MAM
HLL goes in for a name change, to be now called HUL
MUMBAI: After 51 years of being known in India as Hindustan Lever Ltd or HLL, the FMCG giant is going in for a name change: HUL is what it will be known as henceforth – short for Hindustan Unilever Limited.
The name change, announced by the HLL board yesterday alongside its quarterly results, is subject to shareholder approval.
An official announcement made by the company states that the proposed name change provides the optimum balance between maintaining the heritage of the company and the future benefits and synergies of global alignment with the corporate name of Unilever. Most importantly the proposed name retains “Hindustan” as the first word in its name to reflect the company’s continued commitment to local economy, consumers and customers and employees.
HLL chairman and Unilever Asia Amet president Harish Manwani said, “The name change is a significant milestone. It retains the company’s continued commitment towards its local roots while leveraging the global scale and reputation of Unilever with its consumers and other stakeholders in India.”
Additionally, HLL announced its results for December quarter 2006.
Total sales grew by 6.1 per cent, while growth in continuing businesses (i.e. after eliminating impact of disposals) was higher at 6.9 per cent. The FMCG business grew by 8.5 per cent for this quarter, while also ahead of other categories. For the full year FMCG saw 12.8 per cent growth.
An official announcement issued by the company stated that the HPC business grew at 8 per cent, led by double digit growth in laundry and toothpaste, with brands like Close Up leading growth in toothpaste category and Lifebuoy, Pears and Lux leading the growth in the personal wash segment. Strong innovations continued during the quarter and included the relaunch of Breeze, Vaseline body lotion, Lux body wash, scalp oil control variant of Clinic All-Clear and Ponds Age Miracle at the top end of the skin care market.
The foods business grew by 10.9 per cent. In Beverages, Taaza was relaunched during the quarter aiding growth witnessed in Tea.
For full year 2006, sales from continuing businesses were 10 per cent higher than in the previous year. FMCG business had a 12.8 per cent increase with broad based growth across categories leading to both HPC and Foods businesses growing by 13.7 per cent and 9 per cent respectively. Improved mix, selective price increases and robust cost saving initiatives led to higher gross margins. A significant part of this gross margin improvement was redeployed in supporting brands for driving sales growth. Consequently advertising and promotion expenditure increased by 26.6 per cent, adds the release.
Manwani added, “Our continuing business has witnessed double digit growth for the second consecutive year with broadbased growth in both home and personal care and foods.
“Consumer relevant innovations, effective market activation and appropriate brand support were the key drivers for this growth. Market growth has been encouraging. We also recognize the challenge of cost escalation, and in the competitive context, achieving cost leadership across the extended supply chain continues to be a key priority.
“We will continue to leverage our focused portfolio of powerful brands to market leadership and grow across categories.”
Brands
Hyundai and TVS Motor partner to develop electric three wheelers
Joint development pact targets last mile mobility with localisation push
MUMBAI: Three wheels, one big ambition and a charge towards the future. Hyundai Motor Company and TVS Motor Company have signed a joint development agreement to co-create electric three-wheelers (E3Ws), aiming to crack India’s complex last-mile mobility puzzle. The collaboration moves beyond concept talk into execution mode, building on the E3W prototype first showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The goal now is clear, design, develop and commercialise a purpose-built vehicle tailored to Indian roads, riders and realities.
Under the agreement, Hyundai will lead design and co-development, bringing its global R&D muscle and human-centric engineering approach to the table. TVS Motor, meanwhile, will anchor the product on its electric platform, leveraging deep three-wheeler expertise and local market insight. It will also handle manufacturing and sales in India, with an eye on exports down the line.
The timing is strategic. India remains the world’s largest three-wheeler market, where affordability, durability and adaptability often outweigh sheer innovation. The upcoming E3W aims to strike that balance combining advanced technology with practical features such as adaptive ground clearance for monsoon-hit roads, improved thermal management for tropical climates, and flexible interiors suited for passengers, cargo or emergency use.
A key pillar of the partnership is localisation. Major components will be sourced and manufactured within India, a move expected to strengthen the domestic supply chain, create jobs, lower costs and improve after-sales support.
The shift from prototype to production will involve rigorous testing, certification and refinement to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations. Dedicated cross-functional teams from both companies are already in place to accelerate timelines.
At a broader level, the tie-up reflects a growing trend in mobility, global players partnering with local specialists to navigate emerging markets. For Hyundai and TVS, the bet is that combining scale with street-level insight could unlock a new chapter in sustainable urban transport, one that runs not just on electricity, but on relevance.
