This week's Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi saw the BMW Group launch the new 2012 M5 high-performance saloon as well as the MINI brand in India. However, with ex-showroom prices ranging from 24.9 lakhs or about US$47,000 / €36,700 for the MINI Cooper to a whopping 95.9 lakhs or US$181,000 / €141,200 for the BMW M5 (and which do not include applicable sales tax or handling charges), even the cheapest MINI will remain hoisted from the reach of the vast majority of Indian buyers.
On the other hand, it's also a game of numbers and with a population of 1.2 billion people, there's bound to be a significant market for premium-priced models in India. The MINI brand enters the Indian market with a comprehensive range of models that includes the Cooper and Cooper S hatchbacks, the Cooper Convertible and the Cooper S Countryman crossover.
Speaking during the presentation of the cars at the New Delhi Show, Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW Group India, said:
"With the launch of MINI, the BMW Group debuts in the premium small car segment in India. In the start-up phase, BMW Group’s main focus will be to concentrate on successfully establishing the MINI brand in India. At a later stage, the BMW Group will focus on further development of dealer network and higher sales volumes."
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