Archives June 2024

By participating as a strategic partner in the company BioBTX, Covestro is enabling the construction of the world’s first innovative demonstration plant for the BioBTX technology in the Netherlands. The technology makes it possible to produce chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and xylene from organic and mixed plastic waste. These aromatics are essential building blocks for the chemical industry and are used in plastics production, among other things.

Covestro is investing a mid-single-digit million euro amount in the scale-up from the Netherlands. In addition to Covestro, the financial investors Invest-NL and Infinity Recycling are also involved in the project. Once operational, the demonstration plant will convert 20 kilotons of mixed plastic waste per year. Following successful upscaling of the technology over the past years, the demonstration plant is a crucial intermediate step for the technology to be implemented on an industrial scale.

“Our vision is to fully align with the circular economy and climate neutrality, and we are pursuing all innovative solutions that bring us closer to this goal,” says Thorsten Dreier, CTO of Covestro. “Chemical recycling can make a significant contribution to closing the loop and the BioBTX ICCP technology is a promising way of using waste to recover raw materials that we use in production.” Unlike other recycling technologies, this technology also makes mixed waste from different source materials suitable for the process.

The investment in BioBTX is part of Covestro’s venture capital program, in which the company invests in young start-ups and scale-ups with innovative products, solutions or business models and thus promotes entrepreneurial activities in and alongside its core business. The partnership with BioBTX also includes two joint development agreements. In the development projects, Covestro is researching further possibilities for recycling its products and contributing know-how in the field of digitalization to improve plant performance.

Covestro has been cooperating with BioBTX for more than four years and, together with the company, has launched the EU-funded Circular Foam project, which is working on the recycling of rigid polyurethane foam using pyrolysis.

“We are pleased that we can contribute our expertise in the areas of application development, digital research and development and chemical recycling to the project and thus provide the impetus for a new, Europe-wide circular ecosystem for plastic waste,” explains Torsten Heinemann, Head of Group Innovation and Sustainability at Covestro.

“With its participation in BioBTX and the construction of the demonstration plant, Covestro is enabling an important step towards a sustainable chemical industry,” says Ton Vries, CEO of BioBTX. “The production of renewable aromatics from plastic waste and biomass is a prerequisite for circular chemistry.”

The demonstration plant is scheduled to go into operation by early 2027. Further information on the project can be found here.

Bangalore, 4th June 2024: Marking the ‘World Environment Day’, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the kick-off of its ‘Toyota Environment Month’, a dedicated month (June 2024) to further foster eco-consciousness and advocating for a greener, sustainable future. Through a spectrum of initiatives intricately woven into its long-term vision encapsulated by the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 (TEC 2050) and this year’s theme “Unite for Responsible Resource Consumption towards becoming Global No.1”, the company aims to ignite awareness and action towards environmental stewardship with a key focus on water management and natural ecosystem revival with afforestation. This resonates strongly with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) theme for World Environment Day 2024, which underscores the critical issues of Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience, enfolded by the slogan “Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration”.

Over the years, TKM has consciously adopted sustainable business practices and transformed from a carmaker to a mobility company. Keeping with its principle of ‘Respect for the Planet’, Toyota globally announced the ‘Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050’ (TEC 2050) in October 2015, comprising six environmental challenges. The first set of 3 challenges focuses on achieving carbon neutrality from our products, and its entire value chain including the manufacturing activities. The latter 3 challenges aim to create a net positive impact by minimizing and optimizing water usage, enabling a recycled-based society, and establishing a future society in ‘Harmony with Nature’.

To manage our resources responsibly, TKM has adopted a holistic approach and is actively engaging in various sustainable initiatives. The company has achieved significant milestones including a remarkable rise in groundwater level which is at 16.1 feet post monsoon FY 2022-23 (from 90ft in 2009), rainwater harvesting ponds with 51,000 m3 capacity for manufacturing and non-manufacturing applications. 95% of the water requirement for production is met through recycled and rainwater harvesting. Further, TKM is promoting a recycling-based society with enhanced recyclability of waste up to 96%.

As stewards of the environment, the company has taken significant steps in nature conservation. Over the years, TKM has planted over 328,000 trees across 112 acres within its factory premises using the Miyawaki concept. This focuses on restoring and reconstructing the forests based on the concept of “Potential Natural Vegetation”, and this very application has helped in creating a ‘Natural Forest’, within the premises of TKM, by planting native species to create biodiversity and aid food chain and ecology.

To further amplify the efforts in restoring the native biodiversity, TKM has established a state-of-the-art ‘Ecozone’, an experiential learning center with 17 theme parks located at TKM’s plant facility, which continues to contribute through knowledge-sharing on various aspects of nature conservation including climate change, waste-to-value, ecological balance, water resource management and so forth. Thus far, 42,000+ students have been sensitised, imbibing positive behavioral change to live in harmony with nature.

Marking the celebration of the environment month in June, TKM with its enhanced efforts continues to create awareness amongst its stakeholders on water scenario & conservation methods, alongside exclusive eco-webinars conducted by environmental experts. During the eco-driven month, TKM aims to actively engage with local communities through a myriad of eco-activities including plantation drives at school, rejuvenation project for local lakes/ponds, and clean-up efforts aimed at preserving natural habitats. Activities such as “Toyota Swachh Abhiyan, “RaaR” (Recycling as a Responsibility / e.g., office uniform recycling), Toyota Eco Club, Eco Family Walk (ecozone), etc., are also being planned throughout the month, to promote sustainable lifestyle amongst the stakeholders including employees & their families, business associates, members of Toyota group companies, school children and community members in and around Bidadi and Ramnagara regions.

Speaking about TKM’s Environment Month celebration, Mr. B. Padmanabha, Executive Vice President & Director of Manufacturing – at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we recognize that environmental and social sustainability is just as crucial as the economic progression. We are fully committed to the six environmental challenges that Toyota is trying to address globally. Our focus is not just on products & our manufacturing operations but the entire value chain, while also giving back to the communities where we operate.

By observing Environment Month, we continue to strive, inspire innovation, and drive tangible changes for a better tomorrow. TKM has been steering the eco-friendly journey strongly and the significant milestones of 100% Renewable Energy in grid electricity, using only 5% freshwater for our manufacturing, recycling of 96% of waste, etc. are a testament to it. Under this year’s Environment Month theme “Unite for Responsible Resource Consumption Towards Becoming Global No.1”, together with our stakeholders, we continue to make a significant impact on resource conservation through various eco interventions with a special focus in the areas of water management, land ecosystem revival (plantation drives) and reduction in energy consumption. Globally, our eco-efforts are driven to minimize the environmental footprints in every path that we undertake in a more holistic manner, thereby catalysing positive changes, and creating a happy place to live”, he added.

Previously, TKM has been conferred with various accolades/recognitions for its eco commitment in the respective categories, to name a few, TERI Water Sustainability Awards, CII Sustainability Award for Biodiversity, CII Award for Water & Hazardous Waste Management, CII-SR EHS Excellence Awards in Water Management, CII GreenCo Platinum Company’ Award for Environmental Excellence and Sustainable Leadership, etc.

TKM remains committed to its core values of sustainability, environmental responsibility, and innovation. In pursuit of Carbon Neutrality, Toyota remains steadfast in enhancing its clean mobility solutions, adopting multiple vehicle technology pathways including alternate fuels. Stakeholder engagement lies at the heart of TKM’s environmental advocacy. This collaborative spirit is further underscored by TKM’s Environment Management System, which integrates ecologically sound practices across its business ecosystem including its supplier and dealer partners, covering the wider spread of eco-consciousness, plantation & clean-up drives, ‘No Plastic’ campaign, lowering water usage, reduction of carbon footprints in their operations and so forth. Driven by its strong belief in collaborative action, Toyota extends an open invitation to stakeholders, partners, and individuals passionate about environmental preservation to join hands in their sustainable endeavors, catalyzing positive change within the community.

Overview of TKM

Overview of TKM 1st Plant:

Overview of TKM 2nd Plant:

New Delhi, 4th June 2024 – Incredio, a subsidiary of HealthKart, a leading health supplement company in India, is thrilled to announce the reintroduction of its popular Slim Shake in two delectable flavors – Chocolate and Mango. This relaunch aims to offer a simple, effective, and sustainable weight loss solution tailored specifically for health-conscious Indian consumers.

By offering one wholesome nutritious shake that helps cut out excess calories from the diet, Incredio Slim Shake has become a recent favorite in India. It provides a sustainable weight loss plan that eliminates the need for fad diets and unattainable gym goals. Each serving of Incredio Slim Shake is a nutritious meal replacement, packed with 22g of a triple blend protein (Whey, Soy, and Casein) that keeps you fuller for longer, 6.7g of high fiber that helps with digestion & fullness, and only 221 calories. Enriched with 24 essential vitamins and minerals, it supports healthy, long-term weight loss without requiring extreme diets, ensuring an effective and balanced approach to achieving health goals. It provides the precise amount of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals needed while eliminating approximately 480 unnecessary calories from the diet daily.

The product will be available in a 480gm pack size from INR 799/- onwards and is available online on www.incredio.com and the leading e-commerce websites – Amazon, Flipkart & Myntra.

On the relaunch of Slim Shake, Incredio Brand Head Ms. Neha Gupta expressed, “We are thrilled to reintroduce Incredio Slim Shakes that are designed to meet the growing demand for health and fitness among Indians. Our reintroduced shakes in Chocolate and Mango flavors combine taste with essential nutrition, providing a balanced approach to weight loss. We are committed to supporting our customers in their health journey by offering products that are both effective and enjoyable.”

According to a survey by EY India, Indian consumers are increasingly conscious of health, fitness, and holistic nutrition. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of health and immunity, leading to a significant shift in consumer behavior towards natural food, health supplements, and specialized diets.

Bengaluru, India — 3rd June 2024 — Columbia Pacific Communities (CPC), India’s leading senior living community operator, and KITES Senior Care, a pioneer in specialized ‘out of hospital’ geriatric care, have announced their merger. This merger combines CPC’s extensive experience in senior living with KITES’s medical expertise, creating India’s largest and most comprehensive Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).

The merged entity will operate under the leadership of Mr. Rajagopal G, co-founder of KITES Senior Care, who will serve as the CEO and Director of the board. “This merger is a momentous step towards fulfilling our mission to provide unparalleled care to India’s elderly. By combining our strengths, we are set to transform the landscape of senior living and medical care in the country,” said Mr. Rajagopal.

Dr. Ranjan Pai of the Manipal Group, a major investor in KITES, expressed his support for the merger: “The coming together of these two platforms in the senior care continuum underlines our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. The elder care space is still evolving in our country, and this pooling of strengths will play a pivotal role in shaping the industry. We are excited about the possibilities and the transformation that this can usher in making the life of elders safer and better.”

The merger will leverage KITES’s demonstrated capability to manage care for elders, the Senior Shield technology platform, and CPC’s network of senior living communities to offer a seamless continuum of care. This includes preventive care, emergency care, and post-hospitalization rehabilitation across multiple cities in India.

Nate McLemore, Managing Director of Columbia Pacific Investments, added, “This strategic union is a powerful step forward in our ongoing commitment to provide exceptional senior living experiences in India. We are bringing together the best of both worlds — KITES’s innovative care models and our proven expertise in community living — to significantly enhance the quality of life for our seniors.”

Residents and their families will benefit from the combined expertise of both organizations, ensuring peace of mind and a higher standard of care. The integration also promises to create new jobs and development opportunities for staff, fostering a culture of excellence and compassion in senior care.

Columbia Pacific aims to add about 2,000 units across India over the next 2 years, thereby doubling the senior/assisted living units and seniors under individual management and care respectively. This development aligns with the rapid growth trajectory of the Indian senior care market, targeting a USD 30bn combined market size covering senior living and ‘out of hospital’ senior care. The merger is looking at collaborating with reputed developers in creating new capacities both on sale and rental models.

KITES Senior Care has recently completed its Series A funding round, raising INR 65 Crores, with a substantial investment of INR 45 Crores from Dr. Ranjan Pai. This financial infusion is set to fuel KITES’s expansion into six cities across Southern India, aiming to develop over 1,000 beds in more than 15 facilities. Concurrently, Columbia Pacific Communities, managing over 1750 residential units across 10 locations in Southern India and a member of the Seattle-based Columbia Pacific Group, is advancing its growth strategy. The brand is actively collaborating with top developers such as Embassy in Bengaluru, TVS in Chennai, and Nyati in Pune to roll out over 700 units that are currently in various stages of development. This development is timed with the senior care market’s rapid growth trajectory, which is expected to reach USD 12 billion by 2030. Furthermore, the ‘out of hospital’ senior care market, where KITES specializes, is already valued at USD 20 billion and growing at an annual rate of over 10%.

“These initiatives underscore our commitment to significantly enhancing the quality of life for seniors in India, blending innovative care models with proven expertise in community living,”Nate McLemoreadded.

India, 3rd June 2024: AET Displays, a renowned industry expert in fine-pitch LED displays, has captivated audiences with its latest Rental Series and XR Application-based screens at the ongoing Palm Expo 2024. The three-day event, running from May 30 to June 1 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Goregaon East, Mumbai, has seen AET Displays taking center stage at booth C41, with an expansive showcase spanning 108 square meters.

On the first day of the expo, approximately 2000 participants visited the AET Displays booth to witness the company’s stunning XR Application-based screens, a feature that set them apart from other exhibitors. Attendees were also engaged through a captivating performance of Indian Classical Music. A highlight of the day was the participation of Mr. Su Piow Ko, CEO of AET India, in a panel discussion titled “MicroLED – Future of Display?” alongside other industry veterans. This insightful discussion took place from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at the event venue.

The second day saw an even larger turnout, with around 2500 visitors flocking to the AET booth. In addition to the XR Application-based screens, AET Displays showcased a wide range of indoor and outdoor Rental Series screens, including the QR Series, which offers high-end, premium cabinet LEDs for XR/VR and immersive applications; the QC Series, designed as budget-friendly displays for hassle-free setup; the QV Series, which features creative rental LED displays for indoor use; and the QI Series, known for its high protection and easy installation for floor indoor displays. Attendees were also treated to a magical violin show, adding to the booth’s allure. In recognition of his extensive contributions to the field, Mr. Su Piow Ko, CEO of AET India was awarded by Palm Expo, honoring his achievements and influence in the industry.

Commenting on the overwhelming response AET Displays has received, Mr. Su Piow Ko, CEO of AET India, said, “The enthusiasm and interest shown by the attendees at Palm Expo 2024 have been truly inspiring. It has been a great opportunity for us to build connections with industry leaders and enthusiasts, and to examine what other players are bringing to the table. We have had a fantastic time engaging with our audience, exchanging ideas, and exploring future collaborations.”

As a result of our successful participation, we anticipate increased business traction and are confident in our ability to continue pushing the boundaries of display technology. We look forward to delivering exceptional visual experiences and solidifying our position as a leader in the industry.” he added.

Looking ahead to the final day of the expo, AET Displays is set to engage an audience of around 3000 attendees. The products on display are designed to meet the high demands of the events and entertainment industry, offering unparalleled visual experiences. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience firsthand the cutting-edge technology and solutions that AET Displays offers.

Each year, Palm Expo attracts over 25,000 professionals, offering a platform for the industry’s top brands to display and demonstrate their latest innovations. The event is renowned for its high level of professional engagement and influential attendees who drive business and professional futures.

Since officially entering the Indian market on October 26, 2023, AET Displays has rapidly expanded its presence nationwide. With a portfolio of over 50 products and more than 2000 installations across the country, AET is committed to providing comprehensive coverage and support to its customers. The company operates an assembly plant, three offices, three customer experience centers, and five service centers across India, ensuring extensive support for its loyal clientele

Zee News is poised to revolutionize election forecasting with the new AI-driven sentiment exit polls for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Following the culmination of India’s longest electoral process, Zee News proudly announces its pioneering initiative to unveil exit polls driven by cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. At the forefront of this technological innovation is Zee News’ AI anchor, Zeenia, scheduled to debut on Sunday, 2nd June at 5 PM, delivering the AI Exit Poll data to viewers.

In collaboration with India Consolidated Private Limited, a subsidiary of the esteemed US data analytics powerhouse, Zee News has set a new standard in predictive accuracy and reliability. This partnership signifies a significant milestone in the realm of election forecasting, promising to redefine how Indian media interprets and predicts election outcomes. For years, all the survey agencies and news channels of the country have been reporting exit poll figures based on the opinions of a few thousand or a few lakh people. To ensure the reliability and accuracy of this AI exit poll, the combined team of Zee News and ICPL gathered opinions from an astonishing sample size of over 10 crore individuals, forming the basis for comprehensive data analysis covering 542 Lok Sabha seats.

Whatever exit polls or surveys have been conducted before this, they have been prepared on the basis of people’s opinions. People may be inclined towards one side or the other, which directly impacts the results of the exit poll. But for the first time, ZEE NEWS has collected the opinions of voters with the help of Artificial Intelligence, in which there is absolutely no scope for bias. In such a situation, we can say that ZEE NEWS’ AI EXIT POLL is completely unbiased, reliable, and accurate.

The integration of AI-driven sentiment analysis into Zee News’s exit polls signifies a significant leap forward in journalistic innovation. By harnessing advanced AI algorithms, Zee News’ exit polls promise accuracy and reliability, enabling the capture of nuanced sentiments of voters across diverse regions and languages.

Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, expressed pride in the network’s dedication to journalistic excellence, stating, “Zee News approach towards AI-driven sentiment analysis for exit polls marks a strategic leap forward from a news business perspective. This partnership signifies our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the media industry. Through meticulous data collection and analysis, we aim to offer our audience unparalleled insights into the electoral landscape, reinforcing Zee News’s reputation for delivering accurate and reliable news.”

“As we leverage AI technology to decipher the sentiments of millions of voters, we towards redefining how Indian media interprets election outcomes but also open new avenues for revenue generation and audience engagement in the ever-evolving landscape of news broadcasting,” added Rahul Sinha.

As the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections draw to a close, Zee News’s AI-driven predictions offer a true reflection of the sentiments of the Indian populace.

Delhi, 3rd June 2024: Marking the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, HCMCT Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi conducted comprehensive pulmonology tests in various sectors of Dwarka. This activity aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and how it impacts the lungs and overall health. During this activity, more than 200 individuals aged between 30 and 60 participated. Experts from HCMCT Manipal Hospital used spirometers to screen the lung capacity and respiratory systems of the participants.

During this activity, Dr. Puneet Khanna, HOD, Pulmonology & Respiratory Medicine, HCMCT Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi addressed the participants, “This was a Dumdaar challenge for the common citizens of Delhi. The whole exercise aims to create awareness about lung health on World No Tobacco Day because we have seen that because of tobacco addiction, more and more youngsters are getting affected, and their lungs are getting damaged because of tobacco addiction. In this initiative, we are urging the citizens to take care of their lungs, do this challenge, and have knowledge about their lung capacity and lung functions.”

Pune, India – 3rd June 2024: Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL), a 100% subsidiary of the Italian auto giant Piaggio Group, and a leading Indian manufacturer of small commercial vehicles and electric three-wheeler (3EV) inaugurated its new Company Showroom in Wagholi, Pune. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Ajit Pawar, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, along with Mr Diego Graffi, Chairman & Managing Director at Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited, and Mr Amit Sagar, Executive Vice President – Commercial Vehicle Business (Domestic) at Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited.

The new Wagholi showroom, which spans over 2800 square feet, redefines the three-wheeler retail experience, offering customers a comprehensive range of products and services under one roof. From traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models to state-of-the-art Electric Vehicles (EVs), the showroom showcases Piaggio’s commitment to providing fuel-agnostic solutions tailored to diverse customer needs and preferences. Moreover, with a fully equipped state-of-the-art workshop and spare parts facility, customers can rely on exceptional service and spare parts support, ensuring complete peace of mind throughout their ownership journey. The workshop promises a hassle-free experience with certified master technicians trained extensively at Piaggio’s plant in Baramati.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman & Managing Director at Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited, said, “I would like to thank Shri Ajit Pawar, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra for gracing the occasion. At Piaggio India, high-quality products and services that exceed customer expectations remain at the forefront. With the launch of the new 3-wheeler company showroom in Pune, we are committed to redefining the retail experience and providing unparalleled solutions tailored to our customers’ diverse needs. This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to showcase our commitment to offering Pune a complete three-wheeler experience, from discovery to sales as well as after-sales and service. This will be our model showroom, which will showcase our strength of product range.”

Mr. Amit Sagar, Executive Vice President – CV Domestic Business & Retail Finance at Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited, said, “The new showroom located at Wagholi, is not only a new retail touchpoint for the company but also a significant step in its retail strategy. With the launch of the showroom, we’re placing the needs of our customers in Pune at the forefront. The showroom will have trained manpower along with the on-the-spot facility of exchange and finance. We are confident that this showroom will not only empower our customers with the freedom of choice but also ensure complete peace of mind throughout their ownership journey.’’

Beyond product choice, the showroom prioritizes a seamless ownership experience with exceptional service, readily available spare parts, and transparent pricing policies. The one-stop solution approach provides everything from registration and financing assistance to after-sales care, offering complete peace of mind for every Piaggio customer. Piaggio recently announced a new battery subscription model for its Apé Elektrik 3Ws, which is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making electric vehicle ownership more affordable and hassle-free. The focus on customer satisfaction underscores Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited’s commitment to delivering excellence at every touchpoint, ensuring that each interaction leaves a lasting impression of reliability and trust.

Mumbai, 3rd June 2024: Puravankara Limited, one of India’s most trusted and admired real estate developers, has announced the acquisition of 12.75 acres of land in Patlipada on Ghodbunder Road, Thane, by its wholly-owned subsidiary company, Purva Oak Private Limited. The land has an estimated potential carpet area of 18.20 lakh sq ft and a potential Gross Development Value (GDV) of Rs 4,000 crores over the project lifecycle.

Commenting on this strategic advancement, Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara Limited, said, “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of a prime 12.75-acre land parcel in Thane, further solidifying our commitment to MMR’s sustainable and dynamic real estate market. This strategic expansion in Thane is in addition to our recent announcements of redevelopment projects in Pali Hill and Lokhandwala. We have added over Rs 7,500 crores of GDV to our MMR portfolio between these three acquisitions. Our continued investment in MMR reflects our vision to deliver international quality homes with trust and transparency.”

In November 2023, Puravankara secured rights to undertake the redevelopment of two housing societies spanning 3 acres in the Lokhandwala area of Andheri West. The project has a development potential of 5.8 lakh sq ft carpet area and a potential GDV of Rs 1,500 crores. In April 2024, the company was selected as the ‘preferred developer’ for a 2.5-acre redevelopment project in Pali Hills with a development potential of 4.10 lakh sq ft carpet area and a potential GDV of over Rs 2,000 crores.

“The land parcel acquisition in Thane is the third major announcement from Puravankara in the past seven months. We will build a high-end, mixed-use residential project with a GDV of Rs 4,000 crores. We look forward to launching this project during the festive season this financial year with a vision to develop one of the finest projects in Thane. Puravankara is focused on incorporating sustainable development across its projects. The Thane project will be built with these principles in mind,” said Rajat Rastogi, CEO – of West & Commercial Assets, Puravankara Limited.

The land parcel is strategically located in Patlipada on Ghodbunder Road- a micro-market highly preferred by discerning home buyers due to the value-laden proposition, connectivity advantages, and robust social infrastructure. The upcoming metro line 4 will further improve the area’s connectivity. Additionally, the Eastern Freeway extension will provide seamless accessibility to South Mumbai, while the Thane Borivali twin tunnel project under the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) will significantly reduce travel time between the Eastern and Western Express highways. The project will also enjoy captivating views of a 30-acre botanical garden and the SGNP, giving residents ample lung space.

Italy, 3rd June 2024: A day of positives and complications for the Repsol Honda Team, both Luca Marini and Joan Mir aiming for solutions and progress on Sunday.

Equalling his best grid position of the year, Joan Mir achieved his target of 1’45 to secure 17th on the grid. Providing a boost in motivation, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion lined up for the 11-lap Sprint ready to attack. Starting well, Mir soon encountered a worsening vibration issue which forced him to retire from the Sprint early. The Repsol Honda Team is currently investigating the cause to return to the track stronger on Sunday. Overall, Mir felt the aerodynamics upgrade had produced a step forward.

With a strong launch from the line, Luca Marini made up a handful of positions early on. A mistake at Turn 1 after several laps saw him lose touch with the group he had been fighting with before rallying to return to his race pace. Focusing on his own riding, the #10 completed his home race in 19th and collected important data after major setup changes to his Honda RC213V just ahead of the Sprint. Further work to refine the setting of his Repsol Honda Team machine is the primary focus for Marini and his team overnight.

Both riders will be back on the grid at 14:00 Local Time on Sunday, June 02 as they prepare for the Gran Premio d’Italia. 23-laps around the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello will be demanding for rider and machine, both Marini and Mir are up for the challenge.

Luca Marini (19th)

“It was nice to race in front of my home fans for the first time as a factory rider today. Unfortunately, it was a complicated day otherwise and we made some big changes to the bike after Qualifying and before the Sprint. This change helped my feeling, but we need to keep working on the setting to find a better bike for Sunday.”

Joan Mir (DNF)

“Looking at the positive points from today we can see that this new aero package is working better. It’s a small step forward which is welcome. We made a pretty decent Qualifying, matching our best from Qatar, and not so far from first. We wanted to put everything together in the Sprint, but we had some vibrations that prevented me from riding as they were getting worse and worse and I had to retire from the race. We are checking exactly what caused this so that we can show our full potential tomorrow.”

Gran Premio d’Italia – Sprint Result