Brands
Ranveer Singh joins Crossbond as brand ambassador for India push
Engineered wood brand taps star power to boost reach and design appeal
MUMBAI: Crossbond has signed Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador, marking a key step in its efforts to expand visibility and strengthen its presence across the Indian market.
The engineered wood and decorative panel brand plans to roll out an integrated campaign featuring the actor, with a mix of print and visual media set to go live from early April. The campaign will spotlight its flagship products, including HDMR Max and Boiltough, with a focus on durability and reliability.
Backed by the Metro Group, Crossbond has built a portfolio spanning MDF, HDMR and particle boards, along with laminates, acrylic panels and flooring solutions. These products cater to a wide range of applications, from furniture manufacturing to interior design and architectural projects.
The company is positioning this association as more than just a celebrity endorsement. By bringing Singh on board, it aims to connect more deeply with architects, interior professionals, dealers and end consumers, while reinforcing its image as a modern, design-forward brand.
Speaking about the partnership, Ranveer Singh said he was drawn to the brand’s focus on strength and finish. “I’m excited to partner with Crossbond, a brand that stands for strength, reliability and modern design. Whether it’s furniture, interiors or modern spaces, strength and finish matter. That’s what Crossbond is all about.”
Crossbond managing director Ram Agarwal said, “This partnership with Ranveer Singh marks a proud milestone in Crossbond’s journey. His energy and individuality align strongly with our evolving brand vision. As we expand our presence across India, this collaboration reflects our commitment to inspiring a new era of design, craftsmanship and innovation.”
With new campaigns in the pipeline, the brand is betting on a blend of product strength and star appeal to stand out in a competitive category. If all goes to plan, Crossbond’s next phase of growth could be as bold and high-energy as its new ambassador.
Brands
Hyundai launches updated Ioniq 5 with 84 kWh battery, 690 km range
Priced at Rs 55.7 lakh, adds design, tech and safety upgrades.
MUMBAI: Charge it up, stretch it out, Hyundai’s latest electric upgrade is going the distance, quite literally. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has introduced an updated version of its Ioniq 5, packing in a larger 84.0 kWh battery that delivers a claimed range of up to 690 km (ARAI-certified), marking a significant leap in everyday usability for its flagship electric SUV.
Built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the refreshed IONIQ 5 aims to balance performance with practicality, reducing range anxiety while making long-distance electric travel more viable. The upgrade builds on a model that has already secured global recognition, including the World Car of the Year title.
The changes aren’t just under the skin. On the outside, the SUV gets a sharper, more futuristic look with redesigned front and rear bumpers, new skid plates, sporty alloy wheels, a revised rear spoiler and updated V-garnish lighting, all while retaining its signature Parametric Pixel design.
Inside, Hyundai has focused on making the experience more intuitive. The cabin now features a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel with illuminated pixel elements, dual 12.3-inch displays, and a reworked wireless charging pad integrated with physical controls for seat functions small tweaks that aim to improve day-to-day usability.
On the tech front, the IONIQ 5 gets Hyundai’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), Controller Over-the-Air (C-OTA) updates, and now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. New additions such as Active Sound Design and in-car payment integration for EV charging reflect a push towards a more seamless, connected ownership experience. Remote immobilisation via Bluelink has also been introduced as an added security layer.
Safety sees incremental upgrades too, with features like Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (Rear) and side parking distance warnings enhancing manoeuvrability in tight urban spaces.
The updated IONIQ 5 is available in four colour options Gravity Gold Matte, Midnight Black Pearl, Titan Grey and Optic White with an Obsidian Black interior theme.
Priced at Rs 55.7 lakh (ex-showroom), the new IONIQ 5 positions itself as a more rounded offering, less about futuristic promise, and more about making electric mobility fit seamlessly into everyday life.
