German luxury car major BMW is driving its hugely popular Mini brand into India this month with the launch of at least three products ? Mini, Mini Convertible and Mini Countryman ? at the Auto Expo in New Delhi, apart from showcasing Vision ConnectedDrive concept and the new BMW M5.
The move is aimed at not only retaining its top slot in the luxury car segment in the country, but also to sustain its growth momentum over the years. The move is also aimed at offsetting the possible spillover of 2011?s slow growth into 2012, sources said. BMW India is likely to miss its 2011 sales target of 10,000 units due to rising interest costs and inflationary pressure and expect to end the calender with 9,500 units, sources added.
?The BMW group will introduce the brand as a premium brand in India in January 2012 and an exclusive dealer network will be established,? sources said. BMW has also decided to drive its strategic car models during 2012, including BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept study and new BMW M5, in India. It will also present the exclusive limited-edition BMW Individual 7 Series Composition inspired by piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons.
At the Auto Expo, BMW will also display the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 3 Series Convertible, the BMW 5 Series, the new BMW 6 Series Coupe, the new 6 Series Convertible, the BMW X1, the new BMW X3, the BMW X5 and the BMW X6.
During the year, the company upped its production capacity in its Chennai plant to 11,000 units a year and hopes to expand further.