MAM
Dentsu One uses a cat to endorse new Honda Jazz
MUMBAI: Honda Jazz in collaboration with its creative agency Dentsu One, has launched a new campaign for its latest upgrade. With a combination of strong marketing strategy and creative expertise, the YouTube Masthead for the campaign alone garnered a whopping 27 million views in one day.
In a market satiated with choices for the sub 4 meter premium hatchback car category, the Jazz comes with world class legacy, looks, features and most importantly a fresh and vibrant attitude. With the lineage of Honda, the product is assured to offer best in technology and stand differentiated from the competition. So with the latest upgrade, the challenge was to make the communication just as unique and differentiated. This is precisely what inspired an entirely different perspective for the new campaign – Sexy in a new light.
The tagline itself serves a dual purpose, at one hand connoting the new take on last year’s ’Sexy And I Know It’ campaign, and on the other highlighting a key new feature.
Staying true to the quirky brand personality, the films attempt to break clutter by using the idea of a ‘Cat’ personified as a difficult to please snob, scoffing at lesser mortals (read humans) but all the while thoroughly impressed with the New Jazz to navigate human chaos and deliver a stellar experience.
Talking about the campaign, Dentsu One national creative director Titus Upputuru says, “A lot of brands employ celebrities to endorse their products. We thought let’s get the coolest them of all – Billi Jean! Jokes apart, we thought a cat was a good idea to launch the quirky attitude of the new Jazz. We are pleased that the communication has been received so well. We look forward to many more Jazz cars on road soon”
Dentsu One executive vice president Abhinav Kaushik adds, “In a category full of models that sell on bells and whistles, the new Honda Jazz with its anti-ordinary personality has used the CAT to mock the set conventions and notions with an execution that is memorable and uncharacteristic.”
Marketing mix for the campaign included a combination of press, outdoor, online and social media push.
MAM
Ameya Velankar steps down as Uber’s head of marketing for India & South Asia
Veteran marketer exits after more than seven years with the ride-hailing giant.
MUMBAI: After more than seven years of steering Uber through the bumpy roads of India’s mobility market, Ameya Velankar has decided to change lanes. Ameya Velankar has stepped down as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, marking the end of a significant chapter at the ride-hailing company. He had been with Uber since 2019, taking on multiple roles in product and category marketing before rising to lead the marketing function for the region in 2021.
During his tenure, Velankar played a key role in strengthening Uber’s positioning in one of its most competitive and dynamic markets. He helped drive localised marketing strategies and scale adoption across key offerings such as Auto, Moto, Rentals and Intercity, tailoring global platforms to Indian consumer needs.
Prior to joining Uber, Velankar built his marketing expertise at leading consumer companies including SC Johnson and Marico, where he handled category and product leadership roles. His career began at RPG Enterprises.
Details of his next professional move have not been disclosed.
In a fast-evolving mobility landscape where brands constantly battle for attention, Ameya Velankar helped Uber stay relevant and resonant with millions of Indian users. As he moves on from the driver’s seat of marketing, the company will now look for fresh ideas to keep its wheels turning smoothly.
