BMW, a well appreciated and globally renowned German automotive marque, has affirmed once again the importance of Indian passenger car market to its worldwide business. The company is liking the idea of domestic production of many of its imported products, expanding dealership network and commencing export operations from India. BMW India has regularly revealed intentions to increase the number of vehicles locally assembled from Indian turf.
At present, the company is focussed on developing brand presence and long term expansion plans of its subdivision Mini in the country. The stylish small but powerful vehicle maker, Mini has a 3 vehicle product portfolio in Indian auto market, whereas 6 Mini models are retailed globally. Interestingly, BMW India expects to sell 300 Mini units per year in Indian market and till date this year has already managed sales of 280 units.
The German auto giant offers its Mini models via Completely Built Unit (CBU) route and has not exactly refuted the idea of commencing local assembly of the ultra modish cars. As per sources, BMW could start Indian production of vehicles under Mini brand, if their demand and popularity rises among local audience.
The German auto giant is going to introduce its cheapest and most basic line up of 1 Series premium hatchback range in domestic premium car market next year. The 1 Series has become a rage in European auto markets, where it turned into an instant best selling product for BMW. The company hopes to witness a similar sort of response from its Indian audience with the launch of its premium hatch range in 2014. Industry sources suggest that the German auto giant could be launching its 1 Series range around introductory price tags close to Rs. 15 to 18 lakhs in the Indian market.
The Indian arm of BMW has four world class retail outlets in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, besides the company has affirmed that it expects to increase that number to 8 in the next two years by 2014. Further, BMW India is also contemplating local production of its yet-to-be launched 1 Series range and the 7 Series premium luxury saloon. Evidently, the vehicles under BMW's 7 Series range sold in the country are imported and cater to high end domestic customers. The Indian assembly could certainly bring down the luxury saloon's retail price, besides could assist the German auto major in its export business as well.
