Wrigley launches Orbit 12th Man contest

Gurgaon :Continuing its association with sports in a big way, Wrigley, world’s leading gum company, makes its presence felt through Indian cricket second year in a row with its association with IPL teams. With this alliance, Wrigley’s leading brands Orbit sugar-free chewing gum and Boomer bubble gum are engaging consumers in two interactive consumer campaigns for each of the brands. Titled Orbit 12th Man and Boomer T20 Mania, the campaigns will give cricket lovers and consumers a chance to inch closer to their favourite IPL teams.

Orbit 12th Man is a unique contest which gives 49 lucky winners a chance to stay, fly and interact with their favourite team and take home exclusive goodies and merchandise. The promotion is based on SMS platform; details of which can be found on the official contest site www.orbit12thman.com. Every SMS sent with the unique scratch code found behind close to two crore Wrigley Orbit special edition packs guarantees an array of prizes like digital goodies like mobile games, wallpapers, pictures of your favourite team, cool ring tones, fan t-shirts, wrist bands, miniature bats and much more.

Bearing in mind the growing social media frenzy, Orbit 12th Man has also gained boost through its official Orbit 12th Man Facebook fan page and Twitter profile. Over the first few days of launch, the facebook fan page had 2000 + fans and is growing by the day. The promotion is being heavily supported through a multi media campaign including TVC, print, radio, cinema, outdoor and digital initiatives.

At the same time, Boomer’s T20 Mania has created a distinct on pack consumer promotion driven hard on-air and amplified through an extensive ground level campaign covering 100+ cities and engaging over eight lakh kids. Lakhs of T20 Mania gifts ranging from special IPL team sunglasses, wrist band watches to match tickets, etc. are up for grabs as part of this promotion. Boomer T20 Mania has also reached out to consumers through a unique bat signing campaign. This encourages consumers to support their favourite IPL team by signing multiple giant bats travelling across catchment areas of respective IPL teams. At the end of the campaign the team that takes away the most signatures will be declared the Boomer T20 Mania winner.

Speaking about the campaign  Himanshu Khanna, Director Marketing, Wrigley India Pvt Ltd said, “With the IPL excitement reaching greater heights this season, it was an obvious decision for both our leading brands to initiate consumer engagement programmes with similar effect. Each of the initiatives has been designed with the brand essence and consumer interest as the focal points. The success of these distinct campaigns is due to their innovative strategy of 360 degree marketing which has struck a chord with the consumer.”

Promotional activities during IPL season 3 includes the launch of special edition packs, jars and many other exciting offers that are available for a limited period only. The company has also launched new TV commercials for both Boomer and Orbit solely dedicated to IPL.

KRIBHCO and Reliance Infrastructure forge Rural Marketing Joint Venture

KRIBHCO, a premier co-operative society with an unparalleled marketing network in rural India and Reliance Communications Infrastructure Limited, India’s largest telecom service provider, have announced signing of a Joint Venture. KRIBHCO Reliance Kisan Limited, the Joint Venture Company, would synergize the respective strengths of KRIBHCO and Reliance ADA Group to catalyze tele-density growth and provision of state-of-the-art products and services to the rural people in India.

“KRIBHCO has been at the forefront of catalyzing agricultural and rural development by selecting, financing and managing socially desirable and commercially feasible ventures and initiatives. This joint venture with Reliance Communications Infrastructure is a significant step forward which would result in an unmatched platform that would go a long way in providing each and every product/ service in Rural India at par with urban India”, It’s our dream at KRIBHCO to develop cooperatives into dynamic rural business hubs. There is no other network in INDIA that matches the strength, reach and extensiveness of the cooperatives which is unparallel and KRIBHCO is one organization that is venturing to make this network more financially sound and empower the stakeholders-rural people, through this initiative “said Mr. B.D. Sinha, Managing Director – KRIBHCO.

KRIBHCO’ expertise in the rural marketing and its commitment to develop the cooperative sector provides an unmatched opportunity to develop cooperative rural business hubs across country converting the primary cooperatives in to thriving business ventures fully owned by farmers’ and supported by the best in the telecome industry. The value added services would spark the process of converting farming in to a more profitable business venture one hand and create meaning full opportunities for employment.

KRIBHCO Reliance Kisan Limited, Joint Venture Company would create a first-of-its-kind distribution model covering 72% of Indian population through its network of over 25,000 cooperatives, 6300 member cooperatives and 60 “Krishi Seva Kendras” spread across the length and breadth of the country. The unique distribution model created by the Joint Venture Company would distribute a range of telecom and non-telecom services to bridge the Urban-Rural divide.

“Bridging the Urban – Rural Digital Divide has been among the fundamental reasons for inception of Reliance Communications. Over the last few years Reliance ADA Group has achieved significant success in making telephony available and affordable to millions of Indians living in rural areas. We are confident that KRIBHCO Reliance Kisan Limited would emerge as one of the most significant milestones in enhancing the Rural Teledensity in the country”, said Mr. S.P. Shukla, President – Wireless , Reliance Communications. “ Over and above the state-of-the-art and most-affordable range of GSM and CDMA services, Reliance Communications would soon be unveiling a wide range of products and Value Added Services customized for the rural markets”, he added.

KRIBHCO would hold 60% equity in the Joint Venture Company with the balance 40% held by Reliance ADAG.

KRIBHCO Reliance Kisan Limited would also distribute in future products and services of other business enterprises of Reliance ADA Group including Reliance Capital, Reliance Entertainment and BIG TV DTH. The Joint Venture would provide additional source of business to Agricultural Cooperative Societies and help in strengthening the rural economy and the cooperative movement of the country.

Kingfisher Airlines launches Upgrade Travel Option

Kingfisher Airlines, India’s only Five Star Airline, rated by Skytrax, has announced the launch of Upgrade Travel Option , an initiative that offers lucky guests the opportunity to sample the award-winning Kingfisher First experience by paying a nominal fare difference for an upgrade from Kingfisher Class. This initiative has been launched in partnership with Optiontown. This offer is available on all sectors that offer the Kingfisher First service.

This is the first time that any airline in India is offering guests the opportunity to upgrade, made available through a unique service launched by Optiontown.

To avail of this offer, guests will need to book their regular Kingfisher Class tickets, as normal. Once the booking is done, they need to log on to www.Optiontown.com and enter their PNR, last name and e-mail address to retrieve the booking. Post selecting the flight they would like to be upgraded on, the guest will be required to pay a small sign-up fee and a nominal additional upgrade charge. If a guest is chosen for an upgrade, following a random selection process, the guest will travel on Kingfisher First and will be notified via e-mail prior to their departure.

Kingfisher Airlines has blazed a trail of innovations and introduced a range of market-firsts that have completely redefined the whole experience of air travel. The UTo program will provide the world class Kingfisher First experience to a larger segment of guests. “Optiontown has been the pioneer in the world of travel options that create unique win-win for both travelers and our airline partners,” said Sachin Goel, Founder and CEO, Tenon & Groove, LLC, the owner and provider of Optiontown. “Upgrade Travel Option (UTo) offers an opportunity for lucky travelers to explore the world class Kingfisher First service at unbelievable and affordable prices.”

Kingfisher Airlines is India’s only Five Star airline, rated by Skytrax, and the only one to offer a premium first class. Besides being the first and only airline in India to offer in-flight entertainment on every seat, Kingfisher offers LIVE TV with 16 channels of live and exciting content. The airline has received numerous awards for innovation, customer responsiveness and was voted the ‘Best New Airline of the Year’, within months of its launch.

Kingfisher Airlines is a part of the UB Group that is one of India’s largest conglomerates with diverse interests and a global presence. The UB Group is also the largest Indian alcoholic beverages (beer and spirits) company and the third largest drinks group in the world. Kingfisher Airlines covers all segments of air travel from low fares to premium service and offers most flights by any single airline network in India. Kingfisher Airlines now connects 70 cities with a fleet of 75 aircraft and operates over 425 flights a day in India.

British supermarket launches Indian clothing collection

London:  Britain’s second largest supermarket chain, Asda, has launched a line of Indian clothing in the first such move by a high street retailer in the country.

The 13-piece collection, including sequined embellished salwaar kameez, churidar, kurta and dupatta, is being launched to coincide with the start of Eid festivities.

Part of the George line, the clothes have been designed with a team in India, and are made using authentic Indian materials. The store also received inputs from a panel of customers.

Priced at between seven and 26 pounds, the clothes are suitable for all customers, not just South Asians, George brand director Fiona Lambert said.

“We are extremely proud to be launching UK’s first mainstream range of traditional Asian clothing. We have the broadest socio-demographic group of all the supermarkets and we wanted to offer affordable clothing suitable for all our customers,” Lambert said.

The Indian clothes are to be rolled out in 21 Asda stores in Britain.

Brianna Ragel, editor of Asian Woman magazine, said: “This definitely marks a turning point for ethnic clothing on high street.”

Wal-Mart, Asda’s US parent company, launched a Bollywood-inspired collection in Canada earlier this year.

Mahindra Launches Next Generation Mahindra Pik-Up

Mahindra Automotive Australia (MAA), a Joint Venture between Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), one of India’s leading auto brands and TMI Pacific, today launched its Next Generation Mahindra Pik-Up utility vehicle with additional safety features, numerous interior enhancements and a fresh new look.
M&M entered the Australian market two years ago with the launch of the Mahindra Pik-Up which was distributed by TMI Pacific (a division of the Tynan Motor Group). Mahindra vehicles are now imported and distributed by the JV company, Mahindra Automotive Australia. The amalgamation, which took place in late 2008, has strengthened the growth and distribution of Mahindra vehicles in Australia.

Having proven itself under the toughest of Australian conditions, the Mahindra brand has garnered a strong consumer following and advocacy over the past two years in the market. Coupled with its 4×4 capabilities, the latest Pik-Up will be marketed under a new campaign headline ‘Made for the hardest places on Earth’. The single, dual cab, or cab chassis 4×4 or 4×2 variants will be available to Australian buyers from August.

Mr. Pravin Shah, Director of Mahindra Automotive Australia & Executive Vice President, International Operations, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) Ltd., said, “Mahindra has carved a distinct niche for itself in markets across the globe with its value proposition of rugged utility and style at an affordable price. With its trendy new look and attractive features, the Next Generation Pik-Up is no exception and demonstrates our commitment to growing our brand further in the Australian market, which is of strategic importance to us.

Today, M&M is the leader in the utility vehicle segment in India with a rich manufacturing heritage spanning more than 60 years. Over the years, Mahindra has built an enduring 4×4 legacy and has become the byword for performance and reliability in India and the world. Although the Mahindra brand is in its infancy in Australia, it is a federation of companies with interests in manufacturing, finance, information technology and hospitality, amongst other industries. It is one of India’s leading companies, well positioned to support a market such as Australia.”

A Director of Mahindra Automotive Australia (MAA) and Chairman of TMI Pacific, Michael Tynan, said, “We’re pleased with the way our plans for Mahindra have rolled out since launch. We have offered good value to consumers, sponsored quintessentially Australian events, promoted cleverly and, best of all, grown a group of loyal and happy customers.

We’re very proud to be introducing the next generation model which now further addresses the needs of Australian workhorse buyers. We’re dedicated to listening to their requirements and thus, elevated safety, driver convenience and visual appeal were areas addressed to satisfy our customers. We believe that drivers will be extremely pleased with the results and the Pik-Up will deliver even better value for money in the workhorse utility market segment.”

Ms. Claire Tynan, Mahindra Automotive Australia’s CEO, said “We are continuously impressed with Mahindra’s commitment to manufacturing high quality offerings and to developing their international markets. Its rich 4×4 heritage which has been built over several decades has proved that it can perform on tough terrain in countries across the globe including India, Italy, Brazil, Chile, South Africa and now Australia where it is steadily gaining a large following.”

The Next Generation Mahindra Pik-Up boasts updated interiors with ergonomically designed seats, which have been designed after meticulous ‘Body Pressure Mapping’. Longer seatbelts, new dual-tone, electronically powered ORVMs (outer rear vision mirrors), and a 2-Din audio containing a stereo system with full CD / MP3 player and radio, USB and SD card port provide maximum convenience and comfort. The hand brake and gear lever have a new smart, sporty look.

Enhancing the vehicle’s distinctive look is a new grille, with a characteristic silver centre piece that features the brand’s logo. The road armour wrap-around bumpers provide the Next Generation Mahindra Pik Up with an updated and muscular appearance, and the striking new bonnet scoop adds grunt to the vehicle’s aggressive bearing. Sports headlights, fog lamps and ‘pull type’ door handles provide additional curves and muscle to the new design. The Next Generation Mahindra Pik Up is now available in an attractive new shade, Toreador Red, which will appeal even more to tradies and sportspeople who switch to ‘weekend warriors’ in their leisure time.

The load tray dimensions of a 1.725 m3 of double-walled tray for the single cab, and 1.125m3 for the dual cab still provides class-leading cargo capacity. The vehicle is  based on the same platform as its predecessor with a 2.51 common rail turbo diesel engine producing 79kW / 106hp at 3800rpm and 247Nm of torque from 1800 to 2200 rpm. The five speed manual transmission continues.

A Preferred Service Network is soon to be introduced so owners can venture further afield, secure in the knowledge that adequate back-up is available.

Sensex closes flat, broader indices gain

 A benchmark index for Indian equities markets today ended on a dull note. Broader indices, however, registered gains.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 19,620.88 points, closed at 19,583.76 points (provisional) -- down 28.44 points or 0.15 percent compared to its previous close at 19,612.2 points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange shut shop 0.14 percent lower at 5,883.5 points.
Broader markets also ended in the green, with the BSE midcap index closing 0.98 percent up and the BSE small cap index ending 1.24 percent higher. (IANS)

Airtel grabs two million 3G subscribers in India

New Delhi, April 5: Telecom giant Bharti Airtel today said its 3G suscriber base has reached two million. The operator is also extending its new generation mobile telephony services to Hyderabad.

Airtel has over 159 million customers across the country.
It launched its 3G services in the country in a phased manner in Bangalore in January 2011 and has already extended these services to a dozen other cities, including Delhi, Chennai, Coimbatore and Patna,
3G services offer features like video-calls, mobile TV, video streaming and applications at superfast speeds on a wide variety of both mobile phone and personal computing devices. (IANS)