MINI GOES TO INDIA

BMW announced that it will introduce the MINI brand into the India market in 2012. India has not been selling the new MINI ever since it was introduced to the world in 2001. Global success means it’s likely to succeed on the sub-continent too, as long as it’s priced right.

BMW India boss Andreas Schaaf says he is very pleased that MINI is finally going to India, but warns that as a premium product, it won’t come cheap. With five different MINIs (hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe) currently on sale, and at least two more on the way (Roadster and Paceman), there’s plenty to choose from. However, no model has been confirmed for introduction yet.

Yet Schaaf is pretty sure the car that does go to his two dealerships in Delhi and Mumbai will cost at least 25 lakh (about R407 000) each. The cheapest MINI in Mzansi is the One hatch, going for R197 000 standard. The network of standalone dealerships will expand to 12 over the next few years.