MAM
Accountability on investments is Fulcrum mantra for 2005
MUMBAI: Group M’s media agency dedicated to planning and buying for Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL) MindShare Fulcrum is in an overdrive mode. The agency is looking at moving towards a fully integrated unit in 2005. “Fulcrum will raise the bar on providing greater accountability to client’s investments along with providing end to end communication solutions” says MindShare Fulcrum general manager R Gowthaman.
While the agency’s focus last year was to provide channel neutral solutions to its client, this year the spotlight will be on making clients’ investments more accountable. The core team of Fulcrum has Pat Vinayak who heads buying for HLL, while Amol Dighe handles TV buying and Himanshu Shekhar is in charge of non-TV buying. Planning on the other hand is looked after by Madhusudhan. Fulcrum Bangalore has a five member team driven by Heman Desai.
Gowthaman asserts that MindShare Fulcrum has realigned itself as an end to end communications services by focusing aggressively on print, television, activation, rural activation, outdoor, cinema and online advertising.
The focus this year will be on activation and non-traditional media, since the clutter level in the television space is very high and one has to look beyond television. Creating new channels like tie-ups with new channels across eating and drinking, entertainment, education etc., increasing brand awareness and brand benefits will be the way forward. “We will also be focusing on channel neutral solutions and are on the lookout for a research professional whose knowledge resources can scale up our projects,” informs Gowthaman.
Accountability is another aspect that the agency is strongly focusing on. “We now have a clear structure in place and the accountability factor at Fulcrum has evolved over a long period of time. We have further crystallised it over the last three to four months,” says Gowthaman.
Stress is being laid on generating more accountability in the television space. “We will be developing new ways of looking at rates and will be looking beyond gross rating points (GRPs). Secondly we will also be pondering on the important question – When should one stop advertising on television?” he added. The problem only got aggravated with the number of new channels coming in, thus leading to fragmentation.
After taking on Fulcrum’s reins from Vikram Sakhuja mid last year, Gowthaman rearranged the team so as to increase accountability levels in the agency. That will be the natural progression this year and the way forward for MindShare Fulcrum.
Brands
Hyundai India posts record April sales with 17-per cent growth
Domestic sales hit 51,902 units, exports stand at 13,708 units
MUMBAI: Hyundai is clearly shifting gears and April has put the pedal firmly to the metal. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has reported its highest-ever domestic sales for the month of April, clocking 51,902 units in April 2026, marking a 17 per cent year-on-year growth. The milestone sets a strong tone for the new financial year, signalling sustained demand momentum across its portfolio. Alongside domestic performance, the company recorded export volumes of 13,708 units for the month, underlining its continued strength in overseas markets.
The growth has been driven by a mix of refreshed models and special editions across segments. Recent launches and updates including the Exter, Verna, Ioniq 5, Creta Summer Edition, Grand i10 NIOS Vibe Edition and Venue Knight Edition have helped keep the line-up competitive in an increasingly crowded market.
A standout performer was the Venue, which recorded its highest-ever monthly domestic sales of 12,420 units. The model’s 5-Star Bharat NCAP safety rating, including for the VENUE N Line, appears to have bolstered consumer confidence, reflecting a broader industry shift where safety credentials are becoming a key purchase driver.
Tarun Garg, Managing Director and CEO, HMIL, said the company has carried forward recent momentum into the new financial year, with product interventions and safety-focused positioning playing a central role in driving growth.
The numbers suggest Hyundai’s strategy is ticking multiple boxes fresh product cycles, safety-led messaging and steady export performance. If April is any indication, the company isn’t just starting the year strong, it’s aiming to keep the engine running at full throttle.
