising’, under which 3 TVCs were released in 2016. At that time, ŠKODA India had seen a complete revamp right from their products, network and after-sales services.

    The new campaign comprises a TVC in which celebrity Boman Irani has played himself. Initially he is seen admiring the SKODA Kodiaq and its many features. And by the end, he is delighted to know that it comes with a hassle-free ownership package as well.

    Commenting on the films, Tarun Jha – Head of Marketing and Product, SKODA AUTO India Pvt. Ltd. said: “SKODA India has always believed in enhancing customer experience and offering delightful products every single time. The 4-year service care package is a unique proposition and has a singular focus of making the ŠKODA ownership hassle-free and pleasant. Apart from the service care package, a host of other initiatives have also been launched.”

    Publicis Ambience COO Paritosh Srivastava says, “We had a clear task at hand – to highlight peace of mind that comes with every SKODA car. One look at the campaign, and you’ll know it is trademark SKODA in every way. It’s testimonial in nature but is also a warm and charming human story. SKODA is the first brand to launch this package and we wanted to reinforce the hassle-free ownership experience. With this campaign, we are confident that fence-sitters and others will understand that SKODA not only offers great cars but a great after-sales experience too.”

    Publicis Ambience head of creative Ramakrishnan Hariharan adds, “The build quality and features of SKODA cars speak volumes about German precision. But over and above physical attributes, SKODA cars come with a great ownership experience that is unparalleled in the category. And these offerings are not limited-period offers they come standard with every SKODA.”

    It is commendable to note here that in SKODA’s almost two decade long presence in India, their partnership with Publicis India has been SKODA’s longest among all agency partners.

    SKODA India today has a network of 68 sales and 67 service outlets across the country and has sold over 3,00,000 units of its cars since it launched two decades ago.