Brands
Hero Cycles gets actor Arjun Kapoor as brand ambassador
NEW DELHI: Actor Arjun Kapoor is the new brand ambassador of Hero Cycles which claims to be the largest bicycle manufacturer in the country.
At a press meet, Kapoor also launched the company’s first limited edition ‘Celebrity’ sports cycle named after the actor, labeled ‘AK edition’.
Hero Cycles co-chairman and MD Pankaj Munjal said, “It has been a monumental year for Hero Cycles for both brand and business initiatives. We are ecstatic that youth icon Arjun Kapoor is now associated with us and will represent our brand and its ethos in the public and media. His resilience to stay fit despite all odds makes him an extremely popular among young generation and the transformation of him as a health and fitness conscious person has made him a great role model. We will soon be coming out with our first TV commercial with Arjun Kapoor which will be one of our major initiatives in recent times.”
Kapoor said, “I am extremely proud of this association with the world’s largest cycle brand. Hero Cycles has shown the world that Indian made products can compete with the best in the world. I am happy to be face of the brand because cycling resonates within me like millions of Indians. Hero Cycles has been part of my life since my childhood just like so many other children in India. I feel cycles are not just a means of transport, but can be one of the best ways to keep fit. I strongly feel cycling should also be taken up by all of us as environment conscious citizens. I am sure that even more and more people will take up cycling in days to come.”
Only 3000 units of ‘AK edition’ Hero Sprit RX-1 sports cycles would be available for fans across the country. These cycles will be adorned with Kapoor’s signature and will have exclusive new range of colours to choose from. These cycles would be available through online and select Hero Cycles retail stores across India.
Munjal and Kapoor also unveiled Hero Cycle’s entry into e-commerce space. The company has tied up Sports365.in, one of India’s leading fitness, recreation and sports-related e-commerce portals, sell its entire range of cycles online. This will further expand Hero Cycles’ geographical reach, thereby making it more convenient for buyers.
Munjal said, “We have been closely watching the evolution of our consumers’ behavioral pattern. We decided to make our entire range of cycles available online to make it easier and more convenient for our buyers to pick, compare and choose from our wide range offerings. These cycles will be home delivered to our customers through our existing channels of distribution.”
Through this tie-up Hero Cycles will now be available on leading e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Snapdeal, Amazon, Paytm, HealthKart, etc.
“We see online with a potential to become one of our major sales channels, not only giving us access to the urban consumers but also allowing deeper penetration in the rural markets,” Munjal added.
Brands
Disney Cruise Line launches Disney Adventure as Robert Downey Jr. christens ship in Singapore
Star studded ceremony marks line’s first Southeast Asia ship
SINGAPORE: Disney Cruise Line has officially welcomed its newest and largest ship, the Disney Adventure, with a glittering, music filled christening ceremony in Singapore, marking the brand’s first ever vessel to homeport in Southeast Asia.
Held inside the ship’s grand Walt Disney Theatre, the celebration unfolded as a theatrical spectacle worthy of Broadway. Regional vocalists and musicians were joined by a 23 piece orchestra, while sweeping video projections wrapped the stage in classic Disney, Pixar and Marvel moments. Special appearances from captain Mickey Mouse and captain Minnie Mouse added a touch of nautical charm.
Among the headline performers were Jed Madela, hollywood performing arts hall of fame inductee, and Dami Im, international recording artist known for Eurovision. Together, they led a soaring tribute to Disney’s musical legacy.
On stage to mark the milestone were Josh D’Amaro, chairman of disney experiences and incoming chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Joe Schott, president of disney signature experiences.
D’Amaro described the ship as a new chapter for the company in Asia, saying it would bring Disney storytelling to audiences who may be experiencing the brand’s magic for the first time.
The ceremonial highlight came from Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as the ship’s godparent. With characteristic flair, he declared, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” before delivering the traditional blessing: “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”
The ceremony closed with a jubilant rendition of “Let’s Set Sail”, a long standing Disney Cruise Line tradition designed to stir excitement for the voyages ahead.
Drawing on more than a century of storytelling from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the Disney Adventure promises a floating world of fantasy. Guests can wander through seven immersive themed areas, including San Fransokyo Street inspired by Big Hero 6.
On board highlights include a brand new Broadway style musical titled Remember, immersive dining, signature fireworks at sea, imaginative children’s clubs and a vibrant collection of bars and lounges for adults. Thrill seekers can also take on Ironcycle Test Run, the cruise line’s first roller coaster at sea.
The Disney Adventure is the eighth ship in the fleet and sets sail on its maiden voyage on 10 March, launching an inaugural season of three and four night itineraries. It forms part of an ambitious expansion plan that will see five more ships join the fleet by 2031.
For Disney, the magic is no longer just on stage or screen. In Singapore, it now sails.
