MAM
PGTI scouts for title sponsor as Aircel pulls out
MUMBAI: Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is scouting for a title sponsor after telecom major Aircel pulled out of the deal.
Aircel has decided to focus completely on the Indian Premier League (IPL) where it sponsors the Chennai Super Kings team,. The company, thus, did not go ahead with the renewal of its title sponsorship deal with PGTI.
PGTI director Padamjit Singh Sandhu said, “We had a very healthy partnership with Aircel for three and a half years, but they have decided not to renew the deal.”
While Sandhu refused to reveal the financials of the sponsorship agreement, the three-year agreement is believed to be in the region of Rs 150 million.
An Aircel spokeswoman confirmed that the company was not renewing its sponsorship of PGTI without specifying any reason.
The telecom company, which has its roots in Chennai, had last year renewed its partnership with CSK for three more years.
Sandhu, however, affirmed that the professional golf body was in talks with three potential sponsors – two Indian business conglomerates and one MNC – to replace Aircel.
“I can’t say anything right now but we should be able to sign-up a sponsor in two months,” Sandhu asserted.
Sandhu also revealed that the PGTI has already signed-up two more partners which include a soft beverage partner and a magazine partner in Golf Plus. Without divulging the name of the soft drink partner, he hinted it’s between Pepsi and Coca -Cola.
Aircel had associated with Golf to engage with consumers from the higher income socio-economic category.
Brands
Hyundai Venue crosses 1 lakh bookings, adds HX8 Diesel AT variant
New top-spec automatic diesel trim brings ventilated seats, OTA updates and paddle shifters.
MUMBAI: Hyundai Venue just hit the jackpot and upgraded the prize because when you cross 1 lakh bookings, you don’t just celebrate, you throw in paddle shifters and ventilated seats for the ride. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced that the all-new Hyundai Venue has achieved 1 lakh bookings, cementing its strong position in the compact SUV segment. To mark the milestone and further enhance customer choice, the company introduced the new HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant.
The HX8 Diesel AT is powered by the proven U2 1.5L CRDi diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It adds a host of premium comfort, safety and convenience features, including:
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-tone leatherette seats with VENUE branding
- Electric 4-way driver seat adjust
- Controller Over-the-Air (OTA) updates
- Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Rear disc brakes
- Ambient lighting on crash pad and central console
- Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
- Traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow)
- Paddle shifters
HMIL, managing director & CEO Tarun Garg said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 1 lakh bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience.”
Backed by Hyundai’s extensive sales and service network, the Venue continues to appeal to buyers seeking a feature-rich, comfortable and future-ready compact SUV. The new variant reinforces HMIL’s focus on delivering advanced technology, safety, comfort and value while adapting to evolving customer preferences.
In a segment where bookings are the real horsepower, Hyundai isn’t just counting milestones, it’s handing drivers an automatic upgrade that makes every journey feel like the victory lap.
