MAM
Uber brings black back to India
Mumbai: Uber, a ridesharing app today announced the launch of its upscale Uber Black category, starting with Mumbai next week. This new addition is a step towards addressing the growing preference of Indian customers towards premium offerings and Uber’s ability to deliver a new standard of on-demand mobility in premium cars.
Uber Black offers a range of cushioned features designed to elevate the ride with unparalleled comfort, style and convenience.
● Brand new, higher-end cars to ensure consistent vehicle quality
● Top-rated drivers, trained by our fleet partners
● In-app experience while booking the ride to keep passenger comfort front & centre
● The magic of on-demand mobility for those who desire a well-appointed experience
Riders will get to enjoy in-car amenities and on-trip preferences, ensuring a consistently high-quality experience. Uber Black allows for a personalized ride with customizable features like quiet mode, temperature control, and help with luggage. So if you’re dialling into a conference call on the way to work, you can request a quiet trip – without any music or conversation with the driver – to maximise productivity. You can opt for cooling to be turned up or down before you even hop into the car. With extended wait times, riders benefit from an additional 5-minute pickup window without incurring a waiting fee, offering greater flexibility. These new features also take out the guesswork for drivers looking to give riders a 5-star ride.
Commenting on the launch, Uber India and South Asia president Prabhjeet Singh said, “We are thrilled to bring Uber Black back in an all-new avatar to meet the evolving aspirations of Indian customers and introduce the business class of back seats on Indian roads. As the largest on-demand mobility network with industry-leading matching, routing, and pricing tech and scaled fleet operations – we are bringing the magic of consistent high-quality service and premium comfort with Black. As India’s leading multimodal mobility service, Uber endeavours to cater to the full spectrum of riders, from those seeking affordable rides on two or three wheels to those who desire a truly well-appointed experience in premium vehicles.”
How to book an Uber Black Trip:
Open the Uber app and enter your destination in the ‘where to’ box
● Select Uber Black at the bottom of the screen
● Select your on-trip preferences
● Review the booking details including the price for the trip and tap Confirm Black
● Enjoy your ride
MAM
McDonald’s India NE names Sara Arjun brand ambassador
Actor returns for nostalgic Buddy Meal campaign at Rs 119 for two.
MUMBAI: Sara Arjun just came home to McDonald’s because some love stories start with a childhood ad and end with sharing fries as grown-ups. McDonald’s India – North and East has appointed actor Sara Arjun as its brand ambassador, bringing her back to the brand that first captured her on screen as a child. The collaboration launches with a playful TVC introducing the Buddy Meal, a value offering priced at Rs 119 for two burgers (McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise), two Cokes and one medium fries.
The film recreates the classic “girlfriend-boyfriend” banter from her original McDonald’s ad, with Sara joking about today’s “demanding” relationships before her buddy admits he just wants a simple McAloo Tikki. The voiceover lands the punch: “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just Rs 119,” closing on the tagline “Khao Meal, Baat Karo”, a celebration of uncomplicated joy and shared moments.
MMG Group and CPRL vice chairman Anant Agarwal said, “Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”
Sara Arjun added, “McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends.”
Available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App and leading delivery platforms, the Buddy Meal taps into the brand’s legacy of creating relatable, feel-good moments.
In a fast-food world chasing trends, McDonald’s brings back a familiar face and a simple truth: sometimes the best dates don’t need grand gestures just good burgers, cold drinks and great company at a price that leaves everyone smiling.
