MAM
Toyota Innova ropes in Aamir Khan as its brand ambassador
MUMBAI: Toyota Kirloskar Motor has managed to rope in India’s most innovative film celebrity Aamir Khan as its brand ambassador to promote Toyota Innova in India.
The association is a strategic move to create awareness about brand Innova and reach larger audiences across India.
Innova’s petrol version is priced between Rs. 6,76,000/- and Rs. 9,37,000/- (ex-showroom Thane) and the diesel is priced between Rs. 7,36,000/- and Rs. 9,97,000/- (ex-showroom Thane). The on-road prices will vary depending on the prevailing local taxes.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) launched Innova in February 2005 and is built in 10 countries, including India across 3 continents: Asia, Africa and South America. Innova is the first generation vehicle on the IMV platform. In India, Toyota has introduced 5 different variants of Innova in 2.0ltr petrol and 2.5ltr diesel in seven colours Silver, Dark Red Mica, Beige Mica, Light Green Mica, Dark Blue Mica, Super white and White.
Speaking on the occasion TKM managing director Atsushi Toyoshima says, “As an actor Aamir stands for all core values of Innova brand. He is a perfectionist, who innovates while enacting roles, exhibits versatility and is a wonderful performer. He is an actor who tries to break stereotypical moulds and creates new roles for himself – just like the Innova, which has brought in both MPV and passenger car customers into its fold.”
Globally, Toyota has rarely used celebrities as brand ambassadors. Aamir Khan is one of the few celebrities to be associated with brand Toyota. Aamir will soon promote Toyota Innova through media campaigns and ground promotion activities.
Aamir will be an integral part of the second phase of the Toyota Innova’s penetration across India to increase market leadership and will be at the forefront of key marketing activities, personifying values of Toyota Innova such as perfection, innovation, versatility and performance.
The company claims that Innova re-defined the Indian automobile market by becoming the largest selling model in the mid-size sedan and above category. Since its launch, Innova has achieved sales of 18000 units establishing leadership across MPV, mid-size sedan and sedan categories during the same period.
Toyoshima adds,”Innova is truly a model of the 21st century. The success of Innova is a confirmation of the belief that the Indian auto industry has matured and customers want global products. This new-generation vehicle provides performance, versatility, innovative comfort and perfect luxury, which are at par with customer requirements internationally.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
