The MINI brand has been long awaited into India and finally BMW has given us a date and the models it plans to launch in the country. The British marque will launch the 3-door Cooper hatchback, Cooper Convertible and Countryman SUV, pricing them between Rs. 25-40 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). All these models will be brought in as CBU’s, leading to the high prices. If there is demand for these vehicles to signify CKD operations, BMW India will start to assemble the MINI cars at its Chennai facility. Assembling the MINI in India will give the company a huge cost advantage, helping them to drop prices below the Rs. 20 lakh barrier.
However BMW is not looking at volumes and is aiming to build the MINI brand in India. The company will focus on the high-end side of the market and will offer performance motors in the cars. BMW will showcase the complete MINI range at the 2012 Auto Expo, luring the audience and showcasing the capability of this youth centric brand. Initially two MINI showrooms will be opened in Delhi while the third one will be located in Mumbai. This will be followed by dealerships in Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Chandigarh by the end of the year.
