BMW Mini in India, by 2009

BMW now comes with a made in India tag and soon they will look at sourcing auto components from India for other markets. There is more good news as BMW plans to drive in its iconic small car - the Mini into India, by 2009.

 

BMW may have been a late entrant into the Indian market, but it is certainly stepping on the gas. The company launched its 3 series last month and expects to sell more than 1,000 vehicles in India this year.

 

Soon, the BMW 5 series, expected to roll out in the next two months.

 

Local assembly of the 3-series has helped BMW price the car at Rs 27 lakh; this even though there is just 10% localisation of the parts.

 

Only the seats for the 3-series and door panels for the 5-series are produced locally. BMW says it is looking at increasing localisation and will look at sourcing auto components for its other plants from India.

 

This 3-series model is expected to constitute bulk of the sales in India. BMW India sold 257 units of completely built cars in 2006. The company will also expand its dealer network to every metro city in the next two years.