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| From the desk of Strategic Resources For any query, discussion or feedback, please contact Pavan Chandra, Head of Strategic Resources at pchandra@zenithoptimediaindia.com, +91-124-4195100. Office Address : 10th Floor, Vatika Tower, Block-B, Sector 54 Gurgaon -122002, Haryana, India. |
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| Volume: XII |  |
March, 2008 |
| CLICK ON ANY OF THE ABOVE |
Ringside is a report that provides an overview of
happenings in categories of Airlines, Alcohol, Cars, Computers, Consumer
Durables, Financial Services, Food and Beverages, Hotels, Real Estate,
Retail, Telecom Service Providers, Two-wheelers, Skin Care and Athletic
Shoes.
Each of these will have sections on 1. Sales and market share 2. Trends
3. Launches 4. Advertising campaigns
Navigation is easy. Simply click of any of the categories of interest to
you and you will have the latest news in front of you.
Drop in a mail at
pchandra@zenithoptimediaindia.com with your suggestions and
comments.
Airlines 
Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others
01. Jet Airways Join Hands With Brussels Airlines – March 06
Jet Airways ties up with Brussels Airlines to expand its international network
On 6 March
2008, Mumbai-based airline, Jet Airways announced the expansion of its
international network by collaborating with Belgian airline Brussels
Airlines. This tie-up would allow Jet Airways to code-share on Brussels
Airlines-operated services between Brussels and Berlin Tempelhof, Lyon and
Barcelona. Effective from 30 March, 2008, Jet Airways customers travelling
between Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai to Berlin, Lyon and Barcelona will be able
to avail of benefits such as code-share travel, through check-in, frequent
flyer benefits, interline e-ticketing, etc.
Source:
The Economic Times
02. GoAir Passengers Get Tata AIG Cover – February 27
Tata AIG General Insurance to offer insurance travel cover to GoAir passengers
GoAir, the Wadia group-owned low cost carrier, has entered into an agreement with Tata AIG General Insurance to offer insurance travel cover to passengers booking their tickets only through the carrier’s website. The domestic passenger booking a GoAir ticket will be able to avail its benefits by paying a premium of Rs 129. The cover will financially compensate the customer for up to Rs 10,500 in case a flight is delayed beyond a specified duration.
Source: The Hindu Business Line
Alcohol
Share Prices
Sales and Market Share
Source: Euromonitor Report- Alcoholic Drinks- India- January 2008
Source: Euromonitor Report- Beer - India- January 2008
Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others
03. India To Witness Three-Fold Increase In Wine Consumption – March 12
Wine consumption in India to touch 17 million litres per annum by 2011: Study
According to a study conducted by UK-based International Wines and Spirits Records (IWSR), wine consumption in India is set to triple by 2011 to touch 17 million litres per annum. The study stated that wine consumption in India stood at 6 million litres in 2006. Almost a quarter of the wine consumed in the country is imported and France accounts for 41.7% of the wines imported in the country. India ranked 77 in terms of wine consumption in the world and accounted for 0.8% of the total wine consumed in Asia.
Source:
The Economic Times
04. Spirits Majors Eye Packaging To Attract Youth & Women – March 14
Spirits companies use innovative packaging solutions to capture newer target audiences
Spirits companies, both domestic and international, are launching innovative packaging solutions aimed at capturing newer target audiences – women and the youth. United Spirits has launched McDowells Celebration Rum and McDowells Whisky in tetra packs and vodka brand Pinky in perfume-shaped bottles. Similarly, other wine makers are planning to launch wines in cans. According to USL, tetra packs cater to people on the move, who find it inconvenient to carry bottles case. In addition, compared to glass bottles, tetra packs are almost 20% more profitable.
Source:
The Economic Times
05. Black Dog Does A Good Turn To USL – March 09
USL to launch the 8-year-old version of the Black Dog brand
Encouraged by consumer response to the Black Dog 12-year-old deluxe whiskey, United Spirits (USL) has now decided to launch the 8-year-old centenary variant of the brand. Targeted at youth, the company promotes its whiskey brands by ensuring strong on-trade presence through exclusive tie-ups with retailers, and associating with live events such as the McDowell Indian Derby and Jazz.
Source:
Business Standard
Product Launches
06. Baron’s Strong Beer Launched In North India – February 28
On 28 February 2008, Singapore-based Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) launched Baron’s strong beer in North India. The beer was initially launched in Delhi in 650 ml and 330 ml bottles.
Cars
Share Prices
Sales and Market Share
Source: Auto News Bulletin Dec 17- Dec 23, 2007 by Murad Baig Associates
07. Logan Overtakes City, Verna And SX4 In Feb – March 07
Logan beats rival sedans such as Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki SX4 in sales
Mahindra & Mahindra’s (M&M) sedan Logan sold 2,753 units in February 2008, overtaking its mid-segment rival sedans Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki SX4. According to industry analysts, high demand in commercial fleet operations and customers upgrading from the premium hatchback segment resulted in this growth. Tata Motors’ Indigo sedan dominated the segment with sales of around 3,322 units on account of huge demand of its compact sedan. Honda sold 2,310 units of City, Hyundai sold 2,132 units of Verna, while Maruti Suzuki sold 1,953 units of SX4 during the same period.
Source:
The Economic Times
Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others
08. Carmakers On Expansion Drive In Smaller Cities – February 28
Improved road connectivity and retail finance availability fuelling expansion
Facilitated by improved road connectivity and high penetration of retail finance, car makers such as Honda Siel, Maruti and General Motors are expanding their dealership network in smaller cities such as Ludhiana, Agra, Indore and Karnal. The car financing industry estimates that nearly 300 dealerships will be opened in tier 2 and 3 cities by 2009. By this stipulated time, Honda Siel Cars India also plans to open its outlets in 39 cities where it currently does not have a presence. Maruti Suzuki has also entered small villages and cities through a focused marketing campaign targeted at panchayats and teachers with a good disposable income.
Source:
The Hindu Business
Line
09. Price Reduction By Car Manufacturers – February- March
Car makers reduce prices to pass on the benefits of the 2008-09 Budget
As part of the 2008-09 Budget, Finance Minister P Chidambaram has proposed reducing excise duty on small cars to 12% from 16%. Car manufacturers such as Hyundai Motor India and General Motors plan to reduce prices by up to Rs 16,000 to pass on these benefits to buyers. Effective 1 April 2008, Hyundai will offer a price reduction on three of its models – Santro, i10 and the Getz. General Motors has also announced a reduction in prices (between Rs 7,500 and Rs 14,000) of its small cars Spark and Aveo U-VA. Maruti and Tata Motors have also followed suit.
Source:
The Economic Times
10. Maruti, Shriram Tie Up For Rural Car Finance – March 10
Maruti Suzuki India ties-up with Shriram City Union Finance to expand its presence in rural and semi-urban markets
On 10 March, 2008, car maker Maruti Suzuki India entered into an agreement with Shriram City Union Finance with an initial allocation of Rs 1,000 crore. The tie-up would focus on financing entry-level cars from the Maruti portfolio, which include the M800, Omni and Alto models. The joint initiative of the two companies will provide competitive car finance to people in tier 2 and 3 cities across the country.
Source:
The Economic Times
Product Launches
11. Fiat Unveils Palio Stile – March 15
On 11 March 2008, Fiat India launched the new Palio Stile, which features a multi-jet diesel engine. The car is available in two petrol versions – 1.1L and 1.6L Sport.
12. Ford Launches New Fusion Variant – March 12
On
11 March 2008, car maker Ford India launched a new variant of its hatchback
Fusion, which would be available in 1.6 litre petrol and 1.4 litre diesel
versions. The variants are priced at Rs 6.16 lac and Rs 6.83 lac
(ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively.
13. Tata Motors Launches Sumo Grande – March 05
On 4 March, 2008, Tata Motors announced the launch of its
sports utility vehicle Sumo Grande in Hyderabad in three
variants – Lx, Ex and Gx. Positioned as a ‘family commuter’,
it is available in seven colours and is priced in the range of Rs
6.54 lakh to Rs 7.49 lakh (ex-showroom-Hyderabad).
14. Mitsubishi Launches Cedia Select In Jalandhar – February 27
On 27 February 2008, Mitsubishi launched its new car, Cedia Select (which comes with a factory-fitted auto LPG), in Jalandhar, Punjab. The basic price of the car is Rs 8.30 lakh.
Computers
Share Prices
Sales and Market Share
15. India's Computer Market Sees 20% Year-On-Year Growth – February 27
India's personal computer market sold nearly 6.5 million units in 2007: IDC
According to market research firm IDC, India's personal computer market sold about 6.5 million units in 2007, registering a 20% year-on-year growth that was spurred by firms’ automation drive and increased consumer spending on notebooks. The consumer PC category is transitioning from desktop-centric to notebook-centric growth with notebook PC shipments accounting for 27% of the total client PC share. Portability and increased usage for educational purposes led to the sale of 1.8 million laptops in 2007. In the overall client PC (notebooks and desktops combined) market, HP retained the top spot with a market share of 21%, followed by HCL at 13% and Lenovo at 10%.
Source:
The Economic Times
Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others
16. LG Electronics To Strengthen PC Business In India – February 27
LG electronics to focus on strengthening its PC business
LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. has announced its plans to strengthen its PC business by enforcing its line-up in the premium category of desktop and notebooks and by launching products and campaigns with consumer benefit as priority. The company has increased its above-the-line marketing initiatives on the TV and Internet in order to increase the visibility of its PC products.
Source:
IT News Online
17. HP, Avid Launches Educational PC For Rs 105,000 – March 12
Avid Technology and HP join hands to provide an educational pre-bundled PC for the media educational sector
On 12 March 2008, digital solutions provider Avid Technology entered into a partnership with PC maker Hewlett-Packard India to provide an educational pre-bundled PC for Rs 1,05,000 for the media educational sector. The product is targeted at educational institutes offering professional and vocational courses in mass media and students pursuing such courses.
Source:
The Press Trust of India Limited
Product Launches
18. Lenovo Unveils New PC Brand ‘Idea’ – March 14
On 13 March 2008, PC maker Lenovo Group launched a new consumer PC brand, Idea,
which includes IdeaPad notebooks and IdeaCentre desktops. The new range of notebooks
consist of IdeaPad Y710, IdeaPad Y510 and IdeaPad U110, while the desktop range includes
IdeaCentre K 200 and IdeaCentre Q200.
19. HP Launches 3 Notebooks – March 10
On 10 March 2008, Hewlett Packard launched three new Pavilion notebooks series in India, priced between Rs 46,990-54,990. The new collection includes 'Verve' HP Imprint Finish on the limited edition HP Pavilion dv2600 series, 'Thrive' HP imprint on the special edition HP Pavilion dv6800 and HP Pavilion dv2800 Artist Edition Notebook PC with 'Asian odyssey' HP Imprint.
Consumer
Durables
Share Prices
Sales and Market Share
Source:
The Hindu Business
Line
Source: Euromonitor-Home Laundry Appliances-India-November 2007
Product Launches
20. Voltas Unveils New Range Of ACs – March 13
In March 2008, consumer durables manufacturer Voltas introduced a new range of air-conditioners in the premium and the luxury segment. The newly launched models include corner air-conditioner Vertis Pristine, which is a triangular AC designed to fit on the wall in the corner of a room.
21. Haier Unveils Energy-Efficient ACs, Refrigerators Range – March 07
On 8 March 2008, the Haier Group announced the launch of a range of energy-efficient air conditioners and frost-free refrigerators in India. The new range of air-conditioners comprises 16 split AC models and 9 window AC models. The company has also introduced nine new refrigerator models in both the frost-free and direct cool categories.
Financial
Services
Share Prices
Sales and Market Share
Banks
Source: Indian Banks’ Association
Insurance
22. General Insurance Sector Logs Growth Of 12% In January – February 27
General insurance industry grows by 12% during January 2008
According to industry data, the general insurance industry grew by about 12% during January 2008 with robust performance by private players such as Reliance General and Cholamandalam. The 16 non-life insurers collected premium worth Rs 2,520 crore in January 2008 compared to Rs 2,253 crore in January 2007. While Reliance General increased its premium by 47.5% to Rs 149 crore, Cholamandalam MS General Insurance premium grew by 65% to Rs 48 crore in January 2008. ICICI Lombard collected Rs 278 crore compared to Rs 275 crore in January 2007.
Source: The Economic Times
Mutual Funds
Source:
Association of Mutual Funds of India
Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others
Banks
23. Banks Q3 Interest Incomes Surges By 36%: ASSOCHAM – February 24
Banks’ interest income increases despite slowdown in credit off take
According to the ASSOCHAM Eco Pulse (AEP) study, even with the slowdown in credit off take due to high interest rate, interest income of the banking industry on an average has increased by 36% during October-December quarter 2007. The analysis, which was based on the Q3 results of 13 banks (including 6 private banks and 7 public sector banks), stated that the surge in interest incomes led to a 40% rise in total income in the quarter, compared to 24% in 2006. While the private sector banks registered a higher growth of 43.5%, the public sector banks grew by 32.7%.
Source:
The Economic Times
24. Old Private Banks Losing Market Share – March 12
Old Indian private sector banks witnessing growth reduction: Dun & Bradstreet
According to a report by Dun & Bradstreet (provider of international and US business credit information and credit reports), old Indian private sector banks are rapidly losing their market share to new rivals and facing a slowdown in business growth. The report, released on 11 March 2008, covered 80 scheduled commercial banks including 23 private sector banks such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Federal Bank, South Indian Bank, Karur Vysya Bank and City Union Bank. Dun & Bradstreet also pointed out consolidation as one of the key concerns in the Indian banking industry in the near term. In addition, the report considered the Indian banking industry too fragmented by global standards with the top 10 banks accounting for 65% of the banking assets and about 40 banks sharing 27% of the assets.
Source:
The Economic Times
25. Indian Banks Fare Poorly In Brand Value: Study – February 24
State Bank of India and ICICI Bank feature among the top 100 global banking brands
According to the Global 500 Financial Brands Index report by London-based consultancy Brand Finance, only two Indian banks, State Bank of India and ICICI Bank, figure among the top 100 global banking brands with brand values of $2,852 million and $2,603 million, respectively. The report, which incorporates data from the world's largest 32 stock markets, analyses the financial value of the world's top 500 banking brands. Compared to the Indian banks, three Chinese banks (Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of China) find a place among the top 25 brands.
Source:
The Economic Times
26. Free Inter-Bank ATM Access From 1 April '09: RBI – March 11
RBI asks banks to limit ATM charges
On 10 March 2008, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) asked banks to limit charges for customers’ use of other banks’ automated teller machines (ATMs) to Rs 20 per transaction. The new rate will be applicable from 31 March, 2008. The RBI also stated that effective 1 April 2009, this service should be offered free of cost to customers.
Source:
The Economic Times
27. DCB Enters Credit Card Biz; Launches DCB Advantage Card – March 04
DCB launches DCB Advantage Credit Card
On 4 March 2008, private-sector lender Development Credit Bank, in collaboration ICICI Bank, entered into the credit card business by launching the DCB Advantage Credit Card. ICICI Bank will handle its credit card business.
Source: Myiris
Insurance
28. Tata AIG Life Inks Pact With India Post – March 06
Tata AIG joins hands with India Post to reach more customers
On 5 March 2008, Tata AIG Life Insurance, a joint venture company formed by the Tata Group and American International Group Inc. (AIG), entered into a partnership with India Post, a government-operated postal system in India. This tie-up would enable Tata AIG Life Insurance’s customers to pay premium at 5,000 post offices across the country and will enable the company to extend its reach. The facility will soon be available in over 170 cities and will be extended in a phased manner to cover 5,000 post offices.
Source:
The Economic Times
Others
29. Reliance Money Targets NRIs In Overseas Foray – March 10
Reliance Money to offer equity trading, mutual fund products and PMS to Singapore-based NRIs
Reliance Money, the brokerage and financial services distribution subsidiary of Anil Ambani-led Reliance ADA Group, is planning to offer equity trading, Indian mutual fund products and portfolio management services to Singapore-based non-resident Indians (NRIs). For this purpose, Reliance Money will set up a new company that would serve as the base for the South East Asian market, covering Singapore and Malaysia.
Source: The Economic Times
Product Launches
Banks
30. Barclays Launches Hello Money Banking Services – March 03
On 3 March, 2008, Barclays launched Hello Money, a new service that enhances consumer convenience.
Barclays customers can now perform account enquiries and financial transactions by dialling *598*1# and
access banking services anywhere.
Insurance
31. Max NY Life Offers Health Plan – March 07
On 7 March, 2008, Max New York Life Insurance Company forayed into the health insurance
sector with the launch of the Lifeline range of health insurance products in Orissa. The
series comprises Medicash plans, Wellness plans and Safetynet plans.
32. ING Vysya Life’s Pension Product – March 05
On 4 March, 2008, ING Vysya Life Insurance launched a unit-linked pension product — ING
Golden Life – for people aged between 18 and 65 years. The product includes both regular
and single premium options.
33. SKS To Roll Out Health Insurance Product For Rural Poor – February 21
On 21 February, 2008, SKS Microfinance Private Limited, a microfinance company,
announced its plan to collaborate with ICICI General Lombard to launch health
insurance product `Swayam Shakti' for the poor in semi-urban and rural areas.
34. Savings Scheme For Urban Women Launched – March 08
On 8 March 2008, Kolkata-based private insurer Ashika Insurance Broking and Risk Management
(P) Ltd., in association with Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company, launched a savings scheme
called 'Empowered Women' in Kolkata. Under the scheme, a woman from urban areas would require
to invest a minimum of Rs 1,000 per month for a period of 20 years which would be converted
into a projected maturity of Rs 5,51,257.
Mutual Funds
35. Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Launches 14 Months FMP – March 05
In March 2008, Kotak Mutual Fund launched a 14-month Fixed Maturity Plan (FMP),
Kotak FMP 14M Series 4; this is a close-ended debt fund.
36. DSP ML Launches Natural Resources, New Energy Fund – February 25
On 25 February, 2008, DSP Merrill Lynch announced the launch of DSP Merrill Lynch Natural
Resources and New Energy Fund. This fund is an open-ended equity growth scheme investing
in companies that form a part of the natural resources, energy and new energy sectors.
Advertising Campaigns
Insurance
37. Reliance Life Insurance: The Quest For Real Wealth – February 26
Reliance Life launches new campaign ‘Wealth Bhi, Health Bhi’
Reliance Life’s new campaign, ‘Wealth Bhi, Health Bhi’, for its new Reliance Wealth + Health plan is based on the key consumer insight that “in the race to acquire wealth, we often lose our health”. The Reliance Wealth + Health plan offers customers a comprehensive wealth creation solution along with health insurance benefits.
Created by agency Orchard Advertising, the TVC shows a man studying hard during his college days with an aspiration to own a Porsche some day.
The degree enables him
to get a good job in a big MNC. Keeping a
Porsche
model in front of him, he continues to
work hard. In the quest for wealth, he works hard day and night while consuming unhealthy
food and leading a stressful lifestyle.
A rich and an overweight man now, he proudly arrives at a Porsche showroom to purchase his desired car. His happiness disappears when he does not fit into the car.
At this point, realisation dawns on him that no matter what, one’s health must not be neglected. The film ends on a positive note with the young man on a treadmill, working his way back to fitness.
Source:
Agencyfaqs
The media mix for this campaign includes TV, radio, online, viral, outdoor and mobile marketing.
Food
and Beverages
Share Prices
Sales and Market Share
Source: Euromonitor-Coffee-India-October 2007
Source: Euromonitor-Tea-India-October 2007
Source: Euromonitor-Bottled water company-India-July 2007
Source: Euromonitor- Sweet and Savoury Snacks Companies- India-October 2007
Source: Euromonitor- Chocolate Confectionery Companies- India- September 2007
Source: Euromonitor- Yoghurt Companies- India- December 2007
Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others
38. India To Have A Big Slice Of Global Snacks Market: GIA – March 08
India to greatly benefit from growth in the global snacks market: GIA
According to the report titled ‘Snack foods: a global strategic business report’ by market research firm Global Industry Analysts (GIA), India and other Asian countries will be at the forefront of growth expected in the global snack foods market. Estimated to grow to $300 billion by 2010, the market will benefit from the demand for healthier products, changing lifestyles and consumers’ growing affinity towards convenience foods. Growth in the Asia-Pacific region will be led by the region’s high population density, strong economic growth, rising disposable incomes, liberalised import policies and greater willingness to shift from traditional food to western diets.
Source:
The Economic Times
39. Food For Thought: Amul To Enter Bakery Segment and Amul Plans Aggressive Online Play – March 13
GCMMF to enter the bakery segment
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) plans to enter the bakery segment by adding breads, buns and cookies to its portfolio of products. This will not only help Amul emerge as a major player in the food market, but also enable it to capitalise on its wide distribution network, experience in dealing with perishable products, and synergy between dairy and bakery products.
Amul considers starting a Second Life online store
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) is studying the feasibility of starting a Second Life online store, the virtual world owned by Linden Labs. According to company sources, the Amul parlour, which took about three months to create, might soon be launched and will allow users to browse and access information about Amul products and processes.
Source:
The Economic Times
, The Economic Times
40. PepsiCo Kicks Off New Campaign For 7UP – February 18
PepsiCo 'Bheja Fry, 7UP Try' campaign uses youth lingo for better connect
With an aim to target the youth, PepsiCo has started a new campaign 'Bheja Fry, 7UP Try' for its lime flavour soft drink – 7UP. The brand attempts to empathise with the youth by talking to them in their language. The initiative will be backed by a comprehensive marketing plan comprising television, print, radio, outdoors, web activation with consumer-generated content and activities at major youth hang-outs.
Source:
The Economic Times
41. Vinay Pathak Does A Bheja Fry For Halls – March 10
Halls TVC communicates new brand positioning ‘Cools Throat and Gives Intense Cooling’
In March 2008, Cadbury India launched the Halls brand’s first television commercial featuring the enhanced product offering. It communicates the new brand positioning, ‘Cools Throat and Gives Intense Cooling’, in a humorous and engaging manner.
Source:
Agencyfaqs
Product Launches
42. Food Empire Launches Instant Coffee, ‘Ice Tea’ In Chennai – March 15
On 13 March 2008, Singapore-based food and beverage company Food Empire Holdings
launched its instant coffee brand, Melosa, in Chennai. Food Empire also launched
‘ice tea’ on 13 March 2008. Both products are available in 5-sachet and 10-sachet packs.
43. Ruchi Soya Launches Protein Drink – March 12
On 11 March 2008, Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd (RSIL) launched N’rich, a protein drink.
Launched in three flavours — Apple Kiwi, Apple Peach and Multifruit – it will be available in two pack
sizes of 200 ml and 1 litre.
44. Cadbury Launches 'Cadbury Lite' For Diabetics ’ Garlic Range Of Pizzas – March 10
On 10 March 2008, Cadbury India Ltd launched a new chocolate bar, Cadbury Lite, targeted at people suffering with diabetes. Available as a 40 g bar, it is priced at Rs 28.
45. Mr Bean Coffee Junction From Tata Coffee Launched – March 06
On 6 March 2008, the first stand-alone outlet of Tata Coffee Ltd in India, named Mr Bean
Coffee Junction, was launched in Coimbatore. The outlet combines roast and ground coffee sales with vending and retailing.
46. Godrej Hershey Launches Milk Mix – February 23
In February 2008, Godrej Hershey Foods and Beverages entered the milk modifier category
with the launch of Hershey's Nourishing Milk Mix in Tamil Nadu. It is available in two pack sizes,
600 g and 250 g, at prices of Rs 120 and Rs 60, respectively.
Advertising Campaigns
47. Coca Cola Launches New TVCs For Its Brands Including Thums Up, Fanta And Coke – February
New Thums Up TVC features high-speed car racing stunts – February 29
Thums Up has launched a TVC featuring brand ambassador Akshay Kumar. The objective of the advertisement was to show the extent to which a Thums Up drinker will go to procure his favourite drink.
Created by agency Leo Burnett, the TVC shows Akshay Kumar’s girlfriend driving her car on a busy Malaysian road. On spotting her, Akshay Kumar forces his way into the driver’s seat and begins to drive like a maniac, creating panic amongst bystanders. He chases a truck on which his Thums Up has fallen.
Amid his girlfriend’s screams, he catches up
with the vehicle, opens his car door and grabs the bottle of Thums Up. Just then, he loses control of the car and crashes.
The last shot shows a heavily bandaged Kumar in a hospital bed, thanking the forces above that his bottle of Thums Up is safe. As he takes a mouthful, his disgusted girlfriend angrily hits his leg, which is in a cast, and walks out.
According to Kashmira Chadha, director, marketing, Coca-Cola India, “The latest Thums Up campaign aims at portraying the ‘anything for my thunder’ attitude of the Indian male. Nothing can come between him and his Thums Up.”
Source:
Agencyfaqs
Fanta’s new TVC features the tagline ‘Fanta ka New Orangy Blast – Laga Kya?’ – February 28
Fanta’s new TVC highlights its new “orangy blast formulation”, which promises to offer a better taste
and hit the consumer’s tastebuds with a “blast”. The objective of the communication is to build a stronger
connect with its target audience, the youth.
The TVC shows a young boy trying various creative and imaginative ways of experiencing a “real blast” him.
For this purpose, his friends ram him into a pole while he tries to balance on a skateboard with his feet tied
together, break bricks on his head at a karate class, and even hit him on the face with a golf club. However,
nothing satisfies him till he drinks a bottle of Fanta and is swept off his feet with the impact of the new
“Orangy Blast”, which is depicted in the form of a large animated orange ball that appears with great force from the sky.
The TVC ends with the tagline, “Fanta ka New Orangy Blast – Laga Kya?” The boy nods as he lies on the ground, exhausted but finally satisfied. In addition, the TVC features the new Fanta logo, a round Fanta ball.
Source:
Agencyfaqs
Coca-Cola launches TVC based on the ‘Jashan Mana Le’ theme – February 29
Coca-Cola has launched a new TVC featuring brand ambassador Hrithik Roshan. Created by agency McCann Erickson, he TVC is based on the theme “Jashan Mana Le”, and showcases Coca-Cola as a magical force that revitalizes even the mundane things in life and gives reasons for celebrations.
The TVC shows a group of youngsters in search for food late at night. Finding everything shut, they are disappointed.
Just then, they spot Hrithik Roshan nearby, who opens a bottle of Coke with the result that the market lights up.
He tosses Coke bottles to each of them and as they start gulping, a variety of fast food joints materialise in the market. The lights start shutting down as they finish their bottles. Roshan takes his last sip and the market again plunges into darkness.
The campaign banks upon the premise that the youth of today are constantly seeking fun and enjoyment, irrespective of the time of the day. In addition to mass media, the company plans to use OOH and digital media also.
Source: Exchange4media
48. Parle Marie: Getting Chatty Over Biscuits And A Cuppa – February 22
Parle Marie launches three TVCs titled Park, Kitty Party and Terrace
Parle Marie has released a nationwide campaign consisting of three television commercials titled Park, Kitty Party and Terrace. Conceptualised by Grey, the TVCs revolve around the age-old practice of conversations at tea-time, which are enhanced by the consumption of Parle Marie biscuits.
The Park TVC shows a group of retired men who, after their morning exercise, are conversing and having fun over tea.
One of the men says that the day before, a lady arrived at his door and asked him if he was married; all the other men ask him excitedly what happened next. He says that she was just a “Censuswali” who was compiling a list of the people in his family.
One of the other men then says that a call centre lady called and asked him if he would like to go to Goa on a trip for two, and he asked her what time he should meet her at the airport. As an accompaniment, members of a laughter club laugh each time one of the old men relates an incident.
In the final shot, a third man reaches
out for the biscuit packet, but finds it empty. He says, “Yeh lo, yahan bhi wrong number.” The ad
ends with the product shot and the tagline, ‘Baatcheet, bakbak aur Parle Marie.’
In the Kitty Party TVC, a group of women talk about weight loss, their mothers-in-law, power cuts, and other problems of daily life.
In the Terrace TVC, young girls talk about boys in terms of computer jargon.
Besides television, the media mix for
the brand includes print, outdoor and some activity at the retail and dealer levels.
Source:
Agencyfaqs
49. Parle Poppins Is Ready To Give You One! – March 11
Parle Poppins launches TVC targeting the urban and contemporary kid
Confectionary candy Parle Poppins has launched a new TV commercial with an
aim to connect with the urban and contemporary kid.
The boy barely avoids the SUV from hitting him, and scolds its well-built driver,
“Aey du kya?” Not expecting something this, the brawny young driver obediently gives him the way. The boy carries
on with his aggressive attitude in several other situations, getting his own way by threatening
to give the other person something.
Finally, on missing the school bus he shouts at the driver, “Aey du kya?”
The angry driver dares to ask back, “Kya dega re tu?”
At this, the boy takes out a pack of Poppins from his pocket and sheepishly asks what flavour the driver will have.
The voiceover concludes: “Parle Poppins mein itne saare flavours ki sabko dene ka man karey.”
Source:
Agencyfaqs
50. Pepsi Launches New TVCs For Its Brands
Pepsi launches the Youngistaan campaign to target the Indian youth – February 18
Pepsi has launched a star-studded campaign “Youngistaan”, featuring brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan
along with new actors Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. This campaign seeks to capture the energy,
excitement and irreverence of the young, confident India.
Created by agency JWT, the ad shows Ranbir Kapoor dropping Deepika
Padukone off at her home. Kapoor then suggests that they go to Padukone’s
room so that he can drink the Pepsi lying there. She promptly replies that her
‘bodyguard’ elder brother is at home, and bids him farewell.
Undaunted, Ranbir tries to climb up to her balcony with the help of a
dish antenna, but falls down. Hearing the noise, Padukone’s elder brother, Shah Rukh Khan,
comes outside and demands that Kapoor’s identity be revealed.
On spotting a broken neon sign nearby reading “Young Hindustan Supermarket”,
Ranbir creates a new word by combining the visible letters, Youngistaan.
He then pretends to be a robotic figure from another land, and says that he is there to safeguard Khan’s sister.
Overjoyed, Khan allows Kapoor entry into his house and to Deepika’s room, where the couple
enjoy their privacy and the Pepsi, while the tagline is voiced – ‘Yeh Hai Youngistaan Meri Jaan’.
The ad is being supported by radio, outdoor, web and wireless media.
Source:
Agencyfaqs
Mountain Dew’s new campaign emphasises the tagline ‘Beyond Fear Lies Victory’ – March 01
PepsiCo India launched a new ad for Mountain Dew with an aim to establish the
soft drink brand’s association with the adventurous spirit of the youth. The
objective of the new thematic campaign was to strengthen the brand philosophy of
“Beyond Fear, Lies Victory” and forge a deeper connect with its core target
audience – the adventurous, bold and daring youth. Created by agency JWT, the
TVC shows four young men on the verge of rafting through a dangerous rapid.
Each person is thinking that he is the only of the four who is scared. As
they try to conquer their fear, a voice tells them “Darr sabko lagta hai.
Gala sabka sookhta hai” (Everyone experiences fear. Everyone’s throats go dry).
The boys then hear the ‘clink’ of the Mountain Dew bottles kept in the raft. As
they drink the beverage, they experience a rush of adrenalin and they take on the
rapids overcoming their fear and paddle to safety. The voiceover concludes:
“Darr ke aage jeet hai” (Beyond fear, lies victory). The thematic campaign is also backed by a
comprehensive 360-degree activation plan comprising television, web and wireless,
outdoor, press and radio.
Source:
Exchange4media
Source: Euromonitor Report- Travel Accommodation - India- October 2007
51. $11.41 Bn To Flow Into Hospitality Sector In 2 Years: Study – March 09
Indian hospitality sector to witness an estimated $11.41 billion of investment by 2010: MaFoi
According to consulting agency MaFoi, the Indian hospitality sector would witness an
inflow of estimated $11.41 billion by 2010 and 40 international brands will be present
here by 2011. The boom in the tourism industry has had an effect on the hospitality sector,
which was a result of the increase in the occupancy ratios and average room rates. While the
occupancy ratio is around 75-80%, the average increase in room rates hovered around 22-25% for
the July-September 2007 period, the study revealed.
Source:
The Economic Times
52. Sarovar Opens Second Hometel In Hyderabad – March 03
Mumbai-based hospitality management company Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, in alliance with
the Manjeera group (a Hyderabad-based construction conglomerate), launched its economy
segment hotel – Aditya Hometel – in Hyderabad on 28 February, 2008.
53. Giorgio Armani-DLF JV To Make Retail Foray In India – February 19
Giorgio Armani collaborates with DLF to introduce retail stores in India
Italian fashion brand Giorgio Armani is planning to introduce retail stores in India
and has entered into a 51:49 joint venture (JV’) with real estate developer DLF.
The joint venture will undertake the sale and distribution of several Armani brands,
namely Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Armani Junior and Armani Collezioni
across India. The JV will focus on retailing apparel, footwear, handbags, luggage, watches,
phones, jewellery, perfumes, eyewear, sport gears and other accessories for men and women.
Source:
The Economic Times
54. Hiranandani, Lahari Infra To Invest Rs 750 Cr In Multi-Services SEZ – March 08
Hiranandani Group and Lahari Infrastructure Ltd to invest Rs 750 crore in ‘Hiranandani Upscale’
Mumbai-based real estate Company Hiranandani Group and Hyderabad-based Lahari
Infrastructure Ltd plans to invest Rs 750 crore in a multi-services Special Economic
Zone (SEZ) that is being developed 40 km from Hyderabad. Named Hiranandani Upscale,
the SEZ will provide infrastructure for all industries, including information technology, pharmaceuticals and banking.
Source:
The Hindu Business Line
Source: Euromonitor Report- Hypermarkets - India- June 2007
Source: Euromonitor Report- Supermarkets - India- June 2007
55. 50% Of Malls May Close Down By 2010: Experts – March 08
Consolidation of the retail industry to result in the closure of 50% malls by March 2010
According to Jagdeep Kapoor, chairman, Samsika Marketing Consultants, consolidation
in the retail industry would result in nearly 50% of the malls shutting down by March
2010. However, while retailers focusing on consumers would thrive, those that focus on
investors would not be as lucky. According to industry experts, concentrating on expansion
would not ensure survival in a market that is becoming intensely competitive.
Source:
Fnbnews
56. Fortis Healthworld Ties Up With Godrej Adhaar – February 19
Fortis Healthworld ties up with Godrej Adhaar to extend its reach to rural India
Fortis Healthworld (FHW) has tied up with Godrej Adhaar to extend its reach to
rural India by setting up FHW pharmacies. These one-stop shops for preventive,
curative and supportive care will have, besides regular prescription and OTC drugs,
both homeopathic and ayurvedic under the same roof. The stores will also be equipped
with a wide range of fast-moving health goods and support systems.
Source:
The Hindu Business Line
57. Reliance Retail Ties Up With Pearle Europe – March 05
Reliance Retail and Pearle Europe to launch a chain of optical stores in India
Reliance Retail Ltd has entered into a joint venture with Pearle Europe in March 2008
for the launch of a chain of optical stores in India. These will comprise independent
stores and stores within Reliance Retail’s Hypermart, Super and Wellness categories.
The JV aims to bring world-class retail optical stores to India with a range of private-label
frames, lenses, sunglasses, and contact lenses and solutions. According to Reliance Retail, the joint
venture is expected to be formalised within the next few months.
Source:
The Hindu Business Line
Source: Cellular Operators Association of India
58. GSM Mobile Firms Add 5.9 Mln Users In Feb – March 10
GSM-based mobile operators add 5.9 million users in February 2008: COAI
According to data released by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI),
India's leading GSM-based mobile operators added 5.9 million users in February 2008,
about 300,000 less than those in January. The report also stated that India had 184.7
million subscribers on nine GSM networks by February-end. While Bharti Airtel Ltd led the
pack by adding 2.3 million new users in February, taking its total subscribers to 59.7 million,
Vodafone Essar added 1.4 million new users, increasing its subscriber base to 42.6 million.
Source:
The Economic
Times
59. Bharti Overtakes BSNL In NLD Segment – February 19
Bharti becomes leading company in the NLD segment
According to a report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI),
Bharti Airtel has overtaken state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd as the largest national long-distance service provider in terms of revenue. Bharti, with revenues of Rs 709 crore during the quarter ending December 2007, leads the pack, followed by BSNL with revenues of Rs 700 crore and Reliance Communication with revenues of Rs 567 crore. Bharti’s lead over BSNL has been primarily attributed to shift in usage from fixed-line telephones to mobile phones.
Source:
The Hindu
Business Line
60.
Tata
Teleservices Willing To Pay For Poor Services
–
March 15
Tata Teleservices to pay penalty to customers for low service quality
On 14 March 2008, Tata Teleservices announced that the company will offer penalty
voluntarily to their subscribers if the quality of their services was found to be
below standard. The company will come out with a customer chart setting more stringent
quality norms compared to telecom regulator TRAI, according to Tata Teleservices’ MD Anil Sardana.
Source:
The Economic Times
61. Virgin Mobile Enters India Through Pact With Tata Tele – March 03
Virgin Mobile brand enters the Indian market through franchise arrangement with TTSL
On 2 March, 2008, the Virgin Mobile brand was launched in India through a
franchise arrangement with Tata Teleservices (TTSL). TTSL, which is the second-largest
CDMA operator with 22 million customers, plans to sell the youth-based mobile service under
the brand name Virgin Mobile. The Virgin group and TTSL have also jointly established a company, Virgin Mobile India Ltd, to develop the new branded service.
Source:
The Hindu Business Line
62.
IOC To Distribute Idea Products
–
February 22
Idea Cellular Ltd and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd enter into a distribution pact
Idea Cellular Ltd and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd have entered into a tie-up for the distribution of Idea prepaid and recharge products in Kerala. According to the MoU, IOC will distribute recharge products of Idea through all its petrol bunks, LPG agencies and lube dealers across the state.
Source:
The Hindu Business Line
63. Transfer Money With Airtel Mobile – March 05
Airtel announces a slew of partnerships for mobile commerce services
On 4 March 2008, Bharti Airtel announced several partnerships for mobile commerce services,
including mobile money transfer. The company has entered into agreements with banks such as ICICI Bank,
HDFC Bank, SBI and Corporation Bank, and also with financial services company VISA to offer three
specialised services – Mobile Money Transfer (MMT), post-paid bill payment, and prepaid recharge.
In addition, Bharti Airtel customers can also make payments over their mobiles for air, rail and movie tickets.
Source:
The Economic Times
64. Tata Tele Launches i-Help Emergency Services – March 15
On 14 March 2008, Tata Teleservices Ltd announced the launch of i-Help Emergency
Services, which allow mobile users to contact their family and friends instantly
in case of an emergency. “i-HELP 44 Emergency” service was launched on 14 March, 2008.
65. Airtel Launches Enhanced Version Of CallHome Service – March 11
On 11 March 2008, targeting Indians living in the US, telecom service provider Bharti Airtel launched an upgraded version of its CallHome services, which will enable users to buy talktime for making calls using Indian credit cards.
66. Airtel Launches Mobile Phone Back-Up Service In Punjab – March 06
On 6 March 2008, Bharti Airtel announced the launch of a mobile back-up service, 'Airtel Mobile
Phone Back-up Service', which will allow subscribers to create a back-up for their phone data.
The service, which has been started in Punjab, safeguards the data of a customer's mobile phone,
including contacts, calendar, SMS, photos, videos and music.
67. BSNL Launches Insurance Scheme For Its Customers – March 01
On 1 March 2008, state-run BSNL introduced a scheme of personal accident insurance
for its customers with Rs 50,000 coverage at Shillong, India. A post-paid customer
would be entitled to the insurance scheme, which includes accidental death and permanent disability due to accident.
68. Idea: SMS Comes To The Rescue – February 21
New Idea TVC features Abhishek Bachchan as tourist guide
Idea’s new TVC features brand ambassador Abhishek Bachchan essaying the role of a loud, goofy tourist guide. The objective of the campaign is to celebrate the concept of people communicating and coming together.
The 60-second TVC starts with a female foreign tourist admiring the Taj Mahal. Suddenly, a gaudily dressed guide (Abhishek Bachchan) appears before her, saying, “Hello, Madam, you want guide? I give full story, best price.”
He offers her his visiting card and she takes it without saying anything. He then asks, “English locha? French? German? Kuch to bolo? Nahin?”
As he starts to walk away, he sees her friend coming to her and speaking in sign language.
He then realises that the girl is deaf and mute and that she has not understood a word of what he said to her.
He turns to walk away again, when he gets a message on his mobile phone, saying, and “Need a guide.”
He then happily proceeds to show her group around and says, “So, ladies of the gentlemen, beautiful monument for a beautiful lady. Symbol of love.”
He then sends the girl an SMS with this message, to which she replies with another SMS, saying, “What an idea.”
He sees the message, looks at her and shyly repeats, “What an idea.” That’s when he realises that she was referring to the Taj Mahal and he quickly points it out to everyone, saying loudly, “What an idea, arre, arre, what an idea, I say.”
Source:
Agencyfaqs
Source: Auto News Bulletin January, 2008 by Murad Baig Associates
69. Sales Of Cars Rise 7.83% In Feb, 2-Wheelers’ Dip 14% – March 11
Two-wheeler industry registers a negative growth of 14.24%
According to data released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM),
the two-wheeler industry registered a negative growth of 14.24% in February 2008. Due to restrained
finances, motorcycles sales fell by 17.68% to 4,25,089 units. Hero Honda’s sales declined by 7.5%
during the month to 2,47,735 units and those of Bajaj Auto reduced by 26.50% to 1,07,768 units.
Source:
The Hindu
Business Line
70. TVS Launches 'Flame' With Modified Engine – March 10
On 10 March 2008, Chennai-based TVS Motor Co launched its 125 cc motorcycle Flame with a modified engine. Priced at Rs 46,000 (ex-showroom across the country), the bike has a single-spark ignition engine based on the Controlled Combustion Variable Timing Intelligent (CC-VTi) technology.
71. Honda Launches New Scooter 'Aviator' – March 02
On 2 March, 2008, two-wheeler maker Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) launched its latest
102 cc scooter Aviator, which is priced at Rs. 40,708 (ex-showroom) in Hyderabad, India. The scooter
is available in two variants – standard and deluxe.
Source: Euromonitor Report - June 2007
72. Skin Care – March 06
In February 2008, Kaya Skin Clinic introduced the Sensitive Skin Line of cosmetics that have been
claimed to be perfume-free, clinically tested, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-certified.
The face cleanser in this range is priced at Rs 600 for a 200 ml pack, moisturiser Rs 700 for 50 ml and sunscreen Rs 750 for 50 ml.
73. Elder Healthcare Launches Fair One Plus Five Cream – March 03
In March 2008, Elder Healthcare Ltd. launched Fair One Plus Five cream which tones and tightens the skin.
It is priced at Rs. 75 for 50 gm.
Source: Euromonitor-Footwear-India-October 2007
74. “Talent First”- Reebok Supports New Initiative To Help Fulfill Potential Of Young Cricket Enthusiasts Launches The Reebok Cricket Star Twenty20
– March 04
Reebok launches talent hunt to promote aspiring cricketers in India
On 4 March, 2008, Reebok announced the commencement of Reebok Cricket Star Twenty20 –
a nationwide talent hunt to discover the most promising young cricketer of India. This event will be
conducted across the eight IPL (Indian Premire League) cities, will provide a platform for aspiring
cricketers to showcase their cricketing abilities. Former cricketer Greg Chappell will judge the selection trials.
The winner of Reebok Cricket Star Twenty20 will be awarded a contract with the Rajasthan Royals, the Indian Premier
League Cricket team.
Source:
Businesswire India
75. Reebok Eyes Apparel Sponsorship Of IPL Teams – March 08
Reebok considers acquiring apparel sponsorship rights for IPL teams
Reebok India is considering acquiring apparel sponsorship rights of some of the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams. The company, which will sponsor the jerseys of all the players in the Twenty20 team from Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals, is negotiating with other teams for this purpose.
Source:
The Hindu
Business Line
76. Reebok Is Bipasha's Fitness Mantra – February 29
Reebok signs Bipasha Basu as its brand ambassador
Reebok India has signed on Bollywood star Bipasha Basu as its brand ambassador.
Leveraging on her fitness and glamour quotient, Reebok aims to create a perfect blend
of performance and lifestyle in the women's segment. Reebok has revamped the entire apparel
and footwear range to make the collection more feminine.
Source:
Businesswire India
Created by agency Everest Brand Solutions, the TVC opens on a shot of
a young boy cycling into a parking spot, when an SUV drives in.
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