MAM
Benedict Cumberbatch to endorse MG Motor India’s upcoming electric car: the MG ZS EV
MUMBAI: MG (Morris Garages) Motor India today announced Benedict Cumberbatch as the face and ambassador for their upcoming Electric Car “MG ZS EV” in India. The announcement comes as a further extension of the ongoing association between two British icons.
The MG ZS EV, which is slated to be unveiled in India in December 2019, is a testimony to the carmaker’s long-term commitment towards environment friendly mobility in India. Benedict, who was recently announced as MG India’s Brand Ambassador as well as roped in for the brand campaign and seen in the launch commercial for MG in India sporting the Hector Hybrid; will now don a new avatar for the MG ZS EV.
Benedict Cumberbatch on his association with MG said, “Since my childhood, I have grown up seeing and reading about MG’s. With the iconic MG brand set to drive into the future, I am delighted to be part of the brand’s journey in India. The ZS EV – India’s first connected electric SUV focuses on and furthers the required change in the environment which is the need of the hour. It is a start in India and am glad to be part of this start.”
MG India’s association with the acclaimed British actor also builds from the shared values and beliefs where both endorse community-led causes like diversity. Benedict Cumberbatch has been known for promoting gender equality and ‘diversity across the board’ within the global entertainment industry. Benedict has also many a times demonstrated his focus on the humanitarian crisis & is known for adopting cruelty free fashion.
“We are extremely charged up and excited to extend our association with Benedict for the MG ZS EV in India. The pure electric SUV from MG’s global stable has seen robust demand from customers in the UK, Thailand and other markets. It is part of our commitment to promote environmentally friendly mobility in India. We realize there is a need to become a catalyst for change and we are happy to do so with the MG ZS EV,” said Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India.
MG Motor India, on its part, has been driving its vision of facilitating the creation of a more equal and diverse society with various in-house and on-ground initiatives. Women professionals currently account for 31% of the organisation’s workforce – the highest in the industry. MG Motor India has also associated with organisations such as IIMPACT an NGO engaged in providing quality education to the girl child through its learning centres in remote villages across the country. TRAX India to raise awareness on road safety across 200 schools and The Better India to raise awareness about community building through initiatives such as ‘MG Changemakers’.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: 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.
