MAM
Karun Chandhok is brand ambassador for TI Cycle’s premium range
NEW DELHI: TI Cycles of India, the bicycle manufacturer and part of the $3.8 billion Murugappa Group, has roped in F1 Racer Karun Chandhok as the brand ambassador for Montra.
TI Cycle’s premium range, Montra, claims to be the faster, lighter and stronger than any cycle ever made in India. It is the first international standard carbon bike designed and manufactured ingeniously. It was launched in March this year and was designed and created on par with international performance biking standards, the company claims.
TI Cycles GM Rajesh Mani said, “We are delighted to have Chandhok as our brand ambassador for Montra. In an effort to establish an instant connect between Montra and the Indian masses; Chandhok was the perfect fit. There is a strong connect between the product and its brand ambassador, with both being at the forefront of sports and technology. Chandhok is one of India’s finest racers and we couldn’t find a better fit for India’s finest bicycle. The Montra brand is very important and close to us at TI cycles. We are proud to be the first Indian company to design and manufacture world-class performance bikes and now, carbon framed bicycles.”
Chandhok added, “TI Cycles has always been at the forefront of innovation in cycling and I am happy to be associated with them. Montra is a brand that reflects world class performance bicycles made in India. I look forward to a long term partnership with TI Cycles where we can jointly build the sport in India.”
“While F1 as a sport is growing in India, there is a perceptible rise in cycling enthusiasts, and TI Cycles is trying to leverage this trend, both from the fitness perspective and as a sport. A brand ambassador will help build a closer connect with audiences on the advantages of cycling to stay fit, youthful and enjoy the outdoors, while keeping it pollution free,” Mani added.
Brands
Funskool India crosses US$40 million turnover in FY 2025-26
Toy manufacturer posts steady growth despite global headwinds.
MUMBAI: Funskool India has played its cards well turning challenges into steady growth while keeping the fun alive in the toy business. The country’s leading toy manufacturer has reported a turnover of $40 million in FY 2025-26, demonstrating resilience in a difficult global environment. The company recorded an average growth of 14 per cent over the past two years, with exports growing at a healthy 19% year-on-year.
While domestic business grew at a modest single-digit pace, Funskool saw encouraging traction in key categories such as Fundough (dough) and Handycrafts (arts & crafts).
Funskool India Ltd. CEO K.A. Shabir said, “We successfully navigated the challenges posed by US tariffs last year and continued to grow both our export and domestic businesses. Given the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia, we are currently working with a moderate growth outlook of 12–15 per cent, with plans to revisit our targets after Q1 once the situation stabilises.”
He highlighted strengthened partnerships with global companies including Spin Master (Canada), Moose Toys (Australia), Melissa & Doug (USA), Asmodee (France), Learning Resources (USA), and Buffalo Games (USA). The expansion of the company’s Goa plant is progressing and is expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year.
Looking ahead, Funskool expects a significant shift in domestic growth momentum for FY 2026-27, driven by new categories such as friction vehicles under the brand “BlazeTrix”, remote-control cars under “VoltRush”, and the addition of popular licences like Paw Patrol.
In an industry where playtime never stops, Funskool has shown that even in turbulent times, a smart strategy and strong partnerships can keep the business ticking along nicely. As it gears up for the next financial year, the company appears well-positioned to build on its solid foundation and bring even more joy to children worldwide.
