Toshihiro Suzuki
Toshihiro Suzuki: Wants to regain 50% market share

Suzuki Motor Corporation President Toshihiro Suzuki recently discussed the company's future direction, including its technological advancements and mobility vision. Suzuki was addressing the media ahead of this year's Bharat Mobile Expo, scheduled to be held from January 17 to 22. Starting tomorrow, the event will mark a major milestone for Maruti Suzuki as the company enters the EV market with the launch of its first all-electric car - an electric model, the e-Vitara. Highlights of the meeting are summarized below. Ambition and market share in India’s SUV segment Maruti Suzuki has set an ambitious target to regain 50% market share in India's highly competitive SUV segment. The company recognizes that it is late to market and is actively pursuing this goal through strategic investments and innovative product launches. To support this growth, Maruti Suzuki plans to significantly increase annual production capacity to 4 million units. Also read: ICOTY 2025: Mahindra Thar Roxx named Indian Car of the Year; Maruti Suzuki…

NYC Drivers Turn To TikTok To Share Illegal Hacks To Dodge $15 Congestion Fee
New York City drivers turn to TikTok to share illegal dodging tips

When it comes to dodging the new congestion charge, erring drivers have come up with some imaginative but still illegal ways go through Sam D. Smith 8 hours ago New York City implements congestion pricing, which imposes a daily toll on drivers entering peak traffic areas. Official estimates put annual revenue at $500 million, but tax evasion and ghost cars may reduce revenue. Social media users share tips and tricks for avoiding fees using shortcuts and hidden equipment. New York City recently became the first city in the United States to impose a congestion toll on drivers entering its busiest areas, with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) charging most drivers a $15 toll. However, things haven't gone as smoothly as authorities had hoped, and some drivers have come up with creative (and illegal) ways to dodge the toll. In fact, some people, eager to help others avoid paying their fair share of the congestion charge, have used social media to…

Gift-Giving Trends: Supplier Professionals Share What They’re Seeing in 2024 and
Gift-Giving Trends: Supplier Professionals Share What They’re Seeing in 2024 and

Listen to audio As conference professors and vendors prepare for the New Year's gift-giving, we spoke with several industry insiders to find out what 2024 will bring and what they think 2025 will bring. What suppliers see in 2024 personalization Laurie Amigo, Director of Brands, Events and Events at HALO Branded Solutions, told us, “2024 It’s the year of personalized gifts. Pop-up shops and curated gift programs are very popular year-round, but especially during the holidays. Some organizations will offer online pop-ups with gifts that can be picked up at the office or at an event. This allows the recipient enough time to choose a gift with the company logo, but allows the recipient to pick up the gift at a social event like a sales meeting or a holiday party. Today's workforce is divided into five generations, and one gift fits all. The era is over." Some ways to personalize gifts include: –Name personalization: Monogram, custom packaging or handwritten…

Mary Barra Says GM Is “Goal-Aligned” With Trump Despite Looming Tariff Nightmare
Mary Barra says GM and Trump ‘share the same goals’

GM CEO acknowledges tariffs on Mexican and Canadian auto imports will have big impact, but says president and automaker share some common goals go through Chris Chilton December 14, 2024 16:00 General Motors Chief Executive Mary Barra described the automaker and incoming President Donald Trump as having "very aligned goals." The GM CEO said both sides want a strong economy and both understand the importance of jobs in the auto industry. Barra made the comments while acknowledging that Trump's proposed import tariffs could hit GM's business hard. General Motors Co. chief Mary Barra claimed this week that the automaker and President Donald Trump were "aligned" despite Trump's planned tariffs, but Barra acknowledged the potential impact on GM. The "very significant" impact on the car business has raised some eyebrows. "I think our goals are very aligned," the CEO told guests at an Automotive Press Association event on Wednesday, before explaining where the two usually opposing sides see eye-to-eye. RELATED: Trump's…

Can Europe Really Make China Share Battery And Tech Secrets For Subsidies?
Can Europe really let China share its battery and technology secrets?

EU allegedly eyeing Chinese intellectual property in exchange for funding The EU is reportedly considering forcing Chinese companies to hand over intellectual property in exchange for subsidies. Nothing is set in stone yet, but the need may be part of a battery development program set to launch next month. The idea could deter Chinese companies from seeking incentives but could anger Beijing. In the past, if foreign automakers wanted to do business in China, they were effectively forced to form joint ventures with local manufacturers. Although this policy has changed over the years, it seems likely that the EU will attempt to implement a similar policy. According to the Financial Times, EU officials are planning to introduce new rules that would require Chinese companies to transfer intellectual property rights to European companies in exchange for subsidies. The policy, which will reportedly come into effect in December, will apply to battery development incentives worth €1 billion ($1.05 billion). More: Chinese battery…

Side view of young African American woman writing in notebook at home
Event leaders share their gratitude practices

Listen to audio I'm grateful every day that busy hospitality leaders take the time to share their secrets to success with the Smart Meetings community on the What's the One Thing? podcast. I've learned so much this year, from relationships to the power of persistence and what the next generation of event professors need to stay engaged. I asked these event thought leaders about their ways to be grateful during the holidays and throughout the year. Sure enough, they taught me new ways to appreciate the finer things and deliver the gravy of joy. Kate Patay, Vice President of Global Partnerships at Terramar and Chairman of the SEARCH Foundation I am so grateful to have a wonderful husband who supports me in all my endeavors, whether it be work or home remodeling. His love and support means the world to me. I'm grateful to work with such strong, creative people at a company that cares so much about us -…

Ola scooter service centre
Public Quarrel – Share Go Ola, goodbye. But the nonsense is big

Photo credit – Ashok Shrivastav. Ola Scooter Service Center – Before, After. Tweet win: Big headline! It started with a tweet. You responded. While the engagement generated by public brawls may be attractive to some, there is a distinct lack of accountability in these interactions. Especially if it's boring. Some people believe they are immune to criticism and can respond in ways that reflect the need to control the narrative. Defense and confrontation take precedence over accountability and transparency. This dynamic is a key issue in today’s social media landscape: the tendency to prioritize personal positions over meaningful, solution-oriented conversations. A simple response is Photo credit – Ashok Shrivastav. Ola Electrical Service Center Ola Electric stock falls: Not a pleasant ride In other news today, Ola Electric shares fell below Rs 90. to 89.55 rupees, a decrease of 8.38%. FADA reported that Ola Electric sales in September 2024 were 24,679 units. While common, certain arguments are a problematic dynamic in…

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class CKD front
Mercedes-Benz S-Class ICE and EV to share body with BMW 7

Next-generation Mercedes S-Class to replace EQS with EV version with identical bodyMercedes-Benz plans to combine its flagship S-Class and EQS models under one brand, a strategic move aimed at harmonizing its electric and combustion engine lineups. The unification marks a major shift in the brand's strategy as it aims to achieve a balance between its traditional and electric vehicle offerings.The future of the S-Class: two versions, one nameMercedes-Benz's next flagship model will be available in both ICE and EV versions by 2030, CEO Ola Källenius has confirmed. The decision is a departure from earlier plans to phase out the combustion engine-powered S-Class in favor of the EQS, which launches as the brand's top electric sedan in 2021. Instead, Mercedes-Benz will retire the EQS name, continuing the S-Class tradition with two different powertrain options.Kallenius stressed that the ICE and EV versions of the future S-Class will adopt similar exterior and interior designs, in line with Mercedes' strategy to create a unified…

Tata Motors plans to capture 80% market share with ATLAS platform
Tata Motors plans to capture 80% market share with ATLAS platform

Tata Motors has introduced the innovative ATLAS platform, a major change in its vehicle line-up. The new platform is designed to be extremely versatile and can accommodate vehicles of all sizes and styles. It supports vehicles ranging from 3.9 metres to 4.6 metres in length and can accommodate a wide range of wheelbases and widths. This means it can handle a wide range of body styles, including coupe SUVs like the Curvv, conventional SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks. Key features of the ATLAS platform 1. Enhanced security: The ATLAS platform is built with a strong focus on safety. Its continuous frame design ensures that impact forces are evenly distributed during a crash. By avoiding sudden changes in load paths, the platform is designed to provide more uniform and symmetrical performance during a crash, improving overall safety and reducing potential risk of injury. 2. Advanced Technology: The platform integrates the latest technologies, with advanced electrical architecture and cloud connectivity. It includes a…