Confirmed: MINI To Launch Cars in India
After rejecting the idea twice it is going to be 3rd time lucky for Mini in Indian market. BMW cars had carried out 2 feasibility studies in the past, since 2006 – the outcome of both had resulted in India plans being shelved. So Mini cars India has finally decided its time to take a 2nd look at it its India agenda. Mini will debut its brand in Indian market with the help of parent BMW of course. Only a few of the select metros like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore are likely to get a single Mini dealership in next year.
Mini would first introduce the iconic Cooper hatch in 2 or 3 variants. These cars would be direct imports from the company’s Cowley plant in Oxfordshire, UK. Following the introduction of its flagship cars, Mini India will launch the Countryman variant which will be assembled locally at the BMW plant in Chennai. Mini Cooper Countryman is the first Mini to be assembled outside of the England to begin with, as its being built in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr under contract. This will give Mini pricing power, and the ability to get aggressive and rack up some volumes.