Month: June 2024

·         Ambuja Cements’ and ACC’s digital transformation stands as a testament to their commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence.

·         The cement and building material companies are at the forefront of facilitating swift decision-making and improved customer service by leveraging AI, IOT, Video analytics and Optimisation capabilities.

 

Ambuja Cements Limited and ACC Limited, the cement and building material companies of the diversified Adani Portfolio, are excited to unveil their commitment towards innovation that will redefine the construction landscape through a series of visionary digital initiatives. The companies are steadfastly pursuing operational excellence and customer-centric solutions with cutting-edge digital initiatives.

 

Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO – Cement Business, Adani Group, said, “With the continuous evolution of the digital landscape across the nation and globally, we wholeheartedly embrace the need for the construction sector to adapt and create more efficient and effective solutions. Our digital journey reflects our dedication to innovate and deliver best in class products and solutions to all our stakeholders efficiently. Ambuja Cements and ACC’s digital initiatives emerge as a beacon of progress. The process of modernising the entire digital landscape, as well as using AI & IoT technologies for enhancing the plants stand as a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to progress.”

At the forefront of this initiative is the development of the NexGen Sales & Reward Platform, a forward-looking digital ecosystem designed to foster seamless collaboration among customers, channel partners, retailers, influencers and sales partners by streamlining coordination and operations on a modern technology stack. By standardising and simplifying business processes, the companies aspire to significantly enhance outcomes for internal teams and external collaborators.

 

In addition, Ambuja Cements and ACC are implementing the ‘Plants of the Future’ programme to digitally transform manufacturing processes to improve production quality and reduce costs. This includes incorporating robotics for automation, automated weighbridges, in-plant automation, automated quality testing, robotics process automation for plant shutdown management, and drones for maintenance.

 

The digital transformation also encompasses their Industry 4.0-based Command-and-Control programme, a pioneering platform that offers stakeholders a visual representation of critical business data as well as insights and exceptions for seamless and proactive running of the business.This platform harnesses advanced analytics, equipping decision-makers with the necessary tools to optimise strategies for maximum output. Under phase 1 of this programme, the companies have developed the Cement Network Operating Centre (CNOC) dashboard.

 

Teaming up with the Adani Group’s AI Labs will seamlessly enable harnessing the power of artificial intelligence through the integration of AI models, including generative AI capabilities, video-based analytics and optimiser functionalities. This will accelerate the decision-making processes and elevate customer interactions to new levels of efficiency. 

 

Furthermore, the companies are implementing their advanced logistics and fleet management tools by revamping vehicle tracking and transportation management systems.Leveraging technologies such as GPS, RFIDs, and advanced track-and-trace algorithms, these enhancements will provide real-time vehicle location and estimated arrival times, enabling driver safety, seamless coordination between buyers and sellers for enhanced efficiency. The new expansion projects will fully use digital tools for enhanced project management capabilities.

 

The digital transformation encompasses its entire landscape, including network, data, business applications across its plants, and cybersecurity. Recognising the importance of cybersecurity, the companies will have fortified their business information systems with advanced and modern cybersecurity solutions. Adani’s ISO 27k-certified central cyber defence and security operations centre ensures enterprise-grade security, safeguarding the integrity of the company's operations.

 

Ambuja Cements and ACC’s focus on Digitalisation and AI-driven strategies exemplifies its dedication to delivering exceptional solutions.By embracing cutting-edge technologies and fostering a culture of innovation, the company continues to pioneer advancements that redefine the sector. 

Chini Mills Limited (BCML),one of the largest integrated sugar mill complexes in India sincerely advocates sustainability through its eco-friendly product basket coupled with a host of sustainable manufacturing practices, actively devised by the Company. Under the abled stewardship of distinct leaders, BCML has diversified its offerings over the years. From being a leading sugar manufacturer to venturing into business lines like that of cogeneration and distillery, BCML has consciously streamlined its efforts towards carving a sustainable future. Recently, the Company announced its upcoming PLA-manufacturing venture through which it aims to responsibly intervene into the market of Single-Use-Plastics and drive a sustainable switch.

 

The Company’s futuristic vision translates into its core operational philosophy wherein it aims to generate more from less. BCML’s journey in the line of sustainability is defined by 6 paramount concepts – Integrated, Zero Liquid Discharge, Financial Prudence, Biofuel, Cane Competence and Digitalisation.

 

Through seamless integration, BCML has been able to generate maximumvalue from a stick of cane on one hand and ensure enhanced return on employed capital on the other. While the process of integration possesses notable environmental benefits but also boost financial value for all stakeholders. Expansion of BCML’s distillery capacity has been one of the primary factors which led to a significantly lower need of borrowed funds to grow the business. While biofuel has significantly transformed the destiny of BCML, it was also amongst the first companies to respond to the National Biofuel Policy of 2018 through notable investments directed towards the distillery business. From 360 KLPD in 2017-18 to a whopping capacity of 1050 KLPD, BCML has rapidly ramped up its distillery capacity.

 

BCML not only actively invests to enhance the quality and productivity of the primary raw material i.e. sugarcane but also collaborates with advanced cane research institutes to introduce superior cane alternatives. Being one among the first sugar companies to implement the power of digitalisation, it helped the Company to centralize data around common platforms and thereby led to undertaking well-informed decisions.

 

From successfully graduating all its distilleries to zero liquid discharge, installation of incineration boilers in sugar manufacturing plants, before the same was mandated to making proactive investments in the construction of state-of-art units to recycle and reduce condensate water and many more, BCML’s futuristic approach can be mapped through the notable steps proactively undertaken by the Company.

 

The renewable by-products manufactured by BCML, significantly contributes to replace the use of finite fossil fuels with biodegradable alternatives. The Company’s latest investment in Poly Lactic Acid manufacturing stands testimony to itsrelentless efforts in the line of advocating sustainable switches.With an estimated investment of INR 2,000 crore, BCML aims to tap into the market of bioplastic production. Through this venture, the leading sugar manufacturer aims to optimally instrumentalize sugar to produce PLA, and thereby significantly reduce the consumption of SUPs. Derived from a crop as widely grown in the country, as sugarcane, PLA bioplastic is not only an environment-friendly alternative but also inhibits properties which enables seamlessly replacement of fossil-fuel based plastics, thereby reducing the country’s energy dependence. To cut down major infrastructural expenses and leverage the existing resources, the Company has planned to establish the upcoming project on a “greenfield site” adjacent to an existing sugar plant.

 

Through strategic utilization of the by-products, BCML has successfully established a circular economy within the Company. Led by industry statesmen, BCML identified the potential of biofuels andenvisioned arise in thenecessity to attain energy independence in the future, therebymade sizeable investments and ventured into the business of distillery and cogeneration, back in 1995. To enhance its contribution towards India’s biofuel production, BCML undertook a decisive step wherein it dedicated its Maizapur unit to solely produce ethanol.

 

Precisely, BCML’s dedicated efforts havehelped establish a seamless integrated model of operations wherein one end product serves as the raw material for the production of another. Hence the operational philosophy devised by the Company speaks volumes of its vision of securing an energy independent tomorrow.

 

 

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⮚      Milestone achieved within two years of launch of Wynk Studio

⮚      Feat reinforces platform’s capability to promote upcoming music talent

 

Wynk Music, India’s number one music streaming app by downloads and daily active users, has achieved an industry-leading milestone of an impressive 1.7+ billion streams for  songs by independent artists of Wynk Studio – the launch pad for budding music artists taking their songs to a nationwide audience. These songs have,remarkably, crossed this milestone within two years of Wynk Studio’s launch, underscoring Wynk’s commitment to promoting independent music and supporting talented and upcoming artists.

 

Amit Tripthai, Chief Marketing Officer – Bharti Airtel, said, “We launched Wynk Studio because we wanted upcoming artists to have a platform to monetise their music while we delivered an eclectic music library for our customers to choose from. The 1.7millionstreams for these songs establishes how much our customers are enjoying the content while we helpthe artist. In less than two years, Wynk Studio has become so popular that we are signing artists from across the length and breadth of the country even as we champion language diversity on Wynk. We promise to continue diversifying and enabling more artists to build thriving music careers”.

 

Wynk Studio was launched with the aim to recognise music talent in the country and enable artists to build sustainable careers in the music industry. The first-of-its-kind artist growth platform – Wynk Studio – has revolutionised artist support in India through personalised mentorship, wide distribution and monetisation opportunities. Wynk Studio also providesartists with a host of opportunities including collaborations with other music labels, background scores of Web series, OTT, live events and other such openings.

 

Wynk Music curates special playlists with the songs of these artists to drive its discoverability and consequently the streams. Wynk’s large customer base helps artist to increase their reach and monetise their songs easily to build thriving careers. This has led to an increase in the number of independent artists from across the country joining the platform and finding a wider audience for their music. Till date, the platform has helped 2000+ artists with a creative outlet while solving monetisation and discovery issues for them.

 

Along with emerging artists, established artists like Nikhita Gandhi, Vishal Dadlani, Rahet Fateh Ali Khan have also joined hands with Wynk Studio to release their music. The platformhas enabled the careers of artists like Prateek Gandhi, Raj Burman, Harsha Praveen and Reena Gilbert to make them the top performing artists of Wynk Studio.

Wynk has also supported the distribution of independent singles like “Love Token” from Manj Music and Anusha Dandekar; along with supporting independent producers like LGF Studios for the promotion of their movie “Love All” starring Kay Kay Menon and Swastika Mukherjee.

Top Indie Artists & Songs

Artists	Track Link
Prateek Gandhi	https://wynk.in/u/QuKTBOSaG
Harsha Prawin	https://wynk.in/u/MbUlb4fuE
Raj Barman	https://wynk.in/u/9zv3IGVY1
Dheemusix	https://wynk.in/u/fkfgWv2BQ
Gagan Baderiya	https://wynk.in/u/FmndYbFWf

Top Indie Language Songs

Language	Track Link	Artist
Punjabi	Chahat	Arhaan Hussain
Kannada	Kanasu	Dheemusix
Tamil	Potta Pulla Vaasam Theadi	Martin Kartenjer
Telugu	Padessave Pilla	Harsha Prawin
Hindi	Mashhoor Banegi	Prateek Gandhi

 

Wynk Journey

⮚      Sept 2014: Launched in India; crosses one lakh downloads within 4 days

⮚      Feb 2015: Crosses 5 million app downloads

⮚      June 2015: Launches Data Save Mode

⮚      Nov 2015: Crosses 12 million installs

⮚      Jan 2016: Introduces MP3 player function – Plays local MP3 file

⮚      Mar 2017: Crosses 50 million installs

⮚      Jan 2018: Crosses 75 million installs

⮚      Dec 2018: Voted India’s most entertaining app on Playstore

⮚      Jan 2019: Crosses 100 million installs

⮚      Aug 2022: Launched Wynk Studio

⮚      Aug 2023: Brings Dolby Atmos to the app

⮚      Sept 2023: Ventures into film music distribution with ‘Love All’

For more details visit https://studio.wynk.in/and https://wynk.in/music

~Vietjet offers promotional tickets priced from just ₹5,555*, applicable to all direct flights for Indian travellers only on 21st June 2024~

Vietjet, a leading new-age airline has announced the first25 winning couples for round-trip tickets from the highly anticipated Love Connection 2024 contest. The deserving participants have been awarded air tickets for a romantic holiday to Vietnam's most renowned destinations, including Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc.

The ‘Love Connection’ contest demonstrates Vietjet’s commitment to celebrating love and offering Indian couples the opportunity to experience the charm of Vietnam. This initiative reflects Vietjet’s gratitude for the support and affection from its Indian passengers.

After a thrilling three-month competition, the contest garnered over 21 million views from couples across India, with almost 400 entries sharing their romantic journeys. From this vast pool, first25 couples were chosen for their exceptional storytelling and romantic experiences The winners, announced on loveconnection.vietjetair.com, can avail themselves of their tickets and fly from now until 31st May 2025.

Additionally, Vietjet presents thousands of promotional tickets between India and Vietnam on Friday, 21st June 2024. Passengers can book tickets easily on the website vietjetair.com or via the Vietjet App to “hunt” for promotional tickets priced from just ₹5,555*, applicable to all direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, for travel from 1st September 2024 to 15th May 2025.

Furthermore, the airline kicks off the Flygreen inflight series this summer by introducing an unforgettable experience onboard a flight from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Mumbai (BOM) on 20th June, featuring the first peacock workshop in the sky.  In collaboration with the Embassy of India in Hanoi, Vietjet celebrates the International Day of Yoga (IDY), on 20th June. This event is part of a series of Yoga celebrations across Vietnamese cities including Hanoi, Dien Bien, Hai Phong, Tuyen Quang, Hue, and Quang Binh.

Limited seats are available, passengers can book their Vietjet flight onthe website www.vietjetair.com or via the Vietjet App to join the creative fun.

*Terms & Conditions applied

 

Special Film Screenings to Facilitate Participation of Persons with Disabilities in MIFF 2024

In a special effort to take the joy of films to diverse sections of the society at the 18^th Mumbai International Film Festival 2024, NFDC has partnered with Svayam, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion, to make the MIFF venue accessible for all the cinephiles. Apart from this, there will be a special screening of four Divyangjans films/episodes on 19^th June 2024 to allow persons with Disabilities to also enjoy films at MIFF 2024.

Through structural and logistic changes and identifying the best practices for accessibility standards, the partnership with Svayam is striving to make the NFDC -FD premises which is also the venue for the 18^th MIFF, disabled-friendly. This initiative marks the first time in MIFF's history that such paramount importance has been placed on venue accessibility, setting a new standard in the realm of film festivals.

As the Accessibility Partner for the upcoming week-long event, Svayam has made several efforts to ensure that MIFF 2024 is truly inclusive and accessible to all. The organisation conducted comprehensive accessibility audits of the festival venue at NFDC – Films Division premises, providing tailored solutions to enhance accessibility in accordance with universal best practices.

For the first time ever, the entire festival team will be sensitised and trained to ensure a culture of inclusivity and empathy. “This time we will not only ensure the venue is accessible to the Divyangjans but also ensure the volunteers engaged in the festival are also trained appropriately to handle the differently abled at the festival.” says Festival Director, Shri. Prithul Kumar.

Svayam also conducted an exclusive sensitization training session at the MIFF premises, on 13^th June 2024. The training session engaged 120 plus organisers, including senior officials, stakeholders, volunteers, and staff members. The session focused on fostering awareness and understanding of proper etiquette and terminology to help the team especially when interacting with film lovers and attendees with reduced mobility, including individuals with hidden disabilities, pregnant women, children, and senior citizens.

The sensitization training session covered a range of topics, including: Understanding Disability; Difference between Disability and Impairment; Understanding 21 disability as per RPWD ACT 2016; Models of Disabilities; What is Barrier free environment? Types of barriers with examples; Disability Etiquettes; Using right Terminology.

Additionally, participants engaged in simulation exercises to gain firsthand insight into the barriers faced by individuals with reduced mobility, followed by interactive user group discussions to share experiences and insights.

“Accessibility is a fundamental right, and we at Svayam are committed to ensuring spaces are welcoming to all. Our collaboration with MIFF 2024 is a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity within the film festival landscape.” Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership. “By prioritizing accessibility, we are not only opening doors for individuals with reduced mobility but also paving the way for a more inclusive future where diversity is celebrated with dignity.”

Taking the effort forward, some screening at the 18^th MIFF 2024 have also been designed in a manner that will allow persons with disabilities to watch and enjoy film. “The 18^th Mumbai International Film Festival showcases Accessible Films. There will be films with Indian Sign Language and closed captions for the audience who have hearing disabilities and also films with audio description for the visually challenged. Also there will be a film ‘Cross Over’ with live dance using the Indian Sign language,” stated Festival Director, Shri. Prithul Kumar at the Curtain Raiser Press Conference for 18^th MIFF 2024.

The special screening of Divyangjan Films will also be showcased at the Festival to allow persons with Disabilities to also enjoy films at MIFF 2024. The films are-

1. THE CROSSOVER (ISL/English – 21 minutes) by Methil Devika

The Crossover is a short film that captures a dance performance where the dancer seamlessly integrates the Indian Sign Language with the aesthetic sign language of Mohiniyattam – an Indian classical dance form of Kerala, to explicate the narrative.

2. Little Krishna (English) with Indian Sign Language by Ish

Episode 3: The Horror Cave (22 mins) and Episode 8: Challenge of the Brute (23 mins)

 

When Lord Krishna was enjoying his childhood pastimes with his friends in the forest of Vrindavana, a demon named Aghasura, instigated by Kamsa, appears intending to kill them all. Also in the village of Vrindavana, one demon named Arishtasura terrorizes the inhabitants, prompting them to seek protection from Krishna. Krishna confronts the demons, effortlessly defeating them.

3. Jay Jagannath (Hindi – 36 mins) by Shripad Warkhedkar

Lord Jagannath, incarnated as a child named Jagan, and his devoted follower Balaram. It explores their adventures and incorporates folktales, blending mythology and friendship narratives.

MIFF 2024's commitment to accessibility underscores its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can fully participate in the celebration of cinema. Joining hands with Svayam, MIFF sets a precedent for other festivals to follow, demonstrating that accessibility is not only achievable but essential for creating truly enriching experiences for all attendees.

According to the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), News18 network has achieved an unprecedented reach of 16.20 crore on Counting Day, surpassing the television reach of 2024 IPL Finale, which was 10.90 crore.

The total reach of Counting Day was calculated by aggregating the reach of Network18's 20 channels across various languages, while IPL Finale's total reach was derived from 13 Star Sports channels. (Counting Day Unrolled Data | Source: BARC | Channel: Network18 (20 channels) | Metric: Reach TG: 2+|Period: 04th June 24, 24 Hrs I Market: All India) (IPL Finale | Source: BARC | Channel: Star Sports (13 channels) Metric: Reach TG: 2+| Period: 26th May'24, 24 Hrs | Market: All India)

CNN-News18 also emerged as the undisputed leader in the English news genre on the counting day of 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The channel amassed 41.1% market share on the crucial Counting Day, whereas Republic TV stayed behind with 24% market share. In comparison, Times Now was at a distant 21.2% market share, followed by India Today TV at 9%. The market share of CNN-News18 is almost 100% more than that of Times Now and four times more than India Today. (Source: BARC | Metric: Market Share% | TG: 15+ AB | Period: 04th June'24, 24 Hrs | Market: India |7 Channels considered) (Source: BARC | Metric: Market Share% | TG: 15+ AB | Period: Wk 23'24, 24 Hrs | Market: India |7 Channels considered)

News18 India recorded a whopping 7.69 crore (unrolled)* reach on the Counting Day. The number one Hindi news channel was at 3.74 crore reach, followed by Aaj Tak on the second spot with a reach of 3.40 crore. Similarly, the Counting Week data shows News18 India’s remarkable cumulative reach of 11.15 crore, followed by Aaj Tak at a distant 9.13 crore. (Source: BARC | Metric: Reach TG: 2+ | Period: 04th June'24,24 Hrs | Market: HSM | *As per BARC CER) (Source: BARC | Metric: Cume Reach| TG: 2+ | Period: Wk 23'24, 24 Hrs | Market: HSM)

To highlight its unparalleled viewership on the Counting Day, News18 Network launched a media campaign on Friday. The news network released a front-page ad in all editions of The Economic Times, showcasing comprehensive dominance over competitors on the Counting Day of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

News18’s programming on Counting Day started at 6AM, bringing the most accurate trends throughout the day. Combined with live on-ground reportage, the Counting Day coverage stayed on top of all key developments and reactions as they came in.

Bolstered by top anchors such as Zakka Jacob, Kishore Ajwani, Anand Narasimhan, Rubika Liyaquat, Amish Devgan, Rahul Shivshankar, Aman Chopra, Shivani Gupta and Prateek Trivedi, News18 Network not only aims to expand its market share but also enhance brand image and establish stronger ties with advertisers with growing visibility.

 

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurers, has announced the appointment of Mr. Ajit Sharma as Regional Head for East 2. This appointment is in line with the company’s vision to strengthen the regional presence for expansion and growth.In this role, Mr. Sharma will be responsible for leading and driving the East 2 business, ensuring adherence to compliance parameters, and achieving operational performance benchmarks.

Mr. Sharma is a seasoned industry professional with close to two decadesof experience across various industries. He has held key positions in renowned companieslike ICICI Lombard, MetLife India, Vserv Capital, Bajaj Allianz Life, and Getit Infomediary. His expertise and strategic leadership have consistently contributed to the growth and success of these organizations. Mr. Sharma holds an MBA degree with specialization in Marketing from M.K.M. Indian Inst. of Management, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

“We are delighted to welcome Ajit to our team as the Regional Head – East 2. His extensive industry knowledge, proven leadership skills, and track record of delivering exceptional results make him a valuable addition to our organization. I am confident that under Ajit’s leadership, our East 2 operations will continue to thrive and achieve new milestones.” saidMr. Rakesh Kaul, CBO, SBI General Insurance.

On his appointment Mr. Ajit Sharma said, “I'm thrilled to joinSBI General Insurance as the Regional Head – East 2. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive growth, expand our reach, and ensure we add value to the lives of our customers and stakeholders.”

Mr. Sharma’s appointment underscores SBI General Insurance's commitment to fostering talent and driving excellence across all facets of their business. 

●         Samsung Wallet users will now have seamless access to Paytm’s flight, bus, movie, and events booking service.

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today launched flight, bus, movies and events ticket bookings on Samsung Wallet, in partnership with One97 Communications Limited that owns the Paytm brand, India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company. The partnership aims to enhance consumers’ convenience by offering a seamless, integrated booking experience directly through the Samsung Wallet, facilitating access to a wide range of services through Paytm.

With this partnership, Galaxy smartphone users will now have seamless access to Paytm’s suite of services, including flights and bus bookings, movie ticket purchases, and event bookings, all integrated within the Samsung Wallet.

Galaxy smartphone users using the Paytm app for flight, bus and movie bookings and the Paytm Insider app for event booking, will be able to add their tickets directly to Samsung Wallet using ‘Add to Samsung Wallet’ functionality. This will enable them to conveniently access these to enter airports, bus terminals, cinema halls, event venues, etc.

 

With the Paytm app being the go-to destination for travel and event bookings for millions of Indians, its partnership with Samsung opens new avenues for users to access its services, in line with its efforts to drive further convenience.

 

Samsung India’s partnership with Paytm reaffirms Samsung’s commitment to providing seamless and innovative solutions that enhance user convenience through Samsung Wallet, an easy-to-use, secure platform that holds everything a user’s digital life needs. With Samsung Wallet, users can access multiple services such as tap & pay, UPI payment, bill payments, boarding passes, travel tickets, movie and event tickets, among others.

 

“Samsung Wallet is a popular mobile tap & pay solution in India, constantly evolving since its launch in 2017. We are delighted to launch new features on Samsung Wallet in collaboration with Paytm. These features allow Galaxy smartphone users to easily purchase bus and airline tickets, as well as movie and event tickets, without needing to switch between multiple apps. Furthermore, users can access these tickets simply by swiping up on their Galaxy smartphone's home screen,” said Madhur Chaturvedi, Senior Director, MX Business, Samsung India.

 

“As pioneers of mobile payments, we are excited to partner with the consumer electronics giant Samsung India, as part of our constant endeavor to provide convenience and ensure superior user experience to Indians. By combining Samsung's cutting-edge technology with Paytm's wide-ranging services, we are making it easier than ever for consumers to manage their bookings and payments through a single unified platform,” Paytm Spokesperson said.

 

Availability

Samsung Wallet users can avail the new services by updating their app through the Galaxy Store. The update is available through both auto and manual mode.

 

Upgrade makes it the most affordable automatic in its segment

 

›   The Kushaq Onyx is a high value option for customers seeking the most favoured features from higher variants

›   Available exclusively with the 1.0 TSI engine

›   Is available with a six-speed manual transmission and sees introduction of six-speed automatic

›   Brings in Hill Hold Control, Paddle Shifter among other new features from your favorite higher variant

›   All versions now equipped with six airbags as standard

 

Škoda Auto India, in its strategy of continuous product actions, have 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 with an aim to provide satisfaction and high value to Škoda fans and customers. Škoda Auto India, based on 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 at a healthy demand for an automatic variant at a more accessible price point. In fact, 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 endeavour, 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 are 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 is 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 in 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 localisation – 95% — and low cost of ownership – starting at Rs 0.46 per kilometre. 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. 

 

Model	Ex-showroom Price (INR)
Kushaq Onyx 1.0 TSI AT	₹ 13,49,000