Month: September 2024

CRIF's newest senior appointment reflects the commitment to accelerated growth and market leadership in India and South Asia

CRIF S.p.A., a global company specialising in credit and business information, analytics, outsourcing and digital solutions for financial inclusion, open banking, customer acquisition, risk management and ESG, today appointed Sachin Seth as Regional Managing Director for India & South Asia, effective September 2,2024.

In his new role, Sachin will report to Marco Benvenuto, Senior Advisor, CRIF Group, to accelerate growth by leveraging the strength and capabilities of all the companies under the CRIF Group in the region.

With almost three decades of diverse experience across geographies in the fields of fintech, digital, business transformation and technology, Sachin has a proven track record of working with companies to drive their growth agenda through innovative solutions. Before joining CRIF, Sachin held pivotal roles at IBM, EY and BSEEbix,EbixCash Financial Technologies as an Executive Director, Consulting Partner,Board Director and Managing Directorrespectively.

Sachin Seth, Regional Managing Director, CRIF, said“CRIF has made significant contributions to financial inclusion, credit accessibility, digital advancement, risk mitigation, and ESG compliance in South Asia. I am excited to join CRIF and look forward to collaborating with the team, partners, and clients to expand our solutions portfolio and market presence. Together, we aim to enhance the industry growth in India and South Asia by leveraging our extensive experience and successful track record in delivering solutions across 35+ countries, inboth emerging and established markets.”

Commenting on Mr.Seth’s appointment Marco Benvenuto, Senior Advisor, CRIF Group, said, “Sachin brings to us a long-standing and robust experience of having solved customer problems using intelligent digitization. We have built an enterprise in the region that allows our clients to combine credit bureau data and open finance data, fully complying to local regulations and thereafter put analytics, credit decisioning and hyper-personalized customer engagement on top to create sustainable lending portfolios. Sachin’s previous experience of using intelligent digitization to create at-scale solutions will help us accelerate the deployment of our solutions for more customers and deepen our use cases in existing customers. His appointment reflects our commitmentto expanding our presence and expertise in South Asia.”

●        ‘Spectacular Saudi’ invites Indian travellers to experience the breadth of destinations and events in the country, with the campaign highlighting Saudi’s warm hospitality and unmatched welcome

●        The campaign is launching pan-India in English, across social media, digital platforms, TV, and OTA channels

●        Saudi has introduced exclusive packages from 12 trade partners, tailor-made for Indian travellers

Today, Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ has launched its first-ever integrated consumer campaign for the Indian market – ‘Spectacular Saudi’. With a captivating blend of ancient tales and modern marvels, this campaign reveals a side of Saudi that transcends all expectations.

Launching in English across the country, ‘Spectacular Saudi’ takes viewers on an immersive journey through Saudi’s golden sands, pristine waters, and endless skies, revealing the country’s iconic landscapes and experiences.

The campaign visuals bring to life all that makes Saudi a spectacular destination – from the ancient mud-brick architecture of Diriyah’s At-Turaif and the pristine waters of the Red Sea to the historic streets of Al Balad in Jeddah and the majestic Nabataean tombs in Hegra, AlUla. Spotlighting Saudi’s open and welcoming culture which resonates with Indian hospitality in many ways; the campaign further cements Saudi’s close affinity with Indian culture. It invites couples, families, and people in search of iconic experiences rooted in culture and heritage, to explore the unexplored. It narrates the story of a Spectacular Saudi, one steeped in heritage, history, and modern wonders while encouraging prospective Indian travellers to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.

Speaking on the campaign, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “Indian travellers have long shown a deep appreciation for authentic and unique experiences. They are keen to explore novel destinations, cultures and gastronomy, and that is exactly what Saudi has to offer. With iconic destinations like Diriyah, Al Balad, and Hegra in AlUla – three of Saudi’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, they can walk through history dating back millennia, and with tailor-made packages, experience world-class culture, adventure, and cuisine.

We are excited for Indians to experience the warm Saudi welcome, a core part of our heritage, and something intrinsic to Indian culture as well. India holds an incredibly special place in our hearts, and we are committed to making India the number one source market by 2030. In 2023 alone, 1.6 million Indians travelled to Saudi. We are thrilled to welcome Indian visitors to truly experience the Heart of Arabia.”

With a 240% surge in leisure visits from India as compared to last year – It has never been easier to visit Saudi, with over 330 direct weekly flights and 8 airline operators. Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry are eligible for the eVisa and visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports. Those not eligible under the above-mentioned criteria can apply for the visa through 11 Tasheer Centres across India. For more information, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations, the one stop for all Saudi visa requirements. Indian travellers can also apply for a free Stopover visa, which is valid for up to 96 hours and can be obtained 90 days in advance on the Saudia Airline and Flynas website.

To explore the heart of Arabia, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/campaigns/india and book your next getaway with access to exclusive packages and offers from 12 trade partners in India.

Announces ₹30,000 customer benefits for first 5,000 bookings

Škoda Auto India has launched the all-new Slavia Monte Carlo edition in India. Taking the sport theme further, the company also introduced an all-new Sportline range within the Kushaq and Slavia line up and announced a path-breaking offer for these cars upping the value and choice quotient for Indian customers.

Commenting on the new introductions, Mr. Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto Indiasaid, “The Monte Carlo badge has a strong connect with customers, reflecting the spirit of sport and victory. I am happy to share that we launch the Slavia Monte Carlo today. This is part our strategy to grow the Škoda brand in India, which is one of the largest markets for us outside Europe. This special car will have a strong appeal with customers looking for unique, subtle and sporty aesthetics, projecting a discrete sense of style. It is homage to our 112 years in Rallye Monte Carlo, 129 years of rich heritage, and 24 years in India. We have also introduced two new trims – Slavia Sportline and Kushaq Sportline — reflecting our intent to keep the range evolving and contemporary, offering greater choice and value to customers. The Sportline is perfect for customers who seek the sporty aesthetics of the Monte Carlo at a more accessible price point. Together with the new Monte Carlo and Sportline offerings, we look forward to substantially growing the Škoda family in India.”

The anniversary offer

As the launch of this all-new range marks the 112^th anniversary since the company’s debut at Rallye Monte Carlo, Škoda Auto India have lined up benefits for customers buying the sport-inspired Monte Carlo and Sportline range of the Kushaq and Slavia. The first 5,000 customers booking any of these four cars will receive benefits of ₹30,000. The offer is operational immediately and will be valid until September 6, 2024.

Monte Carlo in the metal

At the heart of this car beats the proven and tested 1.0 and 1.5 TSI engines. The 1.0 TSI is available with a six-speed manual and automatic. And the 1.5 TSI sends power to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG. The cars come exclusively in the Tornado Red and Candy White colours. Both these options come with a contrasting Deep Black roof as standard. The Window Garnish houses an all-black theme as do the ORVMs. The black treatment continues to the Radiator Grille Surround, the Garnish around the Fog Lamp, and over the Black R16 Alloy wheels.

Continuing the subtle embellishments is the Monte Carlo badging on the front fenders and the Darkened Taillights. Sporty, black spoilers adorn the car’s front and side skirts and are also on lip of the boot at the rear. The rear also gets a Black Sporty Rear Diffuser and a Black Bumper Garnish. Rounding off the Monte Carlo highlights outside are the subtle and classy door handles finished in Dark Chrome and all the lettering in the exteriors of the Slavia Monte Carlo are in Black.

Monte Carlo within

Inside, the car wears the Monte Carlo Red Theme interior in the all-black sporty cabin. The Décor Frame, Air vents all adorn black. As do the Lower dashboard, the Centre Console Décor, and the Handbrake push button. The steering wheel and gear knob replace their chrome inserts for all black ones. The dark, sporty theme allaying Škoda Auto’s rally roots, continue in the rest of the interior with the and handles all taking on a dark demeanour.

To lend the black interiors with dashes of sporty dynamism are subtle slashes of red across the interiors. The centre of the dash has a single red element continuing through the vents. The Monte Carlo Leatherette seats in Black are bordered by red elements. The two-spoke steering wheel also gets red stitching on them, and the black and red Monte Carlo Theme extends to the infotainment system and the driver’s virtual cockpit. However, the first visual homage before entering this sporty cabin is the Monte Carlo inscribed scuff plates by the front doors. And the driver will immediately notice the Sporty Alu Pedals in the footwell area as they stand out in this red and black Monte Carlo themed décor.

The Sportline

Škoda Auto India also expanded the Kushaq and Slavia range with the debut of the Sportline across the two best-selling Škoda cars. In a move that is the result of customer feedback, Škoda Auto India have now introduced the Sportline, which adds to the existing Classic, Signature, Monte Carlo, and Prestige variants of the Kushaq and Slavia furthering choice and value for customers.

The enhancements

The Sportline trim of both the Kushaq and the Slavia get the blacked-out design elements from the Monte Carlo like the taillights, aero kit and other details. The Slavia Sportline gets R16 Black alloy wheels and the Kushaq is shod with R17 Black alloys. The Sportline also gets LED Headlamps and DRLs in both the Kushaq and Slavia

Features within

The Sportline, like the rest of the Kushaq and Slavia line-up, comes standard with six airbags. In addition, this sporty trim gets an electric sunroof, alloy foot pedals, a connectivity dongle, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming internal rear-view mirror among various other features.

Enhanced choice and safety

With the addition of the Sportline, the Kushaq and Slavia range further expands with both cars now available in theClassic, Signature, Sportline, Monte Carlo and Prestige variants. Every Škoda comes standard with a minimum of six airbags. Further, the Kushaq and the Slavia have a full 5-star rating for adult and child safety under Global NCAP. The Superb and the Kodiaq are rated the same under Euro NCAP. With the addition of the Slavia Monte Carlo and the Sportline trim across the Kushaq and Slavia, Škoda Auto India has further expanded its fleet of 5-star safe cars.

The Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the timely and efficient completion of the desilting works, which have significantly improved water drainage and prevented traffic disruptions. He commended the efforts made by the maintenance teams, highlighting the positive impact of their work on urban water management and the resilience of Hyderabad’s key transport routes during the monsoon season.