MartinW
31-08-2006, 06:29 PM
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1941460.cms
Mini revs on passage to India
NEW DELHI: The Mini Mania is set to hit Indian roads. German luxury car maker BMW AG is exploring the feasibility of introducing its sporty Mini brand in India.
Though a timeframe for its roll-out is yet to be fixed, Mini is expected to hit the streets in 2009 and will be rolled out through the completely-built import route.
"We are exploring the option of introducing the Mini brand in India. But it will only be part of our second phase of operations in India.
In the first phase, we intend to concentrate on building our brand with made-in-India 3-Series and 5-Series cars," BMW India president Peter Kronschnable said.
"A final decision on the roll-out plan for Mini will be taken only by 2009," he added. Meanwhile, industry sources pointed out that the Mini is expected to sport a price tag of around Rs 30-35 lakh in the Indian market — thanks to the high import duties.
Giving Mini company on the roads will be BMW 7-Series and 4-wheel drive models, which will also be introduced through the direct import route.
BMW would begin production of cars in India early next year and expects to sell about 1,000 units in its first year of operation.
Kronschnable said the company is investing around Rs 110 crore for setting up its plant at Chennai, which would have an initial production capacity of 1,700 units per annum on a one-shift basis.
While deliveries of the 3-Series cars would start by February-March next year, the l5-Series cars would be available by May-June. "These will be available in both petrol and diesel versions and will carry a localisation of around 10% to begin with," he said.
BMW, Kronschnable said, is also planning to set up financing arm through its India subsidiary, which would take care of the needs of its dealers and potential customers.
Mini revs on passage to India
NEW DELHI: The Mini Mania is set to hit Indian roads. German luxury car maker BMW AG is exploring the feasibility of introducing its sporty Mini brand in India.
Though a timeframe for its roll-out is yet to be fixed, Mini is expected to hit the streets in 2009 and will be rolled out through the completely-built import route.
"We are exploring the option of introducing the Mini brand in India. But it will only be part of our second phase of operations in India.
In the first phase, we intend to concentrate on building our brand with made-in-India 3-Series and 5-Series cars," BMW India president Peter Kronschnable said.
"A final decision on the roll-out plan for Mini will be taken only by 2009," he added. Meanwhile, industry sources pointed out that the Mini is expected to sport a price tag of around Rs 30-35 lakh in the Indian market — thanks to the high import duties.
Giving Mini company on the roads will be BMW 7-Series and 4-wheel drive models, which will also be introduced through the direct import route.
BMW would begin production of cars in India early next year and expects to sell about 1,000 units in its first year of operation.
Kronschnable said the company is investing around Rs 110 crore for setting up its plant at Chennai, which would have an initial production capacity of 1,700 units per annum on a one-shift basis.
While deliveries of the 3-Series cars would start by February-March next year, the l5-Series cars would be available by May-June. "These will be available in both petrol and diesel versions and will carry a localisation of around 10% to begin with," he said.
BMW, Kronschnable said, is also planning to set up financing arm through its India subsidiary, which would take care of the needs of its dealers and potential customers.