MAM
Volkswagen drives into a new PR lane with Ruder Finn India
MUMBAI: Volkswagen India is switching gears on the communications front, awarding its press communication mandate to Ruder Finn India, one of the world’s heavyweight integrated communications and creative agencies.
Effective 1 May, Ruder Finn will roll out a full-throttle strategy covering corporate storytelling, media relations, strategic counsel, and brand campaigns — all aimed at turbocharging Volkswagen’s innovation narrative and sharpening its profile in the fiercely competitive Indian market.
Volkswagen India lead – marketing communications and press Gagan Mangal said the company is revving up its brand positioning for a fast-evolving automotive and media landscape. “We are excited to onboard Ruder Finn as our communications partner. Their strategic thinking, integrated approach, and deep brand storytelling expertise made them the right fit for the road ahead,” he said.
Ruder Finn India CEO and head, Middle East Atul Sharma added: “Winning this mandate reflects our growing strength in integrated communications and corporate positioning. Volkswagen is an iconic brand that has defined the global and Indian automobile industry — we are thrilled to partner with them at such a pivotal moment. Our goal is to create compelling storytelling that mirrors Volkswagen’s legacy and future ambitions.”
As part of the mandate, Ruder Finn will embed itself closely with Volkswagen’s internal communications team, ensuring consistent, insight-led messaging across earned and owned channels.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
