BMW skeptical Over Mini Launch

It looks like the German premium car maker BMW, is skeptical of launching its iconic luxury hatchback, the Mini in India. The launch of this hatchback was supposed to happen by the end of this year. BMW had announced its Mini launch plans during the launch of BMW X6, a sports activity coupe in India.
The Mini is a three-door luxury hatchback that was likely to be imported as a CBU in India. The BMW Mini would carry a price tag of Rs20 Lakh. The delay in the launch of this luxury hatchback owes largely because the luxury hatchback market in India is not developed. Moreover, BWM thought the investment to launch a new brand would be substantial in this condition. Any carmaker needs to look at the potential business opportunity before launching a car, especially when it’s a luxury car. BMW Mini would have faced a tough competition with the Fiat 500 if it had been launched in India at the prescribed date.
The German car giant would reconsider the launch of the Mini by the end of the third quarter of the calendar year. BMW competes with European rivals DaimlerChrysler (DCXGn.DE) and Volkswagen (VOWG.DE) in the premium Indian car market. This German carmaker makes the 3 and 5 series in India and also sells its 7 series from imported kits.
To strengthen the dealership network, BMW will set up dealerships in 10 more cities by the end of 2010. Presently, there are 13 dealerships in the country. The company has invested $30 million in India, including setting up a plant in Chennai.
BMW has lined up a slew of launches in 2009 like the new BMW 7 series, the new BMW 3 series, and a diesel variant of BMW X3.

X6 - BMW's Macho Machine

BMW X6, a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) from the German premium car manufacturer BMW has been pulling a lot of eyes in India recently. This car is imported in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). The BMW X6 comes in two versions the X6 xDrive50i in petrol and the X6 xDrive30d in diesel.
The X6 is world’s first Sports Activity Coupé to be equipped with BMW Dynamic Performance Control that imbues it with excellent driving dynamics. This BMW is equipped with a twin-turbo direct injection V8.
The new BMW X6 has all the agility and elegance of a coupé plus the impressive versatility of a SAV. The car has been named as Sports Activity Coupe as it ensures all the comfort and luxury of the coupe. This seven-seater coupe also provides generous spacing for both the driver and front
passenger.
This luxury SAV offers a unique synthesis of exclusive luxury, sporting dynamics, and powerful style. With a wide range of colors and materials, the BMW X6 really highlight its sporting character to suit individual style and personality. The petrol variant of the BMW X6 is priced at Rs. 83 Lakh while
the diesel is available at Rs. 65 Lakh.
The coupe X6 can be ordered across all 13 BMW dealerships in India. The German car giant has deferred the launch of its luxury hatchback the Mini in India till next year. BMW 7 series, 3 series and X3 are the other models of the world’s largest premium car make that are sold in India.