Archive: January 2, 2025

ROYAL ENFIELD RECORDS MONTHLY SALES OF 79,466 IN DECEMBER 2024

New Delhi: January 2, 2025: Royal Enfield posted monthly sales of 79,466 motorcycles in December 2024,up by 25% as compared to the same month in the previous financial year. Royal Enfield exported 11,575 motorcycles during the month as compared to 6,096 during the same period last year.

Speaking about the performance for the month of December 2024, B Govindarajan, CEO, Royal Enfield
said, “As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a truly remarkable year for us at Royal Enfield. We’ve launched
some category-defining motorcycles through the year, and it is encouraging to see the response to our recently launched motorcycles both in India and international markets. As we gear up for 2025, we are looking forward to sustaining our growth momentum and continue inspiring our riding community across the globe with Pure Motorcycling initiatives across the board.”

Brand & Business Updates
Royal Enfield inaugrated New Assembly Plant in Thailand
Royal Enfield commenced operations of its first fully owned and operated CKD assembly facility outside India in Samut Prakan, Bangkok. The new plant highlights the brand’s commitment to the Thai market and the wider APAC region. With a modern 57,000 sq. ft. setup and an installed capacity of over 30,000 units annually, the facility is Royal Enfield’s sixth CKD assembly unit globally, joining existing plants in Argentina, Colombia,Brazil, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Royal Enfield Expanded REOWN
Royal Enfield announced the expansion of its pre-owned motorcycle business, REOWN, now available in 236 cities across India. The initiative, launched in 2023 in select locations, provides a platform for buying, selling, and exchanging pre-owned Royal Enfield motorcycles. The service aims to simplify ownership and upgrades while ensuring transparency and reliability. REOWN now operates through 475 dealerships across 24 states. Royal Enfield also introduced its first-ever loyalty program with exchange benefits.

Royal Enfield Social Mission Hosts Journeying Across the Himalayas
As part of its social mission to support 100 Himalayan communities, Royal Enfield launched Journeying Across the Himalayas, a 10-day festival in Delhi that celebrates the Himalayan landscape, its people, and culture by showcasing a collection of artworks, photographs, and installations. The exhibition delves into the natural beauty of the mountains, the traditions of its inhabitants, and the deep-rooted connection between the region’s ecology and its way of life.

Federal Bank Launches FedOne™ for Corporate Banking

2nd January 2025: Federal Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks has taken a step forward in its digital transformation journey with the successful launch of FedOne™. The bank has implemented Nucleus Software’s cutting-edge transaction banking platform FinnAxia®. This partnership signifies a transformative moment in modernizing Federal Bank’s corporate banking services, focusing on delivering exceptional value to corporate and SME customers.

The implementation of this advanced transaction banking platform was achieved after an intensive 10-month collaboration, highlighting both organizations’ commitment to operational excellence and innovation. By implementing this transaction banking platform, Federal Bank is poised to capitalize on emerging business opportunities while establishing itself as a market leader in providing swift, reliable, and innovative financial solutions to its clients.

Key highlights of the implementation include:
Streamlined Processes: Federal Bank is adopting new operational methodologies to enhance efficiency, ensuring faster turnaround times and superior service delivery to its clients.
Advanced Technology Platform: The platform transforms corporate customers’ treasury functions into dynamic, mature, and profitable operations, addressing their working capital management needs with comprehensive end-to-end support.
Commitment to Customer Delight: The implementation exemplifies Federal Bank’s dedication to innovation in corporate banking, enhancing the overall customer experience and fostering sustainable growth.

“At Federal Bank, we recognize that the future of banking is digital and customer-centric. The successful implementation of FedOne™ developed in collaboration with Nucleus Software’s FinnAxia®, not only strengthens our corporate banking capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to delivering hyper personalized solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. This strategic move empowers us to enhance operational efficiency while positioning the Bank as a frontrunner in the competitive landscape,” said Shalini Warrier, Executive Director, Federal Bank.

“As we partner with Federal Bank in this critical transformation, we are focused on leveraging FinnAxia® to drive strategic growth and innovation. This collaboration extends beyond technology; it’s about creating sustainable value and enhancing the customer experience. Together, we aim to redefine what’s possible in corporate banking by delivering agile, responsive solutions that meet the dynamic needs of the market,” said Vishnu R. Dusad, Managing Director & Co-founder, Nucleus Software.

LG Unveils AI Home Solutions for Mobility at CES 2025

Jan. 2, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) is showcasing an innovative, new solution that extends the convenience and comfort of the LG AI Home into mobility spaces at CES 2025. The “Lifestyle Solution for Mobility” concept vehicle, on display at the company’s booth, introduces the LG Mobility Experience (MX) platform. This groundbreaking mobility space solution integrates a full suite of LG’s smart life solutions to create a seamless connection between mobility and the AI Home, offering entirely new lifestyle experiences.

LG’s MX platform expands the definition of home solutions, creating a new type of multifaceted, multipurpose space. Using a modular package system, the platform integrates LG’s innovative appliance hardware and AI technologies to transform the vehicle cabin into an adaptable environment. This space can function as an extension of the home, a private media lounge or a creative studio, unlocking a raft of exciting “Space-as-an-Experience” opportunities for potential customers.

The MX platform aligns with prevailing auto industry trends and customer preferences, which are shifting away from traditional notions of transportation and towards the idea of vehicles as a personalized lifestyle space. The platform offers a tailored lifestyle experience where the latest products, AI solutions and services synergize to support superior user comfort and convenience.

The MX platform features a dual-cabin design: a front driver’s cabin and a rear customizable experience space. Users can configure this versatile space in a variety of different ways, such as dividing it into multifunctional zones or converting it into a hyper-personalized lifestyle space complete like a creator studio, business lounge or separate zones for relaxation and hobbies. The modular design makes it possible to equip the rear cabin with various appliances, enabling users to select combinations that meet their particular needs and preferences. LG plans to offer the MX platform as a subscription service, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Powered by LG’s AI Home solution, ThinQ ON, the MX platform lets users tailor conditions inside the vehicle and enjoy helpful lifestyle services such as daily schedule management and information briefings. Additional services from external providers – including food and beverage orders, laundry, and hotel booking can be integrated to further expand and enrich the user experience.

Visitors to LG’s booth at CES 2025 can explore the MX platform in the “Lifestyle Solution for Mobility” experience space. This will showcase highly customizable space solutions and mobility lifestyle solutions, featuring LG’s state-of-the-art appliances and Internet of Things devices. It will offer a compelling preview of the future of mobility and connected hybrid living spaces.

“The innovative MX platform, based on the concept of “Space-as-an-Experience,” leverages LG’s strength in appliances and AI Home technology to present a new direction for mobility experiences,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of the LG Home Appliance Solution Company. “Pursuing our Zero Labor Home vision, we will continue to connect and expand customer experiences across all aspects of daily life.”

G0VO Launches GoLoud 970 Party Speaker

2nd January 2025 – Ahead of the festive season, G0VO, a pioneer in home audio innovation, has raised the bar with the launch of its latest product – the GoLoud 970 Party Speaker. This powerful audio system is a remarkable addition to G0VO’s home audio line-up, delivering exceptional sound quality and a range of versatile features. Engineered to provide an electrifying party atmosphere, the GoLoud 970 Party Speaker is at the forefront of advanced home audio technology.

Globally, the soundbar market is experiencing remarkable growth, projected to soar from USD 8.80 billion in 2024 to USD 13.12 billion by 2029, with a robust CAGR of 8.30%. G0VO’s new launch underscores the increasing consumer demand for high-quality audio solutions in home entertainment systems.

Commenting on the launch of the GoLoud 970 party speaker, Mr. Piyush Jalan, Co-founder and COO of G0VO expressed his excitement, stating, “We are excited to introduce the GoLoud 970 Party Speaker, our newest innovation designed to elevate users’ music experiences. Our latest product aims to meet our vision of delivering top-notch audio quality and can turn any event into a vibrant party. We are seeing an increasing demand for party speakers, and with every new launch, we continue to innovate to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Salient features of the GoLoud 970 Party Speaker include:

· Portable Design: Equipped with wheels and a handle for easy transportation

· Water-Resistant: Designed to withstand splashes and spills for worry-free use

· Guitar Input: Easily connect a guitar for a seamless performance

· Multiple Connectivity Options: Variety of connectivity options for convenience. Connect devices via Aux, USB, TF Card or stream music wirelessly with Bluetooth

· Bluetooth V5.3: High-quality audio experience with the latest Bluetooth V5.3 technology. Connect mobile devices automatically and play music louder and clearer than ever

· Integrated control: Power at ones’ fingertips

· Upto 6H of playback: Enjoy extended listening with an RGB LED frame

· Warranty: 1 year

IN PICTURES: NEW AIR INDIA IN NEW YORK

• Air India’s cabin crew recreated iconic New York City moments and visited popular movie locations to celebrate new Air India’s arrival in New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR)

02 January 2025: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today began operating its flagship A350-900 aircraft on non-stop flights between Delhi and Newark’s Liberty International Airport (EWR). This follows Air India’s A350 service on the Delhi-New York (JFK) inaugurated on November 1, 2024.

With this, Air India now serves all non-stop flights between India’s capital and the New York region with its A350 aircraft, offering its all-new interiors, including private suites in Business Class and a Premium Economy cabin, as well as an award-winning new Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system, enhanced catering, and new serviceware.

In celebration of the launch, Air India’s cabin crew went on a cinematic journey to recreate iconic New York City moments and in search of some of the city’s landmarks featured in globally popular Hollywood and Bollywood movies. Donning their new Manish Malhotra-designed uniforms, here is how they strolled through the bustling city, expressing their excitement and pride for the ‘new Air India experience’ arriving in New York.

THE ICONIC ‘LUNCH ATOP A SKYSCRAPER’ PHOTO RECREATED
Reliving a piece of history, Air India cabin crew members recreated one of the most influential photographs of all time, the iconic ‘Lunch Atop a Skyscraper’ photograph from 1932. The photograph showed ironworkers taking a casual lunch break on a towering skyscraper beam during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Air India’s crew took a moment to capture the spirit of innovation and adventure embodied in the striking photograph, atop Rockefeller Plaza.

GAPSTOW BRIDGE, CENTRAL PARK

The serene beauty and lush greenery around the picturesque Gapstow Bridge in Central Park has made the bridge a popular choice among filmmakers across generations. This is where Kevin McCallister first encounters the pigeon lady in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and it is also where the ‘Runway Jungle’ photo shoot takes place in The Devil Wears Prada.

ON THE STEPS OF THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (THE MET)

The grand staircase of The MET that leads up to the museum’s entrance is a striking architectural feature, and where numerous TV shows and films have been shot. The MET steps were a regular backdrop for popular drama series, Gossip Girls, as well as for much of the popular heist movie, Ocean’s 8. And in When Harry Met Sally, the funny “pecan pie” sequence, in which Harry and Sally are in a museum and they talk about ‘too much pepper on paprikash’, was filmed here.

AT TIMES SQUARE

The Air India crew strolled the busy sidewalks under the bright neon lights of Times Square, as the highly popular tourist attraction has featured in numerous Bollywood and Hollywood movies. Whether it is the subliminal imagery in Tom Cruise’s Vanilla Sky that shows him running alone through Times Square, the flashmob scene in Friends with Benefits, or Preity Zinta’s happy dance in the Bollywood movie Kal Ho Naa Ho, Times Square dazzles anywhere one sees it, on the silver screen and in real life.

THE NEW YORK TAXIS

The iconic yellow cabs or taxis in New York have become a staple in countless movies set in the city. They often serve as more than just transportation, symbolizing the hustle and bustle of urban life and even playing active roles in plots. Whether it’s a quick cameo or a central element, the New York taxis are a cinematic icon.

THE ROTUNDA ROOM AT THE PIERRE, A TAJ HOTEL

The iconic scene from Scent of a Woman, in which Frank (Al Pacino) and Donna (Gabrielle Anwar) tangoed was filmed at The Pierre, providing the perfect backdrop for the passionate dance and making it one of the most memorable moments in the film. Air India crew stopped by in the stunning Rotunda Room at The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan to remember the iconic film.

SUTTON PLACE PARK (UNDERNEATH QUEENSBORO BRIDGE)

The 1979 Woody Allen classic, Manhattan, known for being a glorious celebration of New York, was another inspiration for the cabin crew members. The Air India crew found the exact spot and recreated the profound scene in which Isaac Davis (Woody Allen) and Mary Wilkie (Diane Keaton) sit underneath Queensboro Bridge, admiring it and talking to each other until dawn. An image of the scene also became the film’s iconic poster.

Nissan’s December Sales Hit 11,676 Units, 10,000+ Magnite Bookings

01 January 2025: Nissan Motor India announced at the start of the new year, that it has crossed the booking milestone of 10,000+ units of the New Nissan Magnite SUV this month and ended the calendar year (CY) with 91,184 units between Jan 24 to Dec 24. This milestone comes alongside recording total consolidated wholesale dispatches of 11,676 units in December 2024, reflecting robust demand for Nissan cars in both domestic and international markets.

Export wholesale stood at 9,558 units and domestic sales accounted for 2,118 units for the month of December’24. The export wholesale of 9,558 units in December’24 witnessed a 72% Year-on-Year (YoY) increase compared to 5,561 units sold in December’23 last year and a Month-on-Month (MoM) growth of 43% vis-a-vis 6,698 units sold in November’24.

The export performance witnessed considerable growth with YTD FY24 export growth at 63% compared to YTD FY23, alongside a 72% MoM increase in export dispatches. This consistent strong performance highlight the growing confidence and enthusiasm among customers for Nissan’s vehicles.

Mr. Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said
“The year 2024 marked a transformative phase for Nissan in India as we embarked on the turnaround and introduced new models like the 4th Generation Nissan X-TRAIL and the New Nissan Magnite. This historic best sales performance in December also reflects the continued trust and enthusiasm of customers for our vehicles in both domestic and international markets. Our recent network expansion into cities like Nashik and Gorakhpur, along with the goal of achieving 300 touchpoints by the end of this fiscal year, reflects our focus on enhancing customer reach and experience across the country.”

He added: “We remain committed to our dealers, partners and stakeholders in India and are focused on delivering the India turnaround plan. We are optimistic about building on this momentum to deliver even more value to our customers in the year ahead.”

As part of its growth strategy for India, Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) has recently inaugurated its first state-of-the-art National Training Centre- Nissan Academy, at the Alliance JV plant in Chennai. The academy aims to enhance the skills and capabilities of Nissan’s dealership and service staff network across the country, emphasizing the brand’s focus on providing an exceptional customer experience.

The growing demand for the ‘One Car, One World’ – Made in India New Nissan Magnite across international markets has enabled Nissan to expand its export footprint to more than 45 new markets, which will bring its total presence to over 65 countries, including in soon to be launched Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets.

Building on its ‘One Car, One World’ philosophy, Nissan Motor India commenced exporting its recently launched SUV, the New Nissan Magnite to South Africa. In line with the announcement made during the New Nissan Magnite launch in October this year, the company rolled out its latest offering from Nissan’s Alliance JV plant in Chennai to international markets, with South Africa becoming the first country to receive the New Nissan Magnite.

Over 2,700 units of the New Magnite SUV have been shipped from the Chennai port within a month after its international launch in India. The Nissan Magnite remains a testament to Nissan’s ‘Make-in-India, Make for the World’ vision, surpassing cumulative sales of 150,000+ units till date and making a powerful impact in both Indian and international markets since its December 2020 debut.

This milestone reinforces India’s position as a significant export hub for Nissan. The New Nissan Magnite features a bold, stylish design both inside and out, offering 20+ first & Best-In-Segment features and 55+ total safety features.

Rajesh Pagadala Appointed TiE Hyderabad President for 2025

Hyderabad, January 01, 2025: TiE Hyderabad, the global entrepreneurial network, announced Rajesh Pagadala, the new President and Murali Kakarla as the Vice President for the year 2025

He has taken over the reins from Srini Chandupatla, with effect from 1st January 2025.

TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), is a non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurs at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey is a global body. It has Chapters around the world. TiE Hyderabad of which Rajesh Pagdala is taking over as 15th President, is the most vibrant Chapters in India.

Established in 1992, TiE Hyderabad has been supporting entrepreneurs by offering education, mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities. It hosted Global Summits, TiE Sustainability Summit, the world’s largest summit, where entrepreneurship met sustainability.

Rajesh Pagadala who is taking over the mantle of such a Chapter is the Managing Director of Pagadala Constructions Private Limited. He is a well-known personality in Hyderabad’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Rajesh Pagadala brings over 25 years of experience in organizational management, project execution, and strategic planning. With expertise spanning real estate, infrastructure development, and IT consulting, Rajesh has contributed significantly to the growth of prominent organizations, including Aditya Group of Companies, and holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University, USA.

He was President-Elect and Vice President, of TiE Hyderabad in the year 2024.

Murali Kakarla, Founder & CEO, of Innobox, is elected Vice President for the year 2025. Murali Kakarla is a visionary entrepreneur and technocrat with over 12 years of experience leading engineering teams at AMD, NVIDIA, and Portal Player. With expertise in wireless networking, AI/ML, and edge computing, he has contributed to groundbreaking innovations in consumer electronics, holds a patent in optimal power usage, and actively engages with academia as an adjunct professor.

Setting the agenda for TiE Hyderabad in 2025, Rajesh Pagadala said, “As I take on the role of President of TiE Hyderabad, I am both humbled and energized by the opportunity to build upon the incredible legacy of this chapter.

A key highlight of 2025 will be the Hyderabad Entrepreneurship Summit, set to take place in August. TiE Hyderabad plans to organize this landmark event on a grand scale, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to celebrate and foster innovation, collaboration, and growth.

My focus for 2025, he adds will be on deepening the chapter’s engagement with startups and entrepreneurs, fostering innovation through targeted programs, and creating pathways for sustainable growth. We will prioritize initiatives that strengthen corporate partnerships, enable global market access for startups, and leverage the expertise of our charter members to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs. Additionally, enhancing TiE Hyderabad’s digital presence and expanding our community outreach through strategic events and collaborations will be key focus areas. I look forward to working with our dynamic board and members to further solidify TiE Hyderabad’s position as a leading force in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The new board comprises Rajesh Pagadala, Managing Director of Pagadala Constructions Private Limited as the President; Murali Kakarla, Founder & CEO, Innobox, Srini Chandupatla, Chief Strategy Officer, BlueSemi as Immediate Past President TiE Hyderabad. The other board members for 2025 include Sandip Patnaik, Sr. Managing Director, JLL India; Pavan Peechara, Founder & CEO/President and Director, Taxilla/Adaequare and Udyog Software; Shyam Palreddy, Founder & CEO, GGK Technologies Pvt Ltd & Paltech; and Abhishek Reddy Kankanala, Chairman & MD, DevPixel; Neetika Maheshwari, Founder, Accelero Corporation; Anuj Kapoor, Founder and Partner, Upwisery, Sridhar Sriramaneni, Co-Founder & COO, Wcommerce; Shashidhar Reddy, Senior Vice President, Qualcomm; Jayaram Valliyur, Senior Director, Uber; Gaurav Mathur, Chief Operating Officer, Areteans

Welcoming Rajesh Pagadala as the new President of TiE Hyderabad, Srini Chandupatla said, “It has been an incredible honor to serve as the President of TiE Hyderabad over the past year. Reflecting on this journey, I am filled with pride at the milestones we have achieved together. From successfully hosting the TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Globals, a program that brought global recognition to the young entrepreneurial talent in Hyderabad, to launching the Startup Series that highlighted inspiring stories of innovation, our chapter has continued to push boundaries. The 25th-anniversary celebrations, graced by the Governor of Telangana, were a testament to the strength of our community and the impact of TiE Hyderabad. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our members, mentors, and partners, whose dedication has been the cornerstone of our success. As I pass on the baton, I am confident that TiE Hyderabad will continue its upward trajectory under Rajesh’s capable leadership.”