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India beats China to become largest two-wheeler market in the world-Telangana Today

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India’s two-wheeler market saw remarkable 22 per cent YoY growth in first half this year

Updated On – 18 October 2024, 10:52 AM


India beats China to become largest two-wheeler market in the world

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New Delhi: India has surpassed China to become the largest two-wheeler market in the world, driven by rising demand in rural areas, supported by favourable monsoon conditions and government initiatives for rural development, a report showed on Friday.

Globally, two-wheeler sales grew 4 per cent (year-on-year) in the first half of 2024, according to Counterpoint Research.

Although India, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa saw growth, China and Southeast Asia (SEA) experienced a decline.

Senior analyst Soumen Mandal said India’s two-wheeler market saw a remarkable 22 per cent YoY growth in the first half this year. “This strong performance allowed India to surpass China and become the world’s largest two-wheeler market,” he said.

Two-wheelers saw strong double-digit growth (year-on-year) in the second quarter of this fiscal in India.

In China, two-wheelers under 125cc remain popular, but consumers are increasingly opting for e-bicycles over motorcycles and scooters for daily commuting.

This shift has led to a temporary slowdown in the Chinese two-wheeler market, particularly in the electric segment.

In South East Asia, major markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia saw a decline in two-wheeler sales due to geopolitical trade tensions, stricter lending criteria and cautious consumer spending amid economic uncertainty.

The top-10 global two-wheeler manufacturers captured over 75 per cent of sales during H1 2024.

Honda maintained its leading position in the global two-wheeler market, followed by Hero MotoCorp, Yamaha, TVS Motor and Yadea.

TVS Motor was the fastest-growing brand (up 25 per cent YoY) among the top-10 brands while Yadea declined the most (down 29 per cent YoY), slipping to fifth position.

Neil Shah, vice president of Counterpoint Research, said electrification is on the rise, and by 2030, we expect four out of 10 two-wheelers sold to be electric.

“This shift is also accelerating the adoption of embedded cellular connectivity in the two-wheeler segment. As the automotive industry advances toward C-V2X technology, the two-wheeler segment will follow suit,” he noted.

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World Bank chief Ajay Banga-Telangana Today

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Points out that country needs to work on quality of life, air, water

Published Date – 18 October 2024, 11:08 AM


India’s growth rate among shiniest parts in world economy: World Bank chief Ajay Banga

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Washington: India’s growth rate is the shiniest part in the global economy, World Bank president Ajay Banga said on Thursday, noting that a lot of this is driven by the domestic market.

“There is no doubt that India’s growth rate is among the shiniest parts in the world economy. I think being able to grow at six, seven per cent and more in this kind of environment shows you that they’ve done a number of things to get there,” Banga told reporters ahead of next week’s annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

“A lot of that growth is in India, is driven by the domestic market as well, which actually is a healthy sign, in some ways. What India needs to work on as the Prime Minister laid out is things on quality of life, like air and the quality of water and the like,” he said.

“We are actively engaged with them on a number of topics to do with these, and I think we will see more results of those coming out in the coming months in terms of projects,” Banga said in response to a question.

World Bank managing director for operations Anna Bjerde said the bank is supporting the government turning the growth into jobs and also sustainable development.

She underscored the need to increase female workforce participation as India has a huge potential to increase the level of participation by women.

The World Bank is also working with India on the urban development side as there’s so much potential to make cities much more livable whether it comes to air quality, water supply or urban planning.

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By 2030, India to have 1.2 billion smartphones, 641 million 5G subscribers-Telangana Today

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India will see an unprecedented growth in the number of 5G mobile subscribers, and an explosion of data usage in the next six years, says a report

Published Date – 18 October 2024, 11:29 AM


By 2030, India to have 1.2 billion smartphones, 641 million 5G subscribers

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New Delhi: India is projected to have 1.2 billion smartphone connections by 2030, with half of the users on 5G smartphones, according to a new report.

According to global mobile network body GSMA, the country is projected to have over 641 million 5G subscribers by 2030, growing at 49 per cent. “India will see an unprecedented growth in the number of 5G mobile subscribers, and an explosion of data usage in the next six years,” according to GSMA Intelligence projections.

This stupendous growth in 5G subscribers will also lead to a huge expansion of data consumption, impelling Indian telcos to make large investments. The data consumption per subscriber is likely to grow at a CAGR of 15 per cent between 2023 and 2029, to reach 68 GB per month per subscriber in India. In the Asia-Pacific region, India and Indonesia are uniquely positioned to leverage digitalisation to drive economic resilience, job creation, and innovation.

According to the latest GSMA ‘Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2024 Report’, India is projected to have 1.2 billion smartphone connections by 2030, while Indonesia is expected to reach 387 million connections by the same year, said the organisation.

Furthermore, mobile technologies and services generated 5.3 per cent of GDP across the APAC region in 2023, contributing $880 billion in economic value, and supporting approximately 13 million jobs across the region. “India and Indonesia are not just the largest democracies in the APAC region; they are the future engines of digital and economic growth for the region. By fostering partnerships and collaboration, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for both nations, said Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA. Meanwhile, the widespread availability of spectrum for 5G is likely to contribute about $27 billion to India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, according to a recent GSMA report.

The organisation, which represents mobile networks worldwide, said the upper 6 GHz band must also be part of the spectrum roadmap of the country. The launch of 5G has emerged as a significant catalyst for the growth in data usage.

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Air India says Vistara in-flight experience to continue post-merger-Telangana Today

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The merger is scheduled to be completed on November 12, following which Singapore Airlines will have a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India

Published Date – 18 October 2024, 11:44 AM


Air India says Vistara in-flight experience to continue post-merger

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New Delhi: Air India on Friday said Vistara routes and schedule as well as the in-flight experience will continue and the flights operated with Vistara planes will have the code ‘AI2’ post-merger.

The merger of the two full service carriers is scheduled to be completed on November 12, following which Singapore Airlines will have a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India.

Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines. Post the merger, the vintage ‘Maharaja’ will be retained through the frequent flyer programme of the integrated entity.

“The existing members of Club Vistara will be seamlessly transferred to Air India’s Flying Returns program. With this merger, Flying Returns will also evolve into an all-new avatar ‘Maharaja Club’,” Air India said in the statement.

Reiterating that the experience offered by Vistara will continue for customers post-merger, Air India said Vistara will be identified by a special four-digit Air India code beginning with the digit ‘2’.

“For instance, UK 955 will become AI 2955 helping customers identify them while booking… after November 12,” the statement said. Further, it said the routes and schedule operated by Vistara aircraft will continue to be the same, alongside the airline’s in-flight experience that includes the product and service such as menu and cutlery on the Vistara aircraft.

There are concerns in certain quarters on whether Vistara passengers will continue to get the same services such as now, post-merger as Air India, which is in the transformation phase, has been facing certain service issues in recent times.

Air India, on October 2, also said that Vistara experience will remain post-merger. On Wednesday, Vistara Chairman Bhaskar Bhat said the integrated entity will share the best practices of the two airlines and the livery of Vistara will stay for sometime.

The Air India-Vistara merger, announced in November 2022, will also see Singapore Airlines acquiring a 25.1 per cent stake in the merged entity.

Business

How NearEstate.in Hyderabad’s Startup is Changing the Game for Property Developers-Telangana Today

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This immersive platform is transforming how properties are showcased, enabling developers to engage buyers more effectively and drive sales with ease.

Hyderabad: In an increasingly competitive real estate market, developers are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract buyers and stand out. NearEstate, a cutting-edge PropTech startup based in Hyderabad’s T-Hub, is revolutionizing the property development landscape with its flagship product, RealView360°. This immersive platform is transforming how properties are showcased, enabling developers to engage buyers more effectively and drive sales with ease.

Bringing Innovation to Property Development
Property developers often face challenges in marketing their projects, especially during the pre-construction phase or when targeting out-of-town and international buyers. NearEstate’s RealView360° provides a powerful solution, offering fully immersive 360° virtual tours of properties and neighborhoods. This platform helps developers create engaging, interactive listings that capture buyer attention and provide a realistic sense of space and ambiance.

“RealView360° simplifies property marketing for developers by providing a high-tech solution that enhances listings and connects with buyers on a deeper level,” says Rajesh Myakala, Co-Founder and CEO of NearEstate. “It’s not just a platform; it’s a tool that empowers developers to showcase their projects dynamically and attract serious buyers.”

Key Benefits for Property Developers
Enhanced Pre-Sales Marketing:
RealView360° enables developers to create virtual tours for properties under construction, giving buyers a preview of their future home. This feature builds excitement and trust, accelerating pre-sales.

Global Reach:
The platform eliminates geographical barriers, allowing developers to market their properties to international buyers. Potential investors can explore projects from anywhere in the world without the need for in-person visits.

Improved Buyer Confidence:
Immersive tours provide buyers with a realistic and detailed view of the property, including its layout and design. This transparency helps developers build trust and close deals faster.

Showcase Neighborhoods:
Beyond the property, RealView360° offers neighborhood exploration features. Buyers can virtually tour the surrounding area, including nearby amenities, schools, parks, and public transport, providing a comprehensive view of the lifestyle the property offers.

Professional Listings:
Developers can elevate the quality of their marketing materials with high-resolution images and interactive features, making their listings more appealing and professional.

Developers Leading the Way with RealView360°
Early adopters of RealView360° are already seeing its impact. Sri Sai Developers, one of the platform’s first partners, reported a significant increase in buyer engagement and sales inquiries after integrating RealView360° into their marketing strategy.

“Buyers today want more than just brochures and static images,” says VenkataRamana Guddeti, Founder of NearEstate.in “RealView360° allows developers to offer an experience, giving buyers the confidence they need to make informed decisions. It’s a game-changer for the industry.”

Empowering Developers with Insights
In addition to its immersive features, NearEstate is developing advanced analytics tools to provide developers with valuable insights into buyer behavior. These tools will enable developers to track engagement metrics, identify trends, and refine their marketing strategies based on real-time data.

“Our goal is to not only help developers showcase their properties but also give them actionable insights to optimize their sales processes,” says Myakala. “With data-driven decision-making, developers can stay ahead in the market.”

Shaping the Future of Real Estate
As part of its vision to simplify real estate transactions, NearEstate is committed to continually enhancing RealView360° with new features. Plans include integrating augmented reality (AR) tools that allow buyers to customize properties virtually and predictive analytics to provide smarter property recommendations.

By bridging the gap between developers and buyers, NearEstate is leading the PropTech revolution and setting new standards for how properties are marketed and sold.

About NearEstate
NearEstate is a PropTech startup based in T-Hub, Hyderabad, India’s largest innovation ecosystem. Recognized by the DPIIT under Startup India (DIPP165602), the company is committed to transforming the real estate industry with innovative technology solutions. Its flagship platform, RealView360°, combines virtual reality (VR) and geospatial mapping to provide immersive property tours and neighborhood exploration. NearEstate empowers property developers and realtors to engage buyers, enhance listings, and drive sales with cutting-edge tools.

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Sumadhura Group eyes Rs.2,500 crore revenue with new uber luxury residential offering-Telangana Today

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Nestled in proximity to the thriving Financial District, Palais Royale will offer the residents a seamless connectivity to major business hubs, entertainment zones, and lifestyle destinations

Published Date – 3 December 2024, 08:25 PM


Sumadhura Group eyes Rs.2,500 crore revenue with new uber luxury residential offering


Hyderabad: Sumadhura Group, a leading real estate player in South India will develop Palais Royale, an uber luxury project in Hyderabad with an estimated revenue potential of Rs.2,500 crore.

Nestled in proximity to the thriving Financial District, Palais Royale will offer the residents a seamless connectivity to major business hubs, entertainment zones, and lifestyle destinations. It will spread across 7.35 acres of land parcel with a saleable area of 2.6 mn sq. ft, feature a magnificent 52-storeyed high-rise tower spread across three wings, and compose of 523 units of 4 & 5 bed residences. The project will also include five levels of basement parking, to be handed over in December 2029.

Along with the high-end residences, the project will comprise a wide array of luxurious amenities and biophilic designs, inspired by a unique blend of nature and technology. Palais Royale will house an 85,000 sq. ft floating grand clubhouse, over 85% landscape area, and cutting-edge Luxury Tech integrations, a press release said.

“Catering to the ever-evolving home buyers’ preferences and aspirational lifestyles, Sumadhura’s Palais Royale will bring in some of the unique elements, intertwining nature and technology, curating cherishable and memorable living experiences for the homebuyers,” said Madhusudhan G, Chairman and Managing Director, Sumadhura Group.

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AirHelp Score Report rates IndiGo among world’s worst airlines; Airline refutes-Telangana Today

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The ‘AirHelp Score report 2024’ placed the domestic carrier near the bottom at 103rd place out of 109 analysed. The report also ranked Air India at 61st and AirAsia at 94th

Published Date – 4 December 2024, 04:01 PM


AirHelp Score Report rates IndiGo among world’s worst airlines; Airline refutes

IndiGo

New Delhi: Low-cost airline IndiGo on Wednesday refuted findings of a report which claimed that IndiGo has been ranked among the world’s worst airlines this year.

The ‘AirHelp Score report 2024’ placed the domestic carrier near the bottom at 103rd place out of 109 analysed. The report also ranked Air India at 61st and AirAsia at 94th.

In a statement, IndiGo said that India’s aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), publishes data on airline punctuality and customer complaints monthly.

“IndiGo has consistently scored high on punctuality and has the lowest customer complaint ratio for an airline of its size and scale of operations,” said the airline.

It further stated that the data published in the survey by AirHelp, an EU claim processing agency, “does not report the sample size from India, and neither takes into account the methodology or compensation guidelines used by the global aviation industry casting a doubt on its credibility.”

“As India’s most preferred airline, IndiGo refutes the findings of this survey and reiterates its promise of on-time, affordable, courteous and hassle-free travel experience for its customers,” said the aviation major.

According to the DGCA data, during the nine-month period (January-September), budget carrier IndiGo carried more than 7.25 crore passengers, clocking a market share of 61.3 per cent, followed by Tata Group-run Air India flying over 1.64 crore passengers with 13.9 per cent share.

With its fleet of more than 380 aircraft, the airline is operating around 2,100 daily flights and connecting over 85 domestic destinations and more than 30 international destinations.

Brussels Airlines, Qatar Airways and United Airlines occupy the top three spots in the AirHelp report. The annual report by AirHelp, a company specialising in passenger compensation claims, covered data from January to October.

It used factors such as global customer claims, on-time performance, and feedback from travellers across 54 countries “ assessing aspects like food quality, seating comfort, and crew service ” to rank the airlines.

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Honda to drive in 3 new models in India by FY27 to tap growth in SUV segment-Telangana Today

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The company, which is present in India through a wholly-owned subsidiary, currently sells just one SUV model — Elevate — in the market with the other two products being Amaze and City sedans.

Published Date – 4 December 2024, 04:09 PM


Honda to drive in 3 new models in India by FY27 to tap growth in SUV segment


New Delhi: Japanese carmaker Honda plans to introduce three new models by the 2026-27 fiscal in India as it looks to tap growth opportunities in the robustly growing SUV segment, according to a top company executive.

The company, which is present in India through a wholly-owned subsidiary, currently sells just one SUV model — Elevate — in the market with the other two products being Amaze and City sedans.

“We plan to introduce three new models, with hybrid and electric powertrains by the 2026-27 fiscal thus expanding the company’s presence in the SUV segment,” Honda Cars India President and CEO Takuya Tsumura told PTI in an interaction.

The new models would encompass both hybrid and battery electric powertrains, he added.

The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment now accounts for over 50 per cent of sales in close to 40 lakh domestic passenger vehicle segments.

Tsumura noted the carmaker continues to develop models, like hybrid and battery electric vehicles, that suit the Indian market.

Honda on Wednesday introduced the third generation of its compact sedan Amaze, priced between Rs 7.99 lakh and Rs 10.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

The model comes with both manual and automatic trims and competes with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Aura in the compact sedan segment.

“The Amaze has always held a special place in the hearts of Indian customers, and this new generation model reflects our commitment to meeting their evolving needs. We are confident that this new Amaze will set new standards and continue to strengthen Honda’s legacy in India,” Tsumura said.

The company now has ADAS technology introduced in all models in India line up and Amaze is the most affordable ADAS-enabled car in India, he added.

Honda has sold 5.8 lakh units of the Amaze so far in the country.

The first generation of the model was introduced in 2013 while the second generation made its debut in 2018.

When asked about sales expectations for next year, Tsumura noted that the automaker is expecting certain growth to accrue with the new Amaze playing a significant role in it.

Elaborating on the compact sedan segment, Honda Cars India Vice President (Marketing and Sales) Kunal Behl said the vertical still has tremendous scope for growth.

“While the hatchback segment is going down..the Indian consumer wants to go to the next level..to have a three-box sedan. And that is the reason why we believe the segment has a huge potential for growth,” he stated.

The launch of the third-generation Amaze should re-energise the whole lower sedan segment, Behl said.

He noted that 50 per cent of Amaze customers are first-time buyers.

Business

PURE EV announces nationwide expansion-Telangana Today

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Over the next 30 months, PURE EV, incubated from the i-TIC at IIT Hyderabad, aims to add 250 new dealerships, taking its total network to over 320 across India.

Published Date – 4 December 2024, 08:11 PM


Hyderabad: PURE EV announces nationwide expansion


Hyderabad: PURE EV on Wednesday unveiled a road map to strengthen its presence nationwide and expand globally while introducing innovative solutions for sustainable mobility.

Over the next 30 months, PURE EV, incubated from the i-TIC at IIT Hyderabad, aims to add 250 new dealerships, taking its total network to over 320 across India. The expansion will be driven by the growing demand for long-range scooters, electric motorcycles, large B2B contracts, and the company’s entry into the house-hold brand space, a press release said.

PURE EV founder and MD Dr. Nishanth Dongari said PURE EV is the first company to integrate Nano PCM (Phase Change Material) into its battery systems for efficient thermal management. “This breakthrough technology eliminates the risk of un-safe thermal incidents, ensuring superior safety for electric vehicles and boosting consumer confidence,” he said.

The company already launched two models—the ecoDryft, catering to the 110cc market, and the eTryst, designed for the 125cc segment.

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Hyundai Motor India to hike prices up to Rs 25,000 across models from Jan 1-Telangana Today

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The price increase will be done across models, and the extent of increase will be up to Rs 25,000. The price increase has been necessitated owing to an increase in input costs, adverse exchange rate and increase in logistics costs, the automaker said in a statement

Published Date – 5 December 2024, 12:34 PM


Hyundai Motor India to hike prices up to Rs 25,000 across models from Jan 1

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL)

New Delhi: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) on Thursday announced to increase prices across its model range effective from January 1, 2025, owing to an increase in input costs and other factors.

The price increase will be done across models, and the extent of increase will be up to Rs 25,000. The price increase has been necessitated owing to an increase in input costs, adverse exchange rate and increase in logistics costs, the automaker said in a statement.

“At Hyundai Motor India Limited, our endeavour is always to absorb rising costs to the extent possible, ensuring minimal impact on our customers,” said Tarun Garg,

Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL. However, with the sustained increase in input cost, “it has now become imperative to pass on a part of this cost escalation through a minor price adjustment,” he added.

The price increase will be effective from January 1, 2025 on all MY25 models. In April-September period (H1 FY25), the company sold a total of 3,83,994 units of passenger vehicles.

This includes 2,99,094 units in the domestic market with a strong contribution from SUV segment. The export volume stood at 84,900 units. In November alone, Hyundai Motor India registered total monthly sales of 61,252 units.

The company’s domestic sales were at 48,246 units while export sales stood at 13,006 units during the month. The automaker reported a 16 per cent decline in its consolidated net profit to Rs 1,375 crore for the July-September quarter of the current financial year on the back of lower car sales both in the domestic and export markets.

The country’s second-largest car manufacturer had reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,628 crore in the year-ago period. The auto major said its consolidated revenue from operations declined 7.5 per cent to Rs 17,260 crore in the second quarter of 2024-25 from Rs 18,660 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.