Business Corner

Tata Nexon gets 4-star rating from Global NCAP

 New Delhi: Tata Motor’s compact SUV Nexon has received four stars from Global NCAP based on the crash test results done by the UK-based vehicle safety group. The compact SUV received 4 stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupants, while its body shell has been rated as stable. Global NCAP Secretary General David Ward said the four stars awarded to the Tata Nexon represent a very strong result from a major Indian car manufacturer. “This impressive safety performance is comfortably above the new crash test standards applied in India to new models since October 2017,” he added. Tata Motors in a statement said the Nexon achieved the highest adult safety score amongst all the models tested across the Indian market. “The Global NCAP results are a reflection of our commitment towards bringing technologically advanced features which are safe yet stylish,” Tata Motors President – Passenger Vehicles Business Unit Mayank Pareek said. In 2016, Tata Motor’s compact sedan Zest with two airbags had also received four stars from Global NCAP.

Ola accelerates international expansion, to enter UK mkt

New Delhi: After Australia, Indian ride-hailing company Ola is set to foray into the UK market, starting with South Wales and Greater Manchester. The company, which had started operations in Australia earlier this year, plans to offer services across the UK by the end of this year, Ola said in a statement. “Ola has obtained licences to operate in South Wales and Greater Manchester, and will launch operations in South Wales within the next month,” it said. Ola added that it will be the only ride-hailing app in the UK to offer passengers the option of Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) and Black Cabs through one app, which will see additional transportation options being incorporated in the future. The company is working with local authorities across the UK to expand nationwide by end of 2018, it said. The Bengaluru-based company will include DBS screened drivers and processes such as 24/7 voice support, options to share ride details with emergency contacts and in-app emergency features for passengers’ safety. “Ola is excited to announce its plans for the UK, one of the world’s most evolved transportation markets. The UK is a fantastic place to do business and we look forward to providing a responsible, compelling, new service that can help the country meet its ever demanding mobility needs,” Ola co-founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal said. He added that the company will continue to engage with policymakers and regulators in the UK as it expands across the country. In Australia, Ola offers its services in seven major cities — Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra and Adelaide. Over 40,000 drivers across Australia have registered with it since the launch in February.

Nikhil Nanda appointed as Chairman and MD of Escorts

New Delhi: Farm and construction equipment maker Escorts today appointed Nikhil Nanda as the chairman and managing director (MD) of the company to succeed his father Rajan Nanda who passed away earlier this week after a brief illness.  The company’s board unanimously appointed Nikhil as the Chairman and MD to succeed his late father, Escorts said in a statement “I am aware that an enormous responsibility, with a great legacy, has been entrusted on me...I am confident that with board’s guidance and our engineering strength we will continue to live up to the expectations across stakeholders,” Nikhil said.