Hero Honda to launch scooter
Hero Honda Motor plans to launch a scooter and also motorcycle model this fiscal. The company recently launched the Super Splendour and Glamour motorcycles.

The proposed scooter model would be priced below Rs40,000 and would provide value for money to customers. The scooters market comprises around one-million units a year.

Positioned in the premium deluxe segment, the 125-cc Glamour is fitted with a new `quantum core' engine. Its four variants are available in 10 colours and have been priced between Rs44,500 and Rs48,560 (ex-showroom, Kolkata).

Beyblade toys launched
Cartoon Network Enterprises, the consumer products division of the kids' channel, Cartoon Network, has launched kiddies toy Beyblade India, and is getting the product manufactured through third-party licensing.

Beyblade toys are much like the indigenous spinning tops of yesteryears and have become a craze for kids in the 4 to 10 years of age in the country.

According to the company the toy has its origins in ancient Japanese spinning top Bei Goma.. Beyblading combines a heady mix of adrenalin and strategy, to give the player an exciting, fun-filled experience coupled with an element of learning.

The toys are priced in the range of Rs149-Rs 349.

TV 18 India to launch Hindi news channels
Television 18 India, all set to begin the braodcast of general English news channel, Broadcast News, within a month, is planning to launch a Hindi general news channel later.

The company will launch a series of interactive programmes on its Hindi business channel, Awaaz, targeted at lay consumers. Awaaz viewership, as per a TAM report, is growing 30 per cent month-on-month and is reportedly the highest in this space.

The new programmes would include shows such as Aap Ki Awaaz, a talk show anchored by actor Shabana Azmi to discuss consumer issues, while Consumer Court, anchored by actor Farooq Shaikh, would look into frauds, consumer grievances, redressals and so on. Other programmes to be launched include Pehredar, a programme on corporate and economic crimes.

A programme that will go air in the next few days is Moneybhai Investor, a stimulated real-time stock market game that would reach out to the investing population and prospective investors.

Marico to launch after-shower hair cream
Marico, has made an entry into the premium male grooming category with the launch of Parachute After Shower Hair Cream for Men. This is the first non-oil product under the Parachute brand, and meant for everyday hair styling.

The after-shave cream is non-sticky with a zingy fragrance and gives a stylish "after shower" look.

The company has signed up test cricketer Yuvraj Singh to be the brand ambassador for the product.

According to the company, "The need for men to look good has never been more important. Parachute After Shower Hair Cream for men, with aqua moisturisers, is the answer to a man's desire for well-styled hair, day in and day out. Its non-stickiness and zingy fragrance is bound to get many more men sporting the after shower look."

The product is priced Rs29 (50gm tube) and Rs55 (100gm jar). It has a premium, international packaging.

AI to go in for image overhaul
Air India is going in for an image makeover except that the Maharaja will remain as he is. As part of this about two months ago hyphen in the Air India logo was removed. In the next 18 months, more modifications are expected and the new logo has `Fly Well' written alongside Air India.

DMA has been given the mandate of refurbishing the branding for both fleet upgradation and new acquisition.

The changes would be more than cosmetic and would include enhanced comfort and improved flying experience for its passengers.

Air India unveiled a new corporate identity in 1989. The new logo featured a sun positioned in metallic gold against a deep red sash. But, the airline reverted to its earlier logo because of widespread employee protest against the new logo.

HDFC Bank, Idea Cellular launch co-branded cards
Idea Cellular has tied-up with HDFC Bank to launch a range of co-branded products - a Visa credit card for its subscribers and a post-paid connection for HDFC Bank credit card customers.

The Visa credit card is available in Gold and Silver variants at Rs2,000 and Rs700 respectively. Subscribers will get up to eight per cent back on their post-paid bill payment, along with reward points on supermarket, grocery, and petrol spends.

Benefits include value-added services up to Rs1,500 a year and mobile handset insurance worth Rs10,000. The co-branded credit card would be available in 60 cities across the country and would be usable at over 21 million Visa outlets across the world. The co-branded connection will offer special calling rate benefits.

LVMH to launch Zenith, Fendi luxury brands
Swiss watchmaker LVMH Watch & Jewellery will introduce luxury brands Zenith and Fendi in India in this fiscal.

Zenith, a high-end mechanical watch, would be available for a minimum of Rs2.5 lakh, the average price of Fendi, an Italian designer watch, would be around Rs20,000.

According to the company Zenith would be sold at very few distribution outlets and would be promoted more on the plank of functionality and less on emotional appeal.

LVMH has 50 outlets (nine exclusive ones) across 18 cities in India. Its product prices range between Rs26,000 and Rs5.5 lakh, and a bulk of its sales happen at prices between Rs26,000 and Rs1.25 lakh. It imports its products from its factory in Switzerland, paying duties amounting to around 60 per cent.

Sahara One to broadcast Boney Kapoor's films
Sahara India Mass Communication has acquired the worldwide satellite and pay TV broadcast rights of the entire library of film producer Boney Kapoor's films including the yet to be released multi-starrer No Entry and Paanch.

Films under the Boney Kapoor banner include: Bewafa, Kyon Ho Gaya Na Pyar, Company, Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe, Run, Pukar, Khushi, Sirf Tum, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, Mr India, Shakti, Loafer, Woh 7 Din, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan, Judaai, Drohi, Prem, Hum Paanch, Matrubhoomi, Shehzada, Tarzan Comes To Delhi, Jab Se Tumhen Dekha, Ponga Pandit and Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati.

According to the company, Sahara One Motion Pictures is now the biggest player in the motion pictures arena. The cost of acquisition of the library is expected to be in the range of Rs 10-14 crore.

TV Today to launch news channel Tez
TV Today has launched its third news channel, Tez, five years after Aaj Tak hit the airwaves.

Tez will be a 24-hour Hindi news channel. It aims at delivering news to a viewer who does not find enough time to devote to long news or unnecessary analysis.

According to the company Tez caters to the evolving readership needs of the modern society.

Toon Disney to be dubbed in Hindi
Disney Television International-India's, Toon Disney, has now been launched in Hindi.

The channel is already available in English, Tamil and Telegu. The channel has dubbed 1800 hours of programming in Hindi. Totally, 5,400 hours of programming have been dubbed in three languages.

Three of its top shows are Spiderman and his amazing friends, Power Rangers Wild Force and Power Rangers Ninja Storm.

— Compiled by Mohini Bhatnagar