The Wild One

Ferrari becomes the world's most powerful brand

Brand Finance, a leading independent brand valuation consultancy has published its annual study that reveals the top brands worldwide on the basis of revenue a brand can generate and how strong its customer/fan base is. And interestingly Ferrari has topped the chart this year.

Understandably, Ferrari does not have the financial strength of the overall revenues of large multinationals. But according to the study, considering the Italian supercar maker’s other financial metrics, such as net margins, average revenue per customer, and advertising and marketing spend, as well as qualitative parameters, such as brand affection and loyalty gives Ferrari tremendous opportunity to generate revenue. And it is this potential that has placed Ferrari as the world’s most powerful brand. 

“It is always a pleasure to top any list and still more so when the competition includes some of the world’s most famous companies. This achievement proves that even in very tough economic times, Italy can still offer the world businesses of excellence,” commented Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo. “Behind this acknowledgement are exceptional products made by equally exceptional men and women. They made it possible and for that I thank them.”  

To get a deeper insight into the report it would be worth mentioning that the Brand Finance study measures a brand on three dimensions, namely, Inputs, Strength and Output. 

Mitsubishi opens dealership in Hyderabad

Mitsubishi is association with Hindustan Motors has opened its 42nd dealership in the country in Hyderabad. Spread over 3000 sq. ft the new Mitsubishi showroom is located in Hyderabad at 1-10/4, 1-10/4A & 1-10/4B, Madhapur. HM Mitsubishi has also setup a 12000 sq. ft service workshop located at Jai Hind Enclave in Madhapur that comprises of 12 bays along with a 300-sq. ft section for spare parts business. The workshop has the capability to service 25 cars in a day. 

P. Vijayan Chief Operating Officer and Strategic Business Unit Head of HM’s Chennai car plant said, “It is indeed a pleasure introducing world class Mitsubishi vehicles to this historic city which has over the years emerged also as a renowned hub of technology and business. We are confident that our vehicles will add a new dimension to the lives of Hyderabadis. No wonder, our latest vehicle, Pajero Sport, has as its tagline the phrase: Go. Play”.

Mitsubishi’s Hyderabad dealership will be showcasing the Pajero Sport, Montero and Outlander. The dealership employs five personnel for sales and 20 for service.

The Mitsubishi range of cars in India consists of the Cedia Sports, Outlander, Pajero Sport, Montero and the Lancer Evolution X. Prices for Mitsubishi cars in India range from Rs 8.24 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Cedia Sport to Rs 50.23 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Lancer Evolution X.

Also read: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport : First Drive

47th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally

Ford Endeavour Alterrain Edition Launched

Ford India has launched a new version of its Endeavour SUV called the Alterrain Edition to mark their collaboration with the National Geographic Channel for a new adventure driving series called MyEndeavouralterrain. 

Priced at Rs 23.20 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) the Ford Endeavour Alterrain Edition will only be available in the top-of-the-line 3.0 litre 4X4 automatic variant featuring cosmetic enhancements such as a nudge bar at the front, a roof rail tray, new alloy wheels, an external rear mounted reversing mirror, a chrome tipped tail pipe and a rear spoiler. 

As a part of the Ford-National Geographic Channel initiative, five Ford Endeavour Alterrain Editions will be driven across various parts of the country by five distinct personalities that include boxing Olympian Vijender Singh, film maker Nagesh Kukunoor, writer Chetan Bhagat, actor Gul Panag and actor Rajeev Khandelwal. 

Ashok Leyland Luxura Magical India bus introduced

Commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland has introduced a nine seater luxury coach called the Luxury Magical in association with India automobile design house DC. 

The platform of the luxury bus has been provided by Ashok Leyland while DC has deigned the interiors for a luxury atmosphere. The interiors of the Luxura Magical India bus can seat nine people and is equipped with two LCD televisions, a stereo, reading lights, power sockets, a kitchen with a coffee machine and microwave, a bathroom and even an on-board spa area for two individuals with trained therapists. 

The Ashok Leyland Luxura Magical India bus is powered by a 228PS diesel engine that drives the rear wheels of the coach. The bus features air suspension for a comfortable ride to deliver that luxury experience. 

Rynox Gear launches range of touring accessories and gloves

The biking scenario in our country has witnessed a sea of change. Initially biking only meant a mode of transport to commute from one place to another. But nowadays, biking isn’t a mode of transport but a channel to explore new destnations. But it isn’t an easy task to tour and travel long distances on two-wheels without proper touring accessories, since normal bags are bulky and aren’t designed to be loaded on motorcycles. To help bikers facing this dilemma, Rynox Gears have introduced its range of touring and riding accessories.