MAM
Conrad Clifford to lead IATA in Asia-Pacific
NEW DELHI: The International Air Transport Association has appointed Conrad Clifford as Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific. Clifford joins IATA on 1 February 2014 and will be based in its Asia Pacific Regional Office in Singapore. He succeeds Maunu von Lueders, who is retiring from IATA.
Clifford’s career in aviation spans over 30 years. Most recently he served as Acting Managing Director of Antrak Air Ghana (2012 to 2013), and was formerly CEO of Monarch Travel Group (2010 to 2012) and of Virgin Nigeria (2005 to 2009). His career has also included work for Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Menzies Aviation Group and Emirates.
“Conradbrings to IATA a unique perspective. He has broad and deep experience in both airlines and suppliers; and has lived and worked in many countries in Asia and around the world. I am confident that he will provide strong leadership to IATA’s activities as we serve our airline members and industry stakeholders in the dynamic and exciting Asia-Pacific region,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
“I look forward to leading IATAin Asia Pacific as we embark on the 2nd century of commercial aviation. The region offers tremendous opportunities. Many of the region’s governments are using aviation as a critical element of their economic strategies. Some, however, are struggling to provide the foundation for the industry’s success. In both cases IATA has an important role to play. I, personally, will place a key priority on further developing IATA’s partnerships across the region. These will enable IATA’s global standards and global perspective to deliver maximum value to the safe, sustainable and profitable development of aviation,” said Clifford.
“I want to thank Maunu for his service and contributions to IATA and to our members in Asia-Pacific over the last three years. I wish him a long and happy retirement,” said Tyler. Von Lueders will retire from IATA on 14 March 2014.
Brands
Hyundai Venue crosses 1 lakh bookings, adds HX8 Diesel AT variant
New top-spec automatic diesel trim brings ventilated seats, OTA updates and paddle shifters.
MUMBAI: Hyundai Venue just hit the jackpot and upgraded the prize because when you cross 1 lakh bookings, you don’t just celebrate, you throw in paddle shifters and ventilated seats for the ride. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced that the all-new Hyundai Venue has achieved 1 lakh bookings, cementing its strong position in the compact SUV segment. To mark the milestone and further enhance customer choice, the company introduced the new HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant.
The HX8 Diesel AT is powered by the proven U2 1.5L CRDi diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It adds a host of premium comfort, safety and convenience features, including:
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-tone leatherette seats with VENUE branding
- Electric 4-way driver seat adjust
- Controller Over-the-Air (OTA) updates
- Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Rear disc brakes
- Ambient lighting on crash pad and central console
- Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
- Traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow)
- Paddle shifters
HMIL, managing director & CEO Tarun Garg said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 1 lakh bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience.”
Backed by Hyundai’s extensive sales and service network, the Venue continues to appeal to buyers seeking a feature-rich, comfortable and future-ready compact SUV. The new variant reinforces HMIL’s focus on delivering advanced technology, safety, comfort and value while adapting to evolving customer preferences.
In a segment where bookings are the real horsepower, Hyundai isn’t just counting milestones, it’s handing drivers an automatic upgrade that makes every journey feel like the victory lap.
