BMW Confirms Mini Launch In India

Published: Wednesday, September 14, 2011, 14:40 [IST]

BMW bosses have finally confirmed the launch of the Mini car brand in India. The British manufacturer of small premium cars has always been in India's radar but no official statement was made on it until recently. Mini, which is owned by BMW was expected to take on small premium cars launched by Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed the launch of its A-Class and B-Class cars in India.

BMW India chief Dr Andreas Schaaf has been quoted in the media about Mini's launch in India. He said he was talking to his bosses in Germany to hasten the process of Mini's launch in India. Recent reports say Mini will be launched in India in 2012. It is yet unclear which models and engines will be launched here.

Mini currently builds the classic Mini Cooper, the Mini Coupe, Convertible, Clubman and Country Man. The Mini is one of the world's most iconic car brands. We Indians are more familiar with the Mini as the car that Mr Bean drives in the TV show. But Mini also has a history of rallying and has recently re-entered the World Rally Championship.

BMW bought the Mini car brand in the 90s and has been rebuilding the brand from scratch. The Mini is no longer the small crampy car for four. It is bigger, more spacious, more spacious and practical. However the new Mini has retained the previous version's go cart like handling and performance.

The BMW Mini is now a premium small car and it will be priced accordingly. The imported Minis are available with a price tag more than Rs.20 lakhs. It remains to be seen how BMW will be pricing the Mini in India. The German carmaker has to build the Mini in India to keep its price competitive. The Mini will be facing competition from iconic car models such as the Volkswagen Beetle and the Fiat 500 that are already being sold in India.

Article Published On: Wednesday, September 14, 2011, 12:26 [IST]

Read more on: #bmw #mini #small car #auto news

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