Groupe CAT joins car transport blockchain consortium Vinturas

Automotive logistics company Groupe CAT has joined the Vinturas blockchain supply chain consortium. Vinturas is a digital platform for tracking logistics for the delivery of used and newly manufactured cars. With the addition of the new member, the consortium will now be involved in over 25% of all supply chain vehicle movements in Europe.

The Vinturas consortium consists of Groupe CAT, Axess Logistics, Koopman Logistics Group, NVD and AutoLink.

Finished car deliveries are one of the pain points in the automotive supply chain.

Carmakers also have to heed to specific requests from carbuyers, which complicates the process. The legacy process employs paper-based systems at various stages after the car leaves the factory, making it difficult to monitor the inventory.

A recent study by Global Market Insights found that Automotive Logistics Market is set to grow from its current market value of more than $115 billion to over $170 billion by 2025. In Europe, the growth in the sector will be driven by the demand for electric vehicles.

“With Groupe CAT now joining the consortium, Vinturas has become the leading digital platform in our industry. The digitalization of the Finished Vehicle Supply Chain will give our customers, from OEM to dealer, finally the insights and value creation the industry has been waiting for,” said Vinturas CEO Jon Kuiper.

Vinturas aims to provide an estimated time of arrival by digitalizing the journey from factory to dealer and also for used car deliveries. Additionally, the group plans to allow manufacturers and fleet owners to manage logistics in near real-time. Greater transparency should improve planning and optimize inventories.

The blockchain platform is currently being tested within the group and their customers and is scheduled to go live in early 2020. IBM is the technology partner, and the platform is based on Hyperledger Fabric.

There are several other blockchain projects in the automotive industry. BMW and Mercedes are working on supply chain blockchains, but with a focus on their own suppliers. Volkswagen, Ford, IBM and a few others are participating in a Cobalt provenance pilot where the commodity is used in electric vehicles.

Most auto blockchains are focused on creating a connected ecosystem and enhancing mobility. MOBI is probably the biggest name in this sector and has several projects in the pipeline. The consortium recently launched a Proof of Concept (PoC) for Vehicle Identity in collaboration with BMW, Ford, Renault, GM, Honda and several others.

source :- https://www.ledgerinsights.com/blockchain-groupe-cat-car-transport-vinturas/

Pick up these edible gifts while travelling across South India

Walk into this store in Mylapore, speak to someone about the farming culture in Manjakudi, pick up recipes for specific varieties of rice and then pick from over 20 varieties of organic heirloom rice. Choose from double-layered wraps (in multicolour polka dots and stripes and green leaves inspired by Gond art) or Chettinadu kottans, and pack them for gifting.

Among the varieties on offer are the Bengal gobindabhog, black kavuni from Tamil Nadu and chakhao poireiton from Manipur. There’s sukhdas, a short-grained fragrant rice from Uttar Pradesh as also the kala namak or Buddha’s gift online, says Jayanthi Somasundaram, of Spirit of the Earth. The unbranded, reusable wraps are made of screen-printed, unbleached cotton fabric. The weaving, printing and stitching are done by rural firms.

source :- https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/pick-up-these-edible-gifts-while-travelling-across-south-india/article29930852.ece

10 Made in India Diwali gifts that cost less than Rs 500

The diyas are ready to be lit, the sparklers have been bought and the puja ki thali is set for Diwali to augur in prosperity. Yet, that one big question, on what to gift your friends and family lies unanswered amidst a volley of deals and sales being thrown at you. Worry not. We’ve found the 10 best gifts that are Indian-made, and easy on the pocket so that Diwali is all about the lights and good tidings. SMBStory’s exclusive list of “made in India” goodies cost just under Rs 500, a great way to start the season… economically

Bejeweled and glinting baubles are a great gift to add more sparkle to the festival of lights.  You can gift a bangle set, kadas, earrings, bracelets, and so much more for under Rs 500 from a plethora of option online gifts, all made in India. Various Indian jewellery brands are offering discounts on the occasion of Diwali, and this is your chance to make it count. 

Read more at: https://yourstory.com/smbstory/diwali-gifts-ideas-friends-relatives-made-in-india-products-ecofriendly

Packers and movers lose business, as slowdown hits growth

Movers and packers have reported a sharp fall of up to 70 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in business enquiries in the last few months.

Agarwal Packers and Movers, one of the largest players in the segment, saw transfers (employee relocation) drop by 25 per cent during August, September and up to mid-October this year, affecting their business correspondingly.


“Transfers are one of the first things that are affected in a slowdown. Companies tend to delay their transfers or postings,” AK Agarwal, Director, Agarwal Packers and Movers, DRS Group, told BusinessLine. Agarwal Packers and Movers is a ₹170-crore debt-free company that has offices in 60 cities in India.

Vijay Packers and Movers also witnessed a 15 per cent drop in business enquiries during September and October this year compared with last year. “This drop in business has led to a situation where firms that want to continue with the business have to take a hit in their margins by 10 per cent,” said Ranvir Kumar, Manager-Bengaluru, Vijay Packers and Movers. Another Delhi-based packer and mover, requesting anonymity, said it has seen a 70 per cent drop in business queries during July, August, September and October this year. The company’s official also said that the movers and packers business clocked slower growth in the last four to five years due to factors such as lowering or capping budgets provided to employees in case of a transfer, houses “furnished” or pre-attached with consumer durables and furniture. All this reduces the demand for transportation of goods.

According to industry estimates, India’s movers and packers business is estimated to be in the ₹10,000 crore-15,000 crore range annually.

Peak relocating period
Agarwal Packers and Movers reported good growth during the peak season this year. “For movers and packers, March, April, May June, July are the peak business months as that is when most people shift their goods across cities. We saw a 22 per cent growth in our business during March to July 2019 against March-July 2018,” said AK Agarwal.

And with the top 60 cities now saturated, Agarwal Packers and Movers now plans to set up offices in another 25 cities, where business will be largely pushed by government and public sector units’ postings.

Other large companies in the cargo transporation business are also mirroring similar slowdown numbers. Transport Corporation of India Limited (TCI), which saw the slowdown begin around Diwali last year, expects a sustained recovery in growth only after monsoon next year. “We feel there will be sustained recovery only post-monsoon next year,” said Vineet Agarwal, MD, TCI Limited.

source :- https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/packers-and-movers-lose-business-as-slowdown-hits-growth/article29825610.ece

Agarwal Packers gets Pride of India award

Hyderabad: Agarwal Packers and Movers, on Wednesday said it bagged 'Pride of India' award. The recognition was given by All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA) at Delhi. The company known in the relocation business and transportation industry is part of the city-based DRS Group. Anjani Kumar Agarwal, CEO, DRS Group, said: "It's an honour to receive this award. https://www.thehansindia.com/business/agarwal-packers-gets-pride-of-india-award-580919

https://www.thehansindia.com/business/agarwal-packers-gets-pride-of-india-award-580919

Uber Launches Public Transport Services in India, Starting With Delhi Metro

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi launched the new service in Delhi on October 22

Uber will have pick-up points and kiosks at 210 Delhi metro stations

Metro passengers can use the Uber app to get passes for the train journey

On his second visit to India on Tuesday (October 22), Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced the launch of Uber for Public Transport for the Indian market, starting with Delhi.

The company has partnered with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to enable the service across its 200 Delhi Metro stations.

Khosrowshahi said, “The results show that we are bringing new users to transit, and ultimately the growth of Uber and we can help all the time to really set the path for the future, and they can be part of the growth for public transit going together and we’re thrilled to be here. First in Asia, in Delhi, we know that we can bring this vision of being this operating system to your daily life together.”

The company also laid out its vision of how a user can plan their journey and commute with Uber to reach their destination from doorstep to doorstep. Uber will let users book carpool or solo rides as well as public transport through the app and Uber kiosks at Delhi metro stations. Passengers can use Uber to enter and exit metro stations, through an in-app travel card.

source : https://inc42.com/buzz/uber-launches-public-transport-services-in-india-starting-with-delhi-metro/

Mumbai: Is BKC connector only for the rich, asks Chembur resident

he long-delayed and much-awaited BKC Connector to Chunabhatti opened on Sunday but to the ire and outrage of bikers and auto drivers. Probably the two most prominent modes of transport in the city after local trains, two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws have been banned from using the public road. Also, while buses are allowed, trucks and trailers have been banned from the bridge.

A sign at the bottom of the connector stated that trucks, trailers, two- and three-wheelers are not allowed on the connector. However, buses have been allowed.

source : https://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumbai-is-bkc-connector-only-for-the-rich-asks-chembur-resident/22065169