Ecommerce business growing at 30 per cent in India

Total eCommerce business in India is about Rupees 19,500 crore markets and it is growing at around 30 per cent in the country per annum, a much higher rate than that of the global market.

Global eCommerce market was growing at a rate of eight to nine per cent annually, despite global downturn, India's market was growing at a very high rate as all the 28 states and seven Union Territories witnessed a surge in eCommerce transactions. According to Mr Kashyap Vadapally, Director-Marketing, eBay India, on-line shopping in India was a Rs 13,000 crore market, which included only goods trading.

Around 82 per cent of the total volume of eCommerce consists of business in tourism sector, technology products, including mobile sets, iPods and MP3 players, and lifestyle products dominate the business in goods trading segment.

The latest trend showed that in India there was a surge in buying healthcare products from last few years, revealing the fact that the people of the country were becoming more and more health conscious.

The country had over 2,471 eCommerce hubs, including 747 rural towns and 226 export hubs, in rural India people were selling their products, including arts and handicrafts, through on-line trading to reach out to the global buyers.

Rod Wallace, Managing Director – Precision Cars India, Official Porsche importer for India

With a wide range of brands and models to choose from, the Indian luxury car market is one that offers a thrilling experience for a price. Each luxury car manufacturer describes driving their car as a totally different experience. Each luxury car in the Indian car market promises a feeling and experience like no other. Porsche as a luxury car manufacturer promises to enhance the connection between the driver, the car and the road.

The road infrastructure still has to improve but the National Highways Development Project is a welcome move and the day may not be far away when a proud Porsche 911 owner will not have to think twice before driving his sports car out of town for a weekend

Market Perception of Porsche
Porsche, globally, has a strong position as a brand and we are blessed with a strong presence of Porsche enthusiasts in India as well. Our products help us maintain good presence in any market place.

Year on year we introduce models which are in line with the ever changing customer needs. 2009 saw us introduce models for the Boxster and Cayman along with a new model of the race track car, the 911 GT3, the 911 Turbo and the first four door sports car from Porsche – the new Panamera.

Porsche has always managed to attract buyers who want a car which is high on luxury, performs on par with a sports car and is equally sporty for driver and passengers alike.

Rod Wallace
Managing Director – Precision Cars India
Official Porsche importer for India

Burj Dubai- World's Tallest Tower

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Dubai is set to open the world's tallest building amid tight security on Monday, celebrating the tower as a bold feat on the world stage despite the city state's shaky financial footing.

But the final height of the Burj Dubai -- Arabic for Dubai Tower -- remained a closely guarded secret on the eve of its opening. At a reported height of 2,684 feet (818 meters), it long ago vanquished its nearest rival, the Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

The Burj's record-seeking developers didn't stop there.

The building boasts the most stories and highest occupied floor of any building in the world, and ranks as the world's tallest structure, beating out a television mast in North Dakota. Its observation deck -- on floor 124 -- also sets a record.

''We weren't sure how high we could go,'' said Bill Baker, the building's structural engineer, who is in Dubai for the inauguration. ''It was kind of an exploration. ... A learning experience''

Baker, of Chicago-based architecture and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, said early designs for the Burj had it edging out the world's previous record-holder, the Taipei 101, by about 33 feet (10 meters). The Taiwan tower rises 1,667 feet (508 meters).

The Burj's developer, Emaar Properties, kept pushing the design higher even after construction began, eventually putting it about 984 feet (300 meters) taller than its nearest competitor, Baker said. He is keeping quiet about the exact height.

MGM Mirage sets sights on luxury hotels in India

Gaming giant MGM Mirage is in talks with developers to open several luxury hotels throughout India

MGM Mirage Hospitality exec Rishi Kapoor said, the company was planning to launch its Bellaggio brand, followed by MGM Grand.

MGM planned to launch a third luxury brand into the Indian market, Skylofts.

"We have identified several cities such as Delhi and the National Capital Region, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai and leisure destinations in Kerala, Goa and Rajasthan to establish these brands," Kapoor said.

However, MGM is planning to manage the hotels under a fee agreement rather than owning properties, negating a high investment risk.

SeaRay 43 Sundancer - Best Cruiser 2009

Innovative design that makes for easier operation, better performance and more liveability are essential for a boat to be considered a trendsetter. As the first roduction cruiser to incorporate Zeus pod drives by Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, Sea Ray's 43 Sundancer meets the definition of a game-changer on many counts. This luxury express, complete with MerCruiser SmartCraft diagnostic and Vessel View displays, makes it possible for boaters with modest handling skills to take the helm with confidence. At the same time, it delivers the economy and performance that experienced boaters demand, now more than ever.

Just as impressive as the boat's handling and performance are the 43's accommodations. They've been inspired by the larger boats in Sea Ray's impressive line of Sundancers. As a result, this 43 subtlety redefines the express cruiser concept, drawing it closer toward the yacht category.

With a private aft cabin, something seldom seen in this class of cruisers, this Sundancer is more live-aboard-friendly than many boats of its size. Express designs have long been defined as boats for weekend cruises, but the 43 could change that perception.

As you would expect from Sea Ray, the 43 has many modern, stylish features, including a bridge deck that can be enclosed and climate-controlled. But there's also plenty of natural ventilation - motorized skylights, electrically-powered windshield and side vents, which is in keeping with the essential mission of an express cruiser, that is, to gather the crew up on deck, in the wind and sun.