MAM
Indo-Pak duel: ESS eyes Rs 1.7 mn a spot
MUMBAI: For telecasting the mother of all battles, ESPN Star Sports is looking at getting Rs 1.7 million per 10-second spot, substantially higher from the Rs 4-5 lakh it was charging in the early stages of the World Cup competition.
As India takes guard against Pakistan in the semifinal contest on Wednesday, sources say the broadcaster has a little less than five per cent of inventory to sell.
At Rs. 1.7 million, the spot would be around three times what ESS had earlier been selling for its India package.
While declining to comment on inventory or rates, an ESS spokesperson said: “The price will be substantially higher than what it has been for the other matches. There is traction in the media for this match.”
According to Dentsu CEO Sai Nagesh, the proposals have been put to clients and deals are likely to happen.
“It is not just about CPRPs anymore. For an India versus Pakistan match, the dynamics are different. For clients that couldn‘t afford packages earlier for the event, this match is a good shotgun approach to get reach, involvement and brand awareness,” he says.
Nagesh believes the World Cup has delivered beyond expectations. “It is not just about the India matches. Even teams like Ireland have surprised with their performances. This led to viewers wondering what would happen next and sustained their interests,” he avers.
Lodestsr UM COO Nandini Dias feels that at this rate, a client would have to shell out around Rs 30 million to get the desired visibility on a single day.
“It is a workable solution, though. It is an issue of outlay. A World Cup match at the final stages commands a premium. An India-Pakistan match would fetch an even higher premium,” she says.
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.
