MUMBAI: In a move aimed at bringing its innovative range of products closer to consumers, the Appliances business of Godrej & Boyce, part of Godrej Enterprises Group, has launched its ‘Appliances on Wheels’ initiative. This unique campaign, which began on October 4th in Maharashtra, is designed to take the brand’s Exclusive Brand Outlet – ‘Inspire Hub’ experience directly to consumers, covering approximately 2500+ kms and engaging 4,000 households across 21 destinations in Maharashtra.

Godrej Appliances’ Exclusive Brand Outlets, known as Inspire Hub, offer an immersive shopping experience for customers, showcasing the brand’s diverse product portfolio under one roof. Through the Appliances on Wheels, the brand is taking this experience to consumers directly, aiming to increase brand visibility and consumer engagement. The vehicle, equipped with Godrej Appliances’ advanced product portfolio, provides consumers with hands-on interaction with its complete range of home appliances – refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, dishwashers, microwave ovens, air coolers and deep freezers.

A key highlight of this initiative is the Virtual Reality (VR) experience, offering consumers an immersive way to explore Godrej Appliances’ advancements in technology. The VR activation showcases the brand’s AI powered appliances, allowing consumers to engage with the product range in an interactive and experiential manner.

Complete with a range of interactive engagement activities, assured gifts, vouchers, and exciting prizes, the brand aims to create a fun and memorable experience for visitors, encouraging them to explore the brand’s offerings further at their nearest stores.

Consumers have also shared their enthusiasm for the unique initiative. One customer remarked, “After hearing about this initiative from a friend, I was very intrigued, especially since I had been considering purchasing a Washing Machine. The idea of having a store brought directly to my doorstep was very interesting and made the purchase a memorable one for both me and my family.”

Speaking about the initiative, Swati Rathi, Head of Marketing, Godrej Appliances, said, “With the ‘Appliances on Wheels’ initiative, we are bringing our exclusive store experience directly to the doorsteps of our consumers during the festive season. We want them to feel connected to our products, in an experiential manner and the VR experience will help to make the engagement more memorable. The initiative is aligned to the brand’s constant focus on consumer engagement and innovation. Maharashtra has 25+ Godrej Inspire Hub Appliance stores and hence we chose the state for this initiative.”

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The ambulance parade was flagged off by Mr. Pramod Alagharu, Regional COO, North & West Region, Manipal Hospitals, Dr. Sushant Chhabra, Cluster Head, Emergency Medicine North & West Region, Manipal Hospitals, and Dr. Y.K. Mishra, Chairman Manipal Institute of Cardiac Sciences.

During this event, the hospital honored the 100 ambulance drivers who worked tirelessly 24×7 to save lives. The drivers were felicitated and provided with free health checkups, recognizing their dedication and selflessness. It served as a powerful tribute to the hospital’s commitment to patient care, mirroring the vigilance and dedication of soldiers who protect the nation’s borders.

Dr. Sushant Chhabra, Cluster Head, Emergency Medicine North & West Region, Manipal Hospitals said “The foundation of a robust emergency medicine department relies on a reliable ambulance service and strong pre-hospital care. These essential components ensure the timely transportation and appropriate medical attention for patients in critical situations, significantly impacting outcomes and saving lives. Today’s ambulance parade showcased the importance of these services, leaving a significant impact on our mission to improve emergency care and save lives.”

Viji Varghese, Hospital Director, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, said, “The ambulance parade signifies our commitment to patient safety and emergency preparedness. Our ambulance team are our frontline warriors, and today, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, we also honor the tireless efforts of our healthcare teams who work around the clock to protect our community.”

The hospital has extended the Independence Day spirit with ’15 Days of Health & Wellness’ until August 20th, 2024, offering discounted evening OPD consultations and essential lab tests at just ₹78 each, empowering the community to prioritize their health and well-being in line with the hospital’s mission to build a healthier nation.

For emergencies, residents of Dwarka can reach out to the hospital’s ER number: 01140407070.

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• The Kushaq Onyx is a high-value option for customers seeking the most favored features from higher variants
• Available exclusively with the 1.0 TSI engine
• Is available with a six-speed manual transmission and sees the introduction of a six-speed automatic
• Brings in Hill Hold Control, and Paddle Shifter among other new features from your favorite higher variant
• All versions are now equipped with six airbags as standard

MUMBAI: Škoda Auto India, in its strategy of continuous product actions, has implemented one more enhancement in its 5-star safe fleet — the introduction of the Kushaq Onyx AT. The Onyx was originally released in Q1 2023 based on customer feedback to provide satisfaction and high value to Škoda fans and customers. Škoda Auto India, based on the latest customer feedback, has now further enhanced the Kushaq Onyx with an automatic transmission and a host of new features, making it the most affordable automatic in its segment.

Speaking on the product action, Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “The Onyx variant has been a key addition in our line-up combining the value of the Active trim with features from the higher variants. This new Kushaq Onyx offering is in response to feedback from our customers, which points to a healthy demand for an automatic variant at a more accessible price point. Our value proposition makes this Kushaq the most affordable automatic in its entire segment. Offering a hassle-free ownership experience, getting closer to our customers and constantly listening to our customers is our endeavor and a key part of our growth strategy.”

The Onyx AT, like the Onyx before it, slots between the current Active and Ambition variants of Škoda’s best-selling SUV. The exteriors see features from the higher Ambition variant making it to this Kushaq. One of them is the Škoda Crystalline LED headlamps with DRLs. Further enhancing visibility and safety are the front fog lamps with the static cornering function. The rear sees the wiper and defogger. With this iteration, Škoda Auto India continues with the Tecton Wheel covers and ‘Onyx’ badging in the B-pillars.

Inside, the Onyx AT gets even more substantial updates. Topping the list of additions are Hill Hold Control and Paddle Shifters. The driver now gets a 2-spoke, multifunction, leather steering wheel with a chrome scroller. The cabin also gets Škoda’s Climatronic with the touch panel, and the scruff plates in the front get an ‘Onyx’ inscription on them. Customers of the car will also get Onyx-themed cushions and textile mats as standard. All new in this latest product update is the availability of six airbags as standard in the Onyx AT.

The Onyx AT is powered exclusively by Škoda Auto India’s proven 1.0 TSI turbo-charged three-cylinder petrol engine. It develops 85 kW (115 ps) of power and 178 Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Global New Car Assessment Programme crash-tested the Kushaq under its newer and stricter protocols in October 2022. The SUV scored 29.64 points out of 34 for adult occupant safety and 42 out of a possible 49 points for child safety. The Kushaq was the first made-in-India car to score a full five stars for both adult and child protection.

The Kushaq sits on the MQB-A0-IN platform that was specifically developed for India by teams in India and the Czech Republic. It was designed with a focus on high localization – 95% — and low cost of ownership – starting at Rs 0.46 per kilometer. The Kushaq was introduced in July 2021 and Škoda’s second product on this platform – the Slavia sedan – debuted in March 2022. The company began 2024 with the announcement of an all-new compact SUV based on this platform. The vehicle will make its debut in 2025.

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The new two-year program, for which 30 students who are part of India’s Economic Weaker Section (EWS) will be selected, results in a Manufacturing Technology academic diploma program. The student application and selection process, which includes the goal of at least 50% female participation, will take place in selected villages in the Pune and Khed regions.

Suhas Majrekar, Managing Director of Kalyani Maxion Wheels’ light and commercial vehicle steel wheels plants in Pune said, “We are very proud to bring the highly successful Formare program from Brazil and Mexico to EWS students in our Ganeshkend, Kurali, and Nimagon communities.”

Pieter Klinkers, CEO of Maxion Wheels stated, “At Maxion Wheels, we embrace our responsibility as a corporate citizen, we champion education, healthcare, and other initiatives in the communities where we operate. Together, we create opportunities to shape a brighter future for all.  Supporting the establishment of the Formare program in India is a new milestone for us at Maxion Wheels”. 

“The program aims to enhance the employability of underprivileged Indian youth in the region by connecting classroom learning with real-world workplace experiences. This will be achieved by incorporating university curriculum education at Savitribai Phule Pune University while simultaneously providing targeted professional and social skills training at Maxion Wheels’ facilities in the Pune area”, Rahul Vaidya, Managing Director of Maxion Wheels’ light vehicle aluminum wheels plant in Khed City, Pune, added.

Students will receive a comprehensive academic scholarship sponsored by Maxion Wheels. In addition to 100% tuition being reimbursed, they will also receive a uniform, transportation, meals, and a monthly stipend.

Unlike other educational scholarship programs in the region, Formare is not focusing on developing new employees for partnering, instead, it focuses on allowing participants to succeed in the job market overall.

Prof. Dr. Radhakrishna Pandit, Director of Skill Development Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University said, “By focusing on job readiness and industry relevance, this unique program, set to start in the academic year 2024-2025 as per the National Education Policy (NEP) of the Government of India, opens doors to a wide range of employment opportunities, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.”

Currently, the Iochpe-Maxion Group is running six Formare program units; four in Brazil and two in Mexico. India will be the first outside of the Americas. The Formare program has impacted the lives of thousands of young Brazilians and Mexicans over the last 35 years. According to a 2023 survey carried out by Plano CDE (a consultancy and research company focused on social impact), the Formare program is changing the lives of its students in meaningful ways:

• 89% of Formare program alumni achieve formal work positions in their first job.
• 90% of former Formare students continued to study with 71% pursuing higher education or post-graduate degrees, and 19% taking a technical course.
• 88% of former Formare students say they would not have taken the course if the benefits provided by the partner companies did not exist.
• On average, after six years of completing Formare, graduates’ remuneration increased by 142%.

India was selected as a third country of operation for Formare to bring an educational opportunity to highly talented and motivated Indian youth with otherwise limited economic prospects. The program aims to support the Indian government’s EWS and skill development initiative.

Applications for the program will be handled by Savitribai Phule Pune University. The selection process includes an exam, conducted by the university, a counseling session, and finally a home visit by representatives of Maxion Wheels. The admission process and program will commence in the academic year 2024.  To be eligible for the program, students require a 10+2 (Science) or equivalent educational background and their family must qualify for the Economic Weaker Section. 

Overview:

• 30 Students (at least 50% female)
• Diploma in Manufacturing Technology after two years
• Eligibility: 10+2 Science or equivalent + Economic Weaker Section
• Expenses covered: Course fees, uniform, transportation, meals, monthly stipend
• Location: Savitribai Phule Pune University (Ganeshkhind, Pune) and Maxion Wheels facilities (Kurali village and Khed City/Nimgaon village)
• Selection process period: According to the academic year 2024
• Further information and registration: https://campus.unipune.ac.in/CCEP/CampusAdmission/index.html

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NEW DELHI: Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels (MBOW), Marriott International’s online food delivery program, has integrated with the Club Marriott South Asia app and the Club Marriott website. Club Marriott is Marriott’s dining membership program in Asia Pacific that offers its valued members a range of services and accommodation benefits at over eighty hotels within South Asia. In addition to providing real-time table reservations, with this new service extension guests and members can now indulge in decadent menus from award-winning restaurants, through the Club Marriott South Asia app or the website. 

Through the Club Marriott South Asia app and the website, customers can instantly order their meals, opt for an easy takeaway, or gift a meal to their loved ones customized to their taste and preference. Design-led, with an easy and intuitive user interface, the app also comes with the added benefit of Marriott’s food pairing recommendations. The curated menus will feature a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers, entrees, vegan-friendly specials, and sinful desserts handcrafted by Marriott’s expert chefs. Club Marriott Members will be entitled to ongoing benefits for the services provided.

Ranju Alex, Area Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International said, “At Marriott International, we constantly push innovations across the board to enhance guest experiences with our elevated offerings. Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels, our online food delivery program has witnessed significant success since its inception. Integrating this service to the Club Marriott South Asia app widens and extends our diverse F&B portfolio to our guests, giving them the luxury of experiencing a wholesome luxe home dining experience with comfort and ease”.

Leading TV actor Anita Hassanandani announced this integration at a pop-up launch event in Delhi NCR. The afternoon had her engage with guests and food aficionados, while she self-ordered her all-time favorites – Indonesian Nasi Goreng, Korean chicken burger, and a brioche bun with gochujang sauce through the Club Marriott South Asia app and thoroughly enjoyed her perfectly delivered meal at DLF Cyberhub.

Sharing her thoughts on the occasion, Anita Hassanandani said, “As a brand, Marriott International has always stood out with its innovative food & beverage concepts. Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels, their food delivery platform is an extension of their culinary repertoire. I am very pleased to announce the integration of Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels into the Club Marriott South Asia app. In our fast-paced lives, this app is the perfect solution to all our food needs. User-friendly and customized to taste, it’s set to bring signature dining experiences to the comfort of our homes”.

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels has rolled out several specially curated signature menus comprising fine dining specialties alongside comfort food favorites. Leveraging on the strong network of the Marriott hotels and marquee restaurants gives it a distinctive edge within the food delivery space. Today, MBOW delivers across 30 cities from more than 80 restaurants in South Asia. Integral to this service is the Marriott brand promise of stringent safety and hygiene checks while preparing, packaging, and delivering these meals within record time.

Convenient and fuss-free, customers can now download the Club Marriott South Asia app here or visit our website, www.clubmarriott.in. 

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