Almost everybody likes Mini for its retro styling, the brand value and the attention that comes with owning one. However, these have really not helped the iconic brand generate lot of sales. After the initially hype following the 2012 Auto Expo, Mini cars not really sort after in India. Reason – CBU imports and about 100 per cent customs duty, with the starting price of Rs 26.14 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).
BMW now plans to locally assemble the Mini range in India, to reduce prices substantially. The CKD operations (local assembly) attract about 30 per cent duty, far lower than CBU imports; this will help BMW cut prices and make the brand more lucrative. This is also necessary as Mini competitors may be priced more aggressively, including the new Mercedes B-class, which is expected to be priced sub-Rs 25 lakh.
Rumours suggest that BMW plans to assemble all four models – Mini Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper convertible and the Mini Countryman, in India. For these operations BMW may setup an assembly line at the Chennai facility soon, to build Minis alongside the X1, 3-Series and the 5-Series.
