MAM
Consumer sentiment up for jobs: LSEG-Ipsos PCSI August 2024
Mumbai: The August 2024 wave of the LSEG-Ipsos primary consumer sentiment index shows confidence around jobs has improved and India was placed second in the pecking order on the national index score across the 29 markets covered in the survey.
However, overall the sentiment was seen to be down -2.9 per cent points.
The LSEG-Ipsos PCSI maps consumer sentiment on four sub-indices and sentiment around the PCSI employment confidence (‘Jobs’) sub-index, has seen an uptick of +0.9 per cent points, the PCSI current personal financial conditions sub index (current conditions) was down -6.5 per cent points; the PCSI investment climate (‘Investment’) sub-index has lowered -6.5 perc ent points; and the PCSI economic expectations (‘Expectations’) sub-Index was down 2.0 per cent points.
Ipsos India CEO Amit Adarkar elucidating on the findings said: “The sentiment around jobs has improved with some sectors hiring in H2 and also with the government announcing new initiatives for job creation in the budget. Some consumers are feeling the pinch of high cost of living in terms of strain on personal finances for day-to-day running of households and lack of disposable incomes for savings and buying of big ticket items and discretionary spends. The sentiment is also down around the economy. Global factors continue to bog down our economy also with the rupee weakening against the dollar at Rs. 84/$, with the wars in Ukraine and Gaza continuing.”
Consumer sentiment in 29 countries
Among the 29 countries, India has now moved to the 2nd spot, preceded by Indonesia (63.6) which now holds the highest national index score. Indonesia and India (61.6) are the only countries with a national index score of 60 or higher.
Eleven other countries now show a national index above the 50-point mark: Sweden (57.3), the Netherlands (55.6), the U.S. (55.3), Malaysia (54.2), Great Britain (53.8), Brazil (53.1), Singapore (52.5), Mexico (52.0), Spain (50.2), Canada (50.1) and South Africa (50.1).
In contrast, just three countries show a National Index below the 40-point mark: Japan (38.0), Hungary (36.8), and Türkiye (36.4).
“India continues to be one of the most resilient markets despite all the global turbulence and tough macro conditions. We have good monsoons and that should bring down food inflation,” added Adarkar.
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.
