MAM
Volkswagen drives AXN’s ‘The Apprentice Asia’
MUMBAI: Volkswagen Malaysia has announced that it is the ‘Official Car‘ of AXN‘s local production, ‘The Apprentice Asia‘ premiering on 24 May at 9 pm.
Volkswagen adds that its The Apprentice Asia‘s quest to identify the best talent aligns with its core focus on its human capital efforts both in Germany and throughout the world, which have resulted in the company being recognised as a preferred employer.
In The Apprentice Asia, 12 candidates are picked from the cream of the crop across Asia. Representing seven countries across the region, they are an ambitious lot driven by their thirst for success and their common desire to work for Asia‘s aviation tycoon, Tony Fernandes. Filmed in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the series also stars Tony‘s advisors – Tune Hotels Group CEO Mark Lankester and Expedia Asia CEO Kathleen Tan. They play a role by being on the ground to observe each team complete their task, and their opinions influence who Tony hires at the end of the day.
Volkswagen Group Malaysia MD Zeno Kerschbaumer said, “‘The Apprentice Asia‘ gives us an opportunity to feature the character of our products for a fitting partnership that encourages competition. Our cars offer fun driving and a sense of competition through the use of technologies like TSI and DSG so, The Apprentice Asia is a right fit for the brand”.
Volkswagen has cemented the relationship by providing three of its models – Passat, Sharan and Touareg – to support and provide mobility requirements for contestants and the show‘s advisors throughout the 11 episodes.
“This partnership will also inspire and drive the show‘s contestants to give their best in quality, innovation and leadership. Much like our business, we believe that healthy competition will unearth talent and skills; and we are confident that our brand will contribute towards producing the next successful and potentially iconic entrepreneur in Asia. We are proud to extend this relationship to AXN,” he added.
MAM
Continental Tires appoints Nevin Aslan-Özkan as Managing Director for India
Finance leader to drive growth in passenger vehicle segment from 6 April 2026.
MUMBAI: Continental Tires has put a fresh pair of tyres on its Indian leadership and this time, they’re rolling with strong financial horsepower. The premium tyre manufacturer has announced the appointment of Nevin Aslan-Özkan as managing director of Continental Tires India, effective 6 April 2026. She succeeds Samir Gupta, who stepped down on 5 April 2026 for personal reasons.
Nevin joined Continental in 2017 and has held key leadership roles in Mergers & Acquisitions and Strategy & Business Development across EMEA and APAC. Since May 2025, she has served as Chief Financial Officer for Continental Tires India, shaping the company’s financial strategy and performance.
In her new role, she will lead the company’s growth agenda in India, with a sharp focus on accelerating its presence in the passenger vehicle segment. This appointment comes at a pivotal time, following the recent launch of the CrossContact A/T² tyre, the first market globally to receive this product and a €10.5 million (approximately Rs 100 crore) investment to strengthen Continental’s position, particularly in the ultra-high-performance (UUHP) segment.
Nevin Aslan-Özkan said, “India continues to be a strong focus market for Continental Tires. Guided by our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we will continue to deliver products and technologies designed for Indian roads.”
Samir Gupta, who joined Continental in 2012 and served as managing director since January 2022, was recognised for his significant contribution to expanding the brand’s footprint in India.
Continental is a leading global tyre manufacturer founded in 1871. The company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and employs around 78,000 people across 54 countries. Its Tires group sector, which includes premium car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tyres, recorded sales of €13.8 billion in fiscal 2025 and employs more than 56,000 people worldwide.
With Nevin Aslan-Özkan at the wheel, Continental Tires India is clearly gearing up for a smoother and more aggressive drive in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. The road ahead looks promising.
