Hyundai and public relations

Arvind Saxena, VP, Marketing & Sales, Hyundai Motor India, tells exchange4media:

“Hyundai was the first company to create a car after listening to customers. We created the Santro Zing after listening to our customers.”

Hyundai continues to reach out to customers before planning new car launches, and Saxena says “customers really appreciate” this. He says it is the biggest reason for the company’s success in a short span of time.

I have been using Hyudai cars myself, and have been impressed with their work. Particular mention must be made of their gesture of announcing free services for flood-hit cars in Mumbai in July 2005.

PR for Pfizer’s anti-smoking drug

Pfizer is gearing up for the launch of its anti-smoking drug.

The prescription drug, known as Chantix in the US, is expected to be a blockbuster. It received the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval last month.

PRWeek reports that the company has roped in Edelman to manage communications for the product across the globe, except in the UK, where the mandate would be with Just Health PR.

Till February this year, Chandler Chicco Agency worked on the product.

Vivek Kumar to join Shell

Vivek Kumar will move to Shell Oil Products (Retail) as Head, Brand and Customer Value Proposition teams across Asia-Pacific, on June 15, 2006. He will be reporting to Brooks W Herring, Global General Manager-Brand and CVP, Shell Oil Products (Retail).

Kumar is now Regional Director, Maxus Singapore, where he manages accounts like Jaguar, Rover and Shell Petroleum. “I am moving on from Maxus after three fabulous years,” he says. “I felt it was time to take on a wider role covering more diverse responsibilities. It is a great opportunity to work for a global brand like Shell.”

Kumar holds a masters degree in marketing communications management from Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad. He was a finalist for “Young Professional of the Year” at the Singapore Advertising Hall of Fame Awards.