Tag: SUV

  • Yokohama India launches No-Cost EMI plan for premium tyres

    Yokohama India launches No-Cost EMI plan for premium tyres

    MUMBAI:Yokohama India has launched the Easy Drive No-Cost EMI scheme, making premium tyre upgrades more affordable for SUV and premium car owners. This initiative follows the company’s recent commencement of 20-inch tyre production in India.

    To enhance accessibility, Yokohama India has partnered with Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BFL). Under this programme, customers can purchase 17-inch and larger tyres with a six-month no-cost EMI, starting from Rs 1,807 per month.

    “The premiumization of India’s passenger car market is reshaping tyre preferences. Over a quarter of new vehicles now come equipped with 17-inch and above tyres, making larger, high-performance tyres essential for better handling, comfort, and safety,” said Yokohama India head of marketing Gaurav Mahajan. He further added, “By making premium tyres more accessible, we take another step forward in reinforcing our position as a brand that helps consumers get more from their motoring lifestyle.”

    With this scheme, motorists can upgrade to Yokohama’s Advan, Geolandar, and Bluearth series tyres without any immediate financial burden. The Easy Drive EMI facility is available at Yokohama Club Network (YCN) stores and select key retail partners across India.

  • Top 5 Features that Make the Hyundai Venue a Great Choice for First-Time Car Buyers

    Top 5 Features that Make the Hyundai Venue a Great Choice for First-Time Car Buyers

    Since its launch in 2019, the Hyundai Venue has emerged as one of India’s most popular subcompact SUVs. Its smart looks, feature-rich cabin, multiple engine-gearbox options, and relatively affordable pricing make it an excellent choice for young and first-time car buyers. This article will discuss the Venue’s top 5 features, reinforcing its credentials as an ideal entry-level SUV for new car owners.

    An Overview of Hyundai Venue

    The Hyundai Venue is a stylish yet practical small SUV. Its eye-catching exterior pairs nicely with a modern, tech-filled interior. Under the hood, you can choose between three peppy engine options. Whether darting around the city or venturing on the highway, the Venue offers a comfortable, enjoyable driving experience. Clever use of space and numerous safety features make this an ideal vehicle for singles or small families looking for an affordable, efficient vehicle that doesn’t skimp on features.

    If you’re considering purchasing the Hyundai Venue, ackodrive.com is an excellent platform to explore. Acko Drive offers transparent, credible automotive content, from detailed reviews to the latest tech insights, helping you make an informed decision.

    Features that Make the Hyundai Venue a Great Choice

    Here are the features of Hyundai Venue that make it an excellent choice for first-time buyers:

    1. Compact Yet Spacious Design

    The Venue measures just 3995mm in length, 1770mm in width, and 1590mm tall. Its compact dimensions make driving and parking in crowded urban streets very easy. Despite its compact footprint, the Venue’s intelligent packaging results in an airy and spacious cabin.

    There is adequate room at the back to comfortably seat three average-sized adults during short drives. The 315-litre boot space can easily hold a couple of large suitcases. For a vehicle of this size, the Venue feels remarkably spacious inside.

    2. Strong Safety Features for Peace of Mind

    Safety is paramount for new car buyers. The Venue delivers on this front by offering 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and electronic stability control as standard across the range.

    Other safety features include a tyre pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. In NCAP crash tests, the Venue scored 4 stars for adult occupants and 3 stars for child occupants.

    3. Impressive Engine Options and Fuel Efficiency 

    The Hyundai Venue presents three powertrain choices to suit varying needs. The spirited yet frugal 1.2L petrol engine delivers 83bhp and is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. For enthusiasts, the 120bhp/172Nm 1.0L turbo-petrol motor is mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic. Lastly, the proven 1.5L diesel churns out 116bhp/250Nm, prioritising highway cruising comfort over outright performance.

    The petrol engines deliver up to 18.3 km/l, while the oil burner returns an impressive 22.7km/l. Such high fuel efficiency makes the Venue easy on the pockets, an essential consideration for new car owners with limited budgets. 

    4. Tech-savvy and Comfort-Oriented Features

    Who doesn’t love a car that feels like it’s from the future? The Hyundai Venue is loaded with technology that makes every drive enjoyable and convenient.

    . 8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: Comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, making it super easy to connect your smartphone. 

    . Connected Car Tech: Hyundai’s BlueLink system lets you remotely control various car functions, like locking/unlocking the doors or starting the engine. 

    . Comfort Features: A sunroof, cruise control, an air purifier, and wireless phone charging make every journey a breeze.

     . Adventure Edition Perks: For the explorers, the Adventure Edition adds a dual-camera dashcam—perfect for capturing those scenic road trips.

    First-time buyers often look for a car that’s easy to use but doesn’t skimp on modern features. The Venue strikes that perfect balance.

    5. Budget-Friendly Pricing

    Hyundai has left no stone unturned to make the Venue an aspirational product for young audiences. Fortunately, the pricing is on point for an entry-level SUV.  The Venue retails between Rs 7.53 lakhs and Rs 13.62 lakhs ex-showroom. Compared to its immediate rivals, Kia Sonet and Maruti Vitara Brezza, which retail at similar price points, the Hyundai Venue manages to undercut them across most variants, making it a smarter choice for new car buyers.

    The Bottom Line

    The Hyundai Venue is a well-rounded sub-4-meter SUV targeting first-time buyers and young professionals on a budget. Its right-sized dimensions, coupled with a feature-loaded and safety-focused package, make it a great value proposition. If you are looking to enter the SUV segment without stretching your budget too far, the Venue emerges as a top contender that should be on your consideration set.

  • Hyundai Motor registers highest ever domestic sales in 2024

    Hyundai Motor registers highest ever domestic sales in 2024

    MUMBAI:  It’s driving in top gear, purring like a beauty, moving smoothly, even when going round terrifying economic bends. 

    Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced on 1 January that it sold 6,05,433 vehicles domestically and 7,64,119 vehicles in total, when exports are included. These are the highest domestic sales it as recorded since inception. The figures for just December 2024 alone are at 55,078 vehicles (42,208 units domestic and 12,870 exports).

    Sports utility vehicle (SUV) sales contributed 67.66 per cent  with the Hyundai Creta proving a popular buy by selling 1,86,9199 units. Vehicles adapted for CNG  accounted for 13.1 per cent of sales as against 10.4  per cent in calendar year 2023.

    HMIL Sales performance

     “HMIL has managed to sustain sales momentum in 2024, despite strong headwinds faced by the industry at large. Achieving highest ever domestic sales three years in a row, reflects customers’ preference for brand Hyundai as their trusted smart mobility solutions provider,” said HMIL whole time director & COO Tarun Garg. “Introduction of the innovative Hy-CNG Duo technology in 2024 resonated well with buyers. Hyundai Creta continued to strengthen HMIL’s position as an SUV leader. We are confident that the upcoming Creta Electric, will further expand the appeal of this undisputed, ultimate SUV.”

  • Volkswagen Virtus unveils 360° campaign to boost premium mid-size sedan market

    Volkswagen Virtus unveils 360° campaign to boost premium mid-size sedan market

    Mumbai: Volkswagen has launched a new campaign, titled ‘Hello Goosebumps’, for its sedan Virtus. Conceptualised by DDB Mudra Group, the film aims to plug in excitement and energy into the premium mid-size sedan segment by highlighting the thrill and joy of driving the new Volkswagen Virtus.

    The striking, exhilarating and German-engineered new Volkswagen Virtus aims to reignite the premium midsize sedan with its ‘Big by’ design, performance, safety, connectivity, convenience and comfort. The Virtus is a true Volkswagen developed on the core DNA of the brand of build quality, safety and fun-to-drive experience and each element has been captured through the new TVC campaign.

    Volkswagen’s media agency, PHD India, further elevated the launch campaign via its 360-degree incisive approach, covering all vital media channels, and crafting an effective marketing strategy. PHD was tasked with building enthusiasm and maximising outreach amongst its target audience to amplify the launch experience of Volkswagen Virtus.  

    The campaign kick-started on a high note with the ‘French Window Innovation’ in India’s top-read newspaper, The Times of India. Garnering scores of impressions across the country, this large-canvas innovation delivered high-visibility engagement that today’s audiences desire and was augmented by high-impact roadblocks on leading business and news digital publications to maximise reach and frequency.

    The integrated campaign was further strengthened with an influencer marketing strategy featuring India’s leading mega influencers like Tamanaah Bhatia, Yami Gautam, Mrunal Thakur, and more, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Virtus’ tagline – ‘Hello Goosebumps!’ through their own personal and professional journeys.

    Speaking on the campaign launch, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India head of marketing & PR Abbey Thomas commented, “With the launch of the new Volkswagen Virtus, our intention was to showcase the potential of the premium midsize sedan segment. The Virtus boasts of a striking design, exhilarating performance and German-engineered built and safety that has the ability to reignite the segment. Our communication positioning for the Virtus’ ‘Hello Goosebumps’ has been rightly captured by our partner DDB Mudra Group and amplified by PHD media in reaching out to our intended consumers. The combined efforts have elevated the excitement and thrill of driving sedans paving the way for an introduction truly befitting of the Virtus.”

    DDB Mudra creative head – west Pallavi Chakravarti said, “This sedan looks like a dream and drives like one too. ‘Hello Goosebumps’ captures the essence of the Volkswagen Virtus in a simple, visceral campaign that every passionate driver will undoubtedly relate to.”  

    PHD Media India CEO Monaz Todywalla said, “Our partnership with Volkswagen gave us the opportunity to steer another big launch campaign to its true potential while staying true to PHD’s tradition of helping its clients make significant leaps in the marketing space. Utilising key strategies across all touchpoints to maximise reach, an outcome like this always gives us the impetus to continue building impactful experiences for brands like Volkswagen and elevate their marketing strategies to be a cut above the rest”.

  • Laqshya Media executes pan India OOH campaign for Nissan Magnite

    Laqshya Media executes pan India OOH campaign for Nissan Magnite

    Mumbai: Laqshya Media Group executed a high decibel, pan India Out of Home (OOH) campaign for Nissan Magnite across all metros, mini-metros, state capitals, and Tier 3 and 4 cities. Strategically designed to reach Magnite’s target audience, the campaign was executed at multiple locations in each city, with high-impact, large format OOH sites placed at key urban touchpoints, including key arterial routes, main traffic junctions, central business hubs, auto-hubs, and commercial retail areas, among others. 

    The campaign was designed to highlight how the SUV’s bold exteriors, roomy interior, powerful turbocharged engine, and advanced safety technology establish it as the perfect city adventure companion for discerning Indian customers. 

    Speaking on the campaign, Laqshya Media Group COO Amarjeet Hudda commented, “The Nissan Magnite OOH has been a very prestigious project for us. To bring to life the big, bold, beautiful and charismatic appeal of the SUV, we selected the most iconic, large format impactful OOH sites nationwide across cities.”

    He added, “The campaign used technology extensively to strengthen reach and visibility for Nissan India’s target audience. For example, we deployed an in-house advanced AI-powered OOH planning tool strategic hyperlocal AI-powered reach planner (SHARP) to identify the most strategic touch points as per campaign TG in each city. Also, we undertook GPS /GPRS-based monitoring to make our outreach more effective.”

  • Jeep India celebrates Ganeshotsav with a 162 feet long, 185 feet wide, Ganesha made of 122 Jeep Compass SUVs

    Jeep India celebrates Ganeshotsav with a 162 feet long, 185 feet wide, Ganesha made of 122 Jeep Compass SUVs

    Mumbai, September 5th 2020 – This year’s Ganesh Chaturthi festival – the pride and joy of Maharashtra was scaled down due to the pandemic and to avoid large crowds. The height of the idol for public pandals was not to exceed four feet and physical distancing would be compulsory. Despite all the restrictions, Jeep India and Leo Burnett decided to pay a tribute to Lord Ganesha in a unique way, keeping the spirit of the festival alive.

    Staying true to the brand pillars of Authenticity, Passion, Freedom and Adventure, Jeep was paying homage to the idea of overcoming obstacles. The idea was to create a larger-than-life, ode to the ultimate remover of obstacles using Jeep Compass SUVs. To make this a one-of-a-kind initiative, 29,970 sq. ft. of space, 48+ hours, 8 professional drivers were required. This would result in a 162 feet long, 185 feet wide, Ganesha made of 122 Jeep Compass SUVs!

    Commenting on the campaign Rahul Pansare – Head of Marketing and PR, FCA India said, “Lord Ganesha symbolises the beginning of auspicious times, transcends class, age and social status. Ganesh Chaturthi is amongst the most loved and fervently celebrated festivals in India that brings people together, spreads positivity and imparts strength. We, at Jeep India, couldn’t bring ourselves to let this festival go without a celebration. We decided to do something adventurous but it had to be authentic; something that would touch peoples’ hearts, induce positive vibes and bring cheer. Making a 162-feet tall, 185-feet wide Lord Ganesh from 122 Jeep Compass SUVs was Jeep’s way to say that we can decimate every challenge if we channel our passion in the right direction. I was delighted to see our effort going viral on social media in no time!”

    Adding further Rajdeepak Das, Managing Director India & Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett South Asia said “Lord Ganesha is known as a conquerer of all obstacles and this year even with all the restrictions we wanted to create an act befitting to this deity’s eminence. Brand Jeep is known to take any challenges head-on and our campaign does the same. Our endeavour resulted in a one of its kind Ganesha Idol using 122 Jeep SUV’s with the same scale of an idol in a pandal. This campaign is a perfect example of our Humankind philosophy which revolves entirely around people and purpose.”

  • Don’t settle, says Jeep as it drops a new beat in their campaign – “Under the Hood” by Digitas India

    Don’t settle, says Jeep as it drops a new beat in their campaign – “Under the Hood” by Digitas India

    MUMBAI: When it comes to selecting a vehicle, consumers are often left in the dark with features being the only differentiator between a good SUV and a great one. To bridge the gap, the 75+ year-old legend – Jeep, tapped into an upcoming trend in Indian music, hip hop, to create its latest and most-upbeat campaign – Under the Hood, to talk about the features that make the Jeep Compass a legend.

    The digital campaign, that has been conceptualized and executed by Digitas India, comprises a series of seven short videos that promote unique aspects of the Jeep Compass and how it stands apart from the clutter. Set against intriguing animations, the video rap series simplifies complex engineering concepts to entertain and educate viewers on every feature that a great SUV must have. Urging viewers to look beyond nomenclatures and labels, the series aims to create a new generation of informed customers through head-bobbing rhythm and rhymes. 

    Released across multiple social platforms, the music videos have garnered over 7.6million views and still going strong.

    Commenting on the latest communication series, Rahul Pansare, Head of Marketing & PR, Jeep India said: “The SUV category is cluttered and they all look the same. But, that’s not us. Our objective is to bring the best product to those who’re looking for the real deal. The real deal is in the performance & capability which is not visible from the outside. Jeep Compass is different from within. With this campaign, we want to define what an SUV really means. All we want is for customers to look under the hood and take an informed decision when buying an SUV.”

    Adding his views, Mark Mcdonald, EVP & Head of Creative, Digitas India said: “With a legendary brand like Jeep, our effort has always been to create content that’s authentic, relevant and inspires consumers to step into the Jeep lifestyle. With Under The Hood, the challenge was two-fold – create an interesting story from something that’s traditionally been a jargon-filled communication in the category; and then tell that story in a unique and interesting way. The Under The Hood campaign managed to do both in a refreshing and engaging way. Using rap and hip-hop, one of the hottest music genres in India right now, helped take the message far beyond just auto enthusiasts to a much wider age group and audience.”  

    The team behind the campaign included upcoming rap artists Illa Straight, who has performed in India and the United States and opened for global stars like Akon and Flo Rida,and,Deane Sequeira, one of India’s budding rapper, and songwriters. 

    On the unique opportunity that was presented by this digital campaign,Priyanka Prashar Narula, Co-Founder & Creative Producerat Isana Productions Inc. commented: “It was one of the most exciting projects for our team at Isana. Marrying contemporary rap with edgy visuals was a thrilling experience!We had a roll shooting this one, and are greatly proud of our association with Digitas India & Jeep.”

  • Jeep Compass Trailhawk campaign showcases superior nature of SUV

    Jeep Compass Trailhawk campaign showcases superior nature of SUV

    MUMBAI: FCA India’s iconic SUV brand Jeep has unveiled a new integrated campaign, ‘Superior by Nature’, for its new Jeep® Compass Trailhawk All-Wheel-Drive SUV. The campaign, Jeep Compass Trailhawk – Superior by Nature, has been conceptualized and created by Leo Burnett India and taps into Jeep’s storied brand philosophy.

    The TVC showcases the core ingredients that make the Trail Rated Trailhawk stand tall with its prowess as a capable off-roader as well as its character to be effortless in urban driving conditions.

    The Trailhawk is the first Made-in-India Jeep to have earned the coveted Trail Rated badge, a global benchmark that is given to Jeep 4×4 SUVs which are developed to have much superior off-roading capabilities compared to regular 4×4 Jeep models. However, the Indian Trailhawk, equipped with the refined 9-speed automatic transmission offers a superior urban driving experience to customers.

    Rahul Pansare, CMO and Head of PR, FCA India, said: “The Trailhawk has the soul of the fiercest bird of prey, the hawk, and it is a befitting metaphor for how this SUV moves. Putting these two parts together, we came up with a stunning montage of two majestic entities matching each other and taking down everything coming in their way.”

    The Trailhawk beckons customers who would love to own a hardcore Jeep, arguably as authentic as one can imagine it to be, live the Jeep Life, full of adventure and enthusiasm, hence be a part of the illustrious Jeep legacy. 

  • Tata Motors announces the second year of association with VIVO IPL, with its premium SUV, Harrier

    Tata Motors announces the second year of association with VIVO IPL, with its premium SUV, Harrier

    MUMBAI: Continuing its relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Tata Motors today announced its premium SUV, Harrier, as the Official Partner for the VIVO IPL 2019. After an extremely successful outing last year, Tata Motors moves to a bigger and better season with the prestigious tournament. The 2019 VIVO IPL begins on March 23.

    Commenting on the continued association with the VIVO IPL, Mr. Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said “After a successful association last year, it is only fitting for Tata Motors that our premium SUV, Harrier, should be the Official Partner of one of the biggest sporting events across the world. Born of legendary pedigree, the Harrier has received a phenomenal response from customers across India. Much like the IPL, which is one of the most iconic global cricketing events, and is widely celebrated as a platform for budding talent and international cricket legends, the Harrier too is known for its exhilarating performance and exciting drive. We have elaborate plans to capture the audience’s attention in-stadia, on-air and across digital platforms, and hope to drive tremendous value from this association yet again.”

    Speaking on the development, Acting Secretary of BCCI, Mr. Amitabh Choudhary said, “We are excited to continue our partnership with TATA Motors and have their newly launched SUV, Harrier, as the Official Partner of the IPL, 2019. Harrier’s exhilarating performance is very akin to the muscle that players put in to have the highest batting strike rate and win the Harrier Super Striker Award every match and for the season. We look forward to delivering great exposure to both the Harrier brand as well as TATA Motors.”

    As the Official Partner, Tata Motors will showcase the Harrier in the stadium, across all matches, with exciting on-ground engagement plans and merchandise. The IPL matches will play host to the exciting Harrier Super Striker Awards – the best striker of the match stands a chance to win the beautiful and much-longed Harrier Super Striker Trophy along with a prize of INR 1 lakh. Moreover, the batsman with the highest strike-rate of the tournament, stands a chance to drive home the Tata Harrier. In addition to this, there are other interesting engagement activities lined up for the fans; like the Harrier Fan Catch, where anyone who takes a single-handed catch in a match stands a chance to win INR 1 lakh. The Harrier will also be a part of the IPL Trophy Tour, which is being planned across major Indian cities.