MAM
India to lead increased ad spends in BRIC countries: Warc
NEW DELHI: Global advertising expenditure is forecast to grow by 5.6 per cent at current prices in 2014, rising to 5.3 per cent in 2015.
According to Warc’s latest International Ad Forecast, the BRIC countries led by India are expected to post the largest ad spend increase this year, although their impressive rates of growth are forecast to be much lower in real terms once inflation is taken into account.
Ad spend growth is forecast to rise 14 per cent in India (5.6 per cent adjusted for inflation), 12.4 per cent in Brazil (6 per cent), 12.3 per cent in China (9.5 per cent), and 8.6 per cent in Russia (2.2 per cent).
In its previous report published in October 2013, Warc anticipated global growth of 4.4 per cent in 2014 based on its analysis of 12 leading markets – Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and the US.
However, improved trading conditions, greater economic stability and an expected stimulus from major sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup and the Sochi Winter Olympics has led to a more positive outlook.
In the more established markets, the UK is forecast to record the highest rate of growth on 5.8 per cent (3.8 per cent adjusted for inflation), closely followed by the US at 5.6 per cent (3.8 per cent).
At current prices, they will be followed by Canada (3.2 per cent), Australia (2.9 per cent), Japan (2.3 per cent), Germany (2 per cent), Italy (0.7 per cent) with France trailing on 0.2 per cent projected growth.
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“This year is set to record the highest annual rate of growth since 2010, when the industry was bouncing back from recession,” said Warc data and journals director Suzy Young.
“This is largely because the outlook for the global economy is now stabilising and advertisers are starting to feel confident about making additional investments,” she explained.
Looking to 2015, all 12 markets are expected to show growth in ad spend at current prices, with India increasing its ad spend at the fastest rate of 13.5 per cent.
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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.
