Brands
Maruti Suzuki’s Hisashi Takeuchi named Autocar Professional’s Man of the Year 2023
Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki MD & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi is Autocar Professional’s ‘Man of the Year’ for 2023.
The Autocar Professional Man of the Year has been a person whose singular influence has shaped automotive headlines for the year, with a larger vision that has transformative potential. Takeuchi typifies that person, said Autocar Professional editor Ketan Thakkar.
Takeuchi, who took over the reins in April 2022, has accelerated decision-making at the carmaker and put Maruti Suzuki back in the reckoning in the lucrative and popular SUV segment. On the back of new SUV launches such as the Grand Vitara, Fronx and Jimny, the company has become the segment leader and appears on course to comfortably hold onto that position for the rest of FY 2024.
Takeuchi is also the prime architect of the company’s Vision 3.0 program. In Autocar Professional’s cover story, which also features an exclusive interview with Maruti Suzuki’s top boss, Thakkar writes: “Vision 3.0 is by far the most audacious mid-term goal set by the company. The plan envisages Maruti Suzuki doubling production capacity and revenues in eight years; tripling exports from India and expanding its product portfolio to 28 models from 17 at present.” Vision 3.0 could well be Takeuchi’s enduring legacy, said Thakkar.
Brands
Uniqlo India signs Jasprit Bumrah as brand endorser
Cricketing star fronts new LifeWear campaign highlighting comfort and simplicity.
MUMBAI: Jasprit Bumrah just bowled a perfect yorker into fashion because when the fastest bowler in the world picks Uniqlo, even off-field style gets a pace attack. Uniqlo India has roped in Indian cricket icon Jasprit Bumrah as its brand endorser, kicking off the partnership with a fresh campaign that brings the brand’s LifeWear philosophy to life, clothing engineered for simplicity, quality and effortless comfort in daily routines.
The 30-second film shows Bumrah in relaxed, everyday moments away from the crease highlighting how the AIRism Oversized T-shirt slips seamlessly into his off-field life. The narrative quietly mirrors his journey as a fast bowler, built on consistency, instinct and the kind of fit that feels right from the first wear and only gets better with time.
Jasprit Bumrah said, “In my day-to-day life, I prefer clothing that feels comfortable and effortless, especially when I’m spending time off the field. That’s why I’m happy to be partnering with Uniqlo, the brand’s approach to everyday clothing feels like a natural extension to my personal style.”
Uniqlo India marketing director Nidhi Rastogi added, “We are proud to partner with cricket world champion Jasprit Bumrah and welcome him to the Uniqlo family. His focus on excellence, authenticity and quiet confidence reflects the essence of Uniqlo’s LifeWear philosophy.”
The campaign is now live across digital channels, social media, in-store displays and outdoor platforms, with the film and imagery rolling out alongside the announcement.
In a world where pace often means rushing, Bumrah and Uniqlo are reminding everyone that the best things in life and on the body come from calm, consistent comfort that simply shows up every day and gets the job done.
