MAM
Uefa Euro 2008 mascot launched in Vienna
Europe’s next festival of football will have a duo to bring it luck. Dressed in red and white football strips, the dynamic twins sport the national colours of both the host countries, Austria and Switzerland.
Their bright red, pointy hairstyles mirror the shape of the mountain peaks symbolically depicted in the official Uefa Euro 2008 logo.
At a media conference Uefa CEO Lars-Christer Olsson, Euro 2008 SA Board of Administration Chairman and president of the Swiss Football Association Euro 2008 SA Board of Administration member and president of the Austrian Football Association Ralph Zloczower Friedrich Stickler and Warner Bros. Consumer Products VP Bruno Schwobthaler spoke about the creation, development and marketing of the official mascots, as well as their characters.
Then it was time for their first appearance: forming 2008 with their shirt numbers as they stood side by side, the dynamic duo walked onto the stage – with the immediate aim of winning the hearts of football fans all over Europe.
After the media conference, the two mascots got into a horse-drawn carriage and set off for the Stephansplatz. From here, an eight-carriage escort of 32 children, chosen by two of the Uefa Euro 2008 sponsors, McDonald’s and Telekom Austria, accompanied the mascots, where the Viennese public had the opportunity for a close-up view.
Football fans can also choose mascot names. The first appearance of the twin mascots on a football pitch is scheduled for 11 October, when Austria will host Switzerland in a friendly match in Innsbruck. On 10 October, the day before the Austria v Switzerland friendly, the twin mascots will be ‘christened’ in Innsbruck. Their names will be chosen by football fans in Switzerland and Austria, who will be able to vote between 27 September and 8 October for one of the following pairs of names:
• Zagi and Zigi
• Flitz and Bitz
• Trix and Flix
The fans in Austria and Switzerland will have three ways of voting:
• On www.euro2008.com, where all participants will be entered in a draw to win mascot prizes (voting 27 September – 8 October).
• In McDonald’s restaurants in Switzerland and Austria, with one voter in each country winning two tickets for the friendly match in Innsbruck on 11 October (voting till 5 October).
• On the hotline number of Austria’s first Uefa Euro 2008 National Supporter Telekom Austria with two voters winning one ticket.
Brands
Mana Projects names Ranbir Kapoor brand ambassador amid rebranding
Bengaluru developer unveils new identity focused on design and nature.
MUMBAI: When real estate meets reel star power, the foundation for a new brand story is often laid brick by brick. Mana Projects, the Bengaluru based real estate developer, has appointed actor Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador while unveiling a refreshed brand identity aimed at aligning the company with the evolving expectations of modern urban homebuyers.
The announcement marks a new phase for the developer, which has spent over two decades building residential communities in Bengaluru, particularly along emerging growth corridors such as Sarjapur Road.
The updated brand identity reflects the company’s emphasis on design led living and environmentally conscious development. According to the developer, the new positioning focuses on creating residential spaces where architecture, nature, engineering and lifestyle planning work together to shape meaningful living experiences.
Mana Projects chairman and managing director D. Kishore Reddy said the rebranding represents a natural progression as the company adapts to the expectations of a new generation of homeowners.
“This rebranding represents the natural evolution of Mana Projects as we align ourselves with the aspirations of a new generation of homeowners, particularly millennials who form the backbone of Bengaluru’s dynamic homebuyer community,” Reddy said.
He added that today’s buyers increasingly look beyond basic housing to spaces that combine design, sustainability and a strong sense of community.
“At Mana, our philosophy centres on creating homes where space is purposeful, design is intelligent, nature is respected and engineering ensures long term sustainability. Our association with Ranbir Kapoor reflects this new chapter as we continue to build communities that enable people to truly live brilliantly,” he said.
Kapoor, who has been associated with several lifestyle and consumer brands, said the partnership resonated with his own understanding of what makes a home meaningful.
“A home is one of the most meaningful investments people make in their lives, and it should reflect comfort, warmth and a sense of belonging,” Kapoor said.
“What impressed me about Mana Projects is the brilliance of their thought, the way design, nature and functionality come together to enhance everyday living. I’m delighted to be associated with Mana Projects as they continue to create homes that inspire modern urban families to truly live brilliantly.”
The collaboration will be introduced through a large scale integrated campaign spanning digital platforms, outdoor media and experiential activations, making it one of the developer’s most prominent branding initiatives in recent years.
Founded in Bengaluru, Mana Projects has built a portfolio of residential developments that emphasise thoughtful architecture, amenity rich neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive planning. The company’s projects often integrate open spaces, green landscapes and energy efficient engineering to support sustainable urban living.
With Bengaluru continuing to attract young professionals and technology workers, the developer believes the city’s housing market is increasingly being shaped by buyers seeking well planned communities that balance functionality with quality of life.
Looking ahead, Mana Projects plans to expand its presence across the city by developing future ready residential projects designed to accommodate emerging lifestyle trends such as hybrid work culture, community driven living and multigenerational households.
By combining a refreshed brand identity with a high profile ambassador, the company hopes to strengthen its position in Bengaluru’s competitive real estate market while appealing to a new generation of homeowners seeking homes that blend design, nature and modern living.
