MAM
Samsonite forms strategic alliance with Panasonic to launch IOT Enabled Smart Luggage
MUMBAI: Samsonite and Panasonic have entered into a strategic partnership to create a new generation travel suitcase that intelligently interacts with the consumer. The collaboration aims to empower the smart travelers of today by bringing in technology solutions for hassle-free travel. As part of the partnership, Samsonite’s new product EVOA Tech will also have the Panasonic’s SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker that will enable customers to tag and track their luggage for a seamless experience.
Seekit Samsonite Logo Unit Final V_CS4 3-01
Leaders in their respective industries for over 100 years, both Samsonite and Panasonic have rich histories rooted in creating innovative products that focus on meeting the changing consumer needs. On a path to connect with tech-savvy travellers of today, the two companies merge their expertise to create a highly-anticipated synergetic output: Samsonite with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic.
Together, Samsonite and Panasonic aim to address the global consumer need for higher security while travelling with this revolutionary product. As Samsonite with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic will be skilled in mitigating any luggage-related crisis through its ability to prompt, track, and raise an alarm if one misplaces their luggage, it not only minimizes one of the key pain points of the consumer, it also makes the experience of travel a smarter and much more pleasant one. The sleek Bluetooth tracker, SeekitTM, was developed at Panasonic’s Innovation centre in India.
Speaking about the collaboration, Jai Krishnan, CEO, Samsonite South Asia shared, “Samsonite is the global leader in superior travel bags & luggage combining notable style with the latest design technology with utmost attention to quality and durability. For more than 100 years, Samsonite has leveraged its rich design heritage to create unparalleled products.” He further added, “The intent of the launch is to provide the consumers with a superior technology-enabled piece of luggage which is feature-packed and changes the way they look at travel. We have added some revolutionary features like a biometric locking system, an inbuilt weighing scale & a USB Port. For developing the Bluetooth tracking software, Panasonic was a natural choice. Adding Panasonic’s technology capabilities into Samsonite suitcases will provide consumers a smarter and more efficient way to travel. With its intelligent features and smart design, Panasonic SeekitTM, fits seamlessly into Samsonite’s designs – and more importantly – in the lives of the tech-savvy, on-the-go users.”
Commenting on the partnership, President and CEO Panasonic India and South Asia, Mr. Manish Sharma, said, “We strongly believe that an association with key partners such as Samsonite not only gives us an opportunity to bring innovative technology offerings to a larger customer base but also expands our vision of connected ecosystem through our solutions-oriented approach. The IoT based solution was developed in-house at our Innovation centre in India, which works as an innovation hub central in developing technologically advanced and convenient solutions for our consumers across domestic and global markets.”
Samsonite with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic boasts of up to 14 different functions based on Bluetooth 5.0. Innovative features include the Separation Indicator so that consumers know when the luggage is around and get notified as soon as it is separated. With Bi-directional Tracking feature, not only does the SeekitTM help consumers find their luggage, but their phone too by just double pressing the button on the tracker. Proximity Guidance guides consumers towards their baggage whereas Find your luggage helps them identify their Samsonite luggage easily by tapping the buzz button on their app. The SeekitTM device also comes with a Selfie Button that allows users to click their best selfies while on travel. Moreover, by pressing the button on SeekitTM thrice, customers can send an SOS Alert to up to 3 contacts with their GPS location. Additionally, Panasonic is providing in-app language support in Japanese, Chinese, English, Korean for better customer experience and adoption.
The Samsonite EVOA Tech has additional features to its credit:
· 3-in-1 Smart Lock (with TSA-approved fingerprint lock, 3-digit dial lock, and USB port): The fingerprint-activated function of the 3-in-1 Smart Lock allows consumers to swiftly open the luggage with the light touch of a recorded fingerprint. Consumers can record up to (and later switch out) 10 selected fingerprints within the device, allowing the suitcases to be borrowed or accessed by friends and family with ease
· The EVOA Tech range also comes with an integrated weighing scale. Accurate and durable, the feature ensures travellers can always keep their luggage within the weight allowance, avoiding the displeasure of overweight fees in the airport. Integrated into the side carry handle, the user-friendly system promptly displays weight in kilograms. Customers can even reverse the display direction with a click of a button, making it easy to read the weight without straining a muscle
· The product range also includes a USB port for the frequent traveller to charge their phones on the go. Besides, it will also include an anti-theft zipper & aero trac suspension wheels
Evoa Tech, the new luggage range from Samsonite, will be powered by Panasonic’s SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker to create a more seamless and stress-free travel experience.
Samsonite EVOA Tech with SeekitTM Bluetooth Tracker by Panasonic is an innovative, stress-reducing smart feature set to impress the contemporary & tech savvy travellers around the globe. The slim & sleek design of the tracker fits easily into the inner compartment of the luggage & the brand DNA, making it the perfect travel partner.
The product will be launched in phases in over 15 countries, namely Philippines, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Middle East (selected countries), China, Indonesia, Australia and India.
Brands
Ola Electric revenue falls, losses continue in December quarter
Company cuts expenses and seeks fresh funds as sales slow and regulators raise questions.
MUMBAI: It seems Ola Electric is currently navigating a bit of a patchy connection, and we are not just talking about a dropped Bluetooth sync on the dashboard. The electric vehicle (EV) giant’s latest financial results for the quarter ended 31 December 2025 have hit the wires, and the numbers are looking more short circuit than supercharged.
The company’s consolidated revenue from operations for the December quarter came in at Rs 470 crore, a significant deceleration from the Rs 690 crore recorded in the preceding quarter. The comparison to the same period last year is even more stark, when revenue stood at a much loftier Rs 1,045 crore. Despite a small recharge of Rs 18 crore from previously unclaimed government subsidies under the EMP5-2024 and PM E-Drive schemes, the overall income trajectory has clearly lost its torque.
Total income for the quarter stood at Rs 504 crore, while the bottom line remained firmly in the red, with a quarterly loss of Rs 487 crore. For the nine-month period ending December 2025, the total accumulated loss has now ballooned to a staggering Rs 1,333 crore.
In an effort to keep the wheels from falling off, Ola has been aggressively downshifting its expenditure. Total expenses for the quarter were slashed to Rs 741 crore, a massive drop from the Rs 1,505 crore spent during the same quarter the previous year.
This belt-tightening suggests a pivot toward leaner operations as the company attempts to find a sustainable cruising speed. However, even with these deep cuts, the going concern tag is being sustained largely by Rs 1,503 crore in remaining IPO proceeds, along with a fresh shareholder approval to raise another Rs 1,500 crore through equity or convertible securities.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and SEBI have also been examining the matter closely, questioning why Ola’s press claims did not align with official Vahan portal data. The company had earlier announced 25,000 units sold in February 2025, but has now clarified to regulators that this figure referred to vehicle bookings rather than final registrations. Under Ola’s accounting policy, a sale is recognised only once the scooter is delivered and registered. Management maintains that this clarification will not have a material impact on the financials, although it has certainly raised eyebrows in the market.
The group’s cash flow situation remains under pressure. For the nine months ended 31 December 2025, Ola reported a negative cash flow from operations of Rs 866 crore, attributing it primarily to lower-than-expected growth in sales volume.
Adding to the complexity are the new Labour Codes. The company has already factored in an additional Rs 5.06 crore in liabilities due to changes in wage definitions affecting gratuity. Meanwhile, the Cell segment, which represents Ola’s major bet on battery manufacturing, is still at an early stage. It contributed just Rs 9 crore to revenue, compared to Rs 407 crore from the automotive segment.
As Ola attempts to navigate this financial fog, the message is clear: the road to an electric future is paved with expensive ambitions. For now, the company is applying the brakes to avoid a deeper skid.
