Brands
Maruti Suzuki adds swivel seat to WagonR to boost accessible mobility
NEW DELHI: Maruti Suzuki has introduced a swivel seat option for the WagonR, marking a rare push to make inclusive mobility mainstream in India’s mass car segment.
The new feature, designed for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, allows easier ingress and egress and can be ordered as a retrofit kit at Maruti Suzuki Arena dealerships. It can be fitted to new WagonR models or installed in existing vehicles without altering the car’s original structure.
The pilot programme has been rolled out across more than 200 dealerships in 11 cities and will be expanded based on customer response. With the WagonR among India’s top-selling cars, the company is betting that accessibility features can find scale beyond niche segments.
The initiative aligns with Suzuki Motor Corporation’s global philosophy of ‘by your side’ and with the United Nations’ sustainable development goal of reducing inequality. Maruti Suzuki said the move reflects its commitment to human-centric and socially responsive mobility solutions.
“Swivel seat will make daily travel more convenient for senior citizens and persons with disabilities,” said Maruti Suzuki India managing director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi. By offering the feature on a high-volume model, he said, the company aims to extend the ‘joy of mobility’ to a wider audience with dignity and independence.
The swivel seat has been developed in collaboration with Bengaluru-based startup Trueassist Technology under Maruti Suzuki’s incubation programme with Nsrcel at IIM Bangalore. The kit offers fast installation of about an hour, does not replace the original OEM seat and comes with a three-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
The system has been tested and certified by the Automotive Research Association of India and meets applicable safety standards, according to the company.
By embedding assistive technology into a mainstream hatchback, Maruti Suzuki is positioning accessibility not as an add-on, but as a core feature of mass mobility.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
