Andrew Flintoff's 3rd Innings

Just as we are waiting (eternally!!) for the next Kapil Dev, England cricket-fans are waiting for their next Ian Botham :)

Andrew Flintoff, former England cricketer, was one all-rounder who many thought would fill in the shoes of Ian Botham. He was a brilliant all-rounder. But for various reasons, incl injuries, he did not reach the cricketing heights of Ian Botham.

Now he is in news for a different reason all together. The way people manage their '2nd innings,' just hit a new high !! He is taking up boxing!! WOW ! That is what I call true '3rd Innings'! Go beyond all logic, follow your heart... pursue your madness...Such a fighter he is, on cricket field or elsewhere, boxing world watch-out....

Cricketers usually enters areas such as commentary, newspaper column, cricket admin, coaching, etc ( Of course, also Upper House membership, while still "playing", but not scoring!*)


* Just as Siddhu wriggled out of a reality show to appear at the cricket-commentary box, Sachin may be summoned to the Upper House to vote in favour of FDI retail.

To Do List

Got this small (crisp) gyaan on 'being professional' ! 

Keep Your To-Do List Fresh with the 3-Day Rule

A to-do list is only useful if you cross things off as often as you add tasks on. If something's been on your list for more than three days, do one of the following:

• Do it immediately. It may take you less time than you think.
• Schedule it. Find a time slot on your calendar when you can get the task done. If it's important enough to have on your list, then commit to doing it at a specific time and day.
• Let it die. If you're not willing to do something immediately or schedule it for later, you won't ever do it. Accept that it's not really a priority and take it off your list

You may find this a 'no-brainer'.  But, if you are in my position, re-locating big time, it will be a different story altogether.

I am shuffling with a long 'to-do' list... as part of settling down :)

Tried listing down & then, decided to use iPad's to do list ! At least it appears better on the screen :)

It has not helped to close out the pending stuff sooner, but it saves paper & hassle of writing & re-writing process !

Mahindra Rise

Some interesting historic facts about Mahindra & Mahindra:

• Started off as a steel trading company in 1945.. and the name of company was MAHINDRA & MOHAMMED!! 
• By  J C Mahindra and K C Mahindra, who joined forces with Ghulam Mohammed. But in 1947, latter left to become the finance minister of Pakistan.
•  Mahindra Bros (with name changed to Mahindra & Mahindra) entered automotive sector in 1947, driving in the iconic Willys Jeep. 

        No wonder they have remained an Indian brand and an extremely popular one..

 

Their recent launches, incl XUV 500 and South Korean brand, cater to two opposite sides of the spectrum, mass vs affluent!

As such their plan to move up the range was a natural evolution. But Aston Martin would have been an interesting acquisition, for reasons more than 007!!! The experts' opinion were divided - to buy or not to buy!!

Most of the experts had predicted Tata's acquisition of JLR was a sure recipe for failure. But they  wrong ( But Nano continue to be a challenge, which experts felt was a sure hit!!!)
This time, the opinion on Aston Martin was as such more guarded !! Once bitten... :)

I thought it was a gamble worth it. . .

The latest report says, "no sale, but just capital infusion". Which means all discussions were premature ?!

But great to see our local brands scouting for international brands, in areas such as automotive, where we are no great power...

 

Courtesy: http://www.astonmartin.com/cars/db9

Volkswagen global sales up nearly 15% in October - The Economic Times

Volkswagen global sales up nearly 15% in October - The Economic Times

One of ME 2012 COTY

Hyundai Centennial is one of the 2012 COTY in ME.
Great car to drive, still better to be driven around. Hyundai is going up the curve. 

Image Courtesy: http://worldwide.hyundai.com/WW/Showroom/Cars/Centennial/PIP/index.html

When I got a chance to drive Centennial at REEM track !

Also check out for more info: 
http://main.omanobserver.om/node/125921

Volkswagen versus iPhone 5 | The Car Tech blog - CNET Reviews

Some of us love cars.
Many of us love music.
As such, there are many who love both !

I love Nissan range also for their Bose music system.

Sharing this link for car lovers who are Apple fans & love fans :0
Volkswagen versus iPhone 5 | The Car Tech blog - CNET Reviews

Auto News India : Used car entry by VW

Volkswagen is entering the used car market in India. Das Auto will also be DAS WELT AUTO, 
the global pre-owned car business of VW. This will surely send the right signals to the market regarding VW's long term plans in India.

Interestingly, they hope to generate 25 % of their income from this business.
They will compete with Mahindra First Choice, the leading organised player in multi-brand, pre-owned car market. 

True Value from Maruti earns a good 1.3 times higher than their corresponding new car business. A proof of the potential of this segment, now dominated by unorganised sector. Of course Maruti has the advantage of scale, depth in service, relatively ease of servicing for their less-techie models.

Customer can only be happy about these developments ! !

ET Awards 2012: We followed pretty much a philosophy like Apple, says HDFC Bank chief Aditya Puri - The Economic Times

According to the report,

• he draws on management gurus, Philip Kotler or Michael Porter to explain his success:  somewhere I am sure the powerful principles of these gurus come into action, but in different ways
• but age old Indian tradition, KARMA YOGA: nishkama karma is a great philosophy to guide
• they follow the principle of Apple: Surely benchmark in innovation

ET Awards 2012: We followed pretty much a philosophy like Apple, says HDFC Bank chief Aditya Puri - The Economic Times

Hyundai to display Centennial & Genesis Prada at Saudi show

• The Centennial, which claims 'offers a first-class driving experience', with Hyundai’s TAU V8, the 4.6-litre TAU DOHC V8 unit produces 373 hp.
• Genesis Prada is a special edition that has been produced in collaboration with the world renowned fashion designer Prada, and featuring the designer’s signature Saffiano leather.  The 4.6-liter V8 engine, 1,200 of this Limited Edition model have been produced worldwide. The Genesis saloon houses a 290hp 3.8 V6 DOHC engine and comes with all the premium elements expected in a luxury saloon, including leather seats and wood paneling

Business Line : Companies News : Volkswagen to reposition Skoda, other brands in India

Volkswagen has a problem 'of plenty' with Skoda being identified as a luxury model here !!

VW has to get the positioning correct, for all 3 brands here, incl Audi.


Business Line : Companies News : Volkswagen to reposition Skoda, other brands in India

Report: Hyundai, Kia Repaying Buyers for False Mileage Claims - Rumor Central

"Hyundai and Kia are lowering the fuel economy ratings of some 900,000 vehicles due to a “procedural error” made during the Environmental Protection Agency’s testing cycle. Seven different 2013 Hyundai models and different 2013 Kia models will see their ratings drop by anywhere from one to six mpg."
 Report: Hyundai, Kia Repaying Buyers for False Mileage Claims - Rumor Central

India not a priority for new models, investments till 2015: Volkswagen

I was surprised to see this headline, it is all over the media !!!

1. VW is the potential world No.1. But, can they ignore Indian auto market in their journey to global leadership ?
2. India is a different market - with the consumer behaviour unique, tax-regime not great and business environment, challenging. But then, can any top car manufacturer ignore such a market, with the greatest potential ?
3. Will it not give extra time for competition to erect barriers ? ( though VW, Skoda & other group brands already present in India)
4. Is it not a bad PR ?
5. Most importantly, a potential customer may over-react to this headline thinking VW may not invest in after-sales service and may exit, etc. That can work against the brand too.

The link:
India not a priority for new models, investments till 2015: Volkswagen - NDTVProfit.com

2013 Man of the Year: Sergio Marchionne - Automobile Magazine

"Foresight or sheer luck ? " But a great turnaround story...

• Italian-Canadian, not American, CEO of an authentic American brand!
• Car-lover, but not an automobile expert... 
• More of a numbers' guy, accountant/legal areas being the forte
• Famous for his delegation and man-management skills - a true business leader
• Most importantly, "The only thing that matters in the end, is the bottom line." Something, we bankers tend to forget, at times !!

Many of us have seen Chrysler regaining its position in the market space. While Ford & GM got more media coverage, Chrysler was at it, quietly. Customers in Middle East were delighted with the  new models and the fresh approach.

Inspiring stuff on leadership... 

2013 Man of the Year: Sergio Marchionne - Automobile Magazine