The BMW Group’s MINI brand is getting ready to add another important market to its belt as the Bavarian automaker announced on Monday that it will launch the firm’s small premium models in India starting from 2012.
“I am pleased to announce that the Mini will be introduced in India in 2012,” said BMW India President Andreas Schaaf. “We had developed a new Mini ten years ago from the scratch. India is the only country where Mini has not been introduced. So, I think, it will be as successful here as in other countries.”
The BMW boss said that the company plans to create standalone dealerships for the MINI brand beginning with two showrooms in Delhi and one in Mumbai. Over the next few years, the British automaker will boast a total of 12 dealerships throughout the country.
Schaaf noted the company has not yet decided on which model it will introduce but added that it will cost more than 25 lakh (US$51,000) or close to 20 times the price of the cheapest Tata Nano.
“Currently, the BMW team is evaluating which version to be launched in India from the entire Mini family,” said Schaaf. “We have not finalised the price of the car yet, but it is a premium brand and a premium car. Of course, the entry price will be more than Rs 25 lakh.”
Story References: Moneycontrol
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