[wohi]

Let’s Motor - In India.

After months of contemplation, BMW has decided that it will launch its small car MINI Cooper in India in 2009. This will be in addition to its plans of producing the 3 and 5 series in its plant in Chennai.

The Chairman of the Board of Management also hinted that BMW’s production facilities in India might be the source of MINI’s world wide, in the near future.

So how good of a plan is this?

The India consumer base is currently made up of large number of young professionals who have the resources to dish out the money. This set of people are also ardent motor racing fans who seek car’s that can handle well. Given the “Go-Kart” on rocket engines feeling the MINI gives, it will be well received in India.

The success entirely will depend on the pricing. BMW should plan on having a stripped down version of the MINI to compete with the established players like Suzuki and Mercedes Benz. BMW should also stay away from trying to introduce the topless version for a few years in India, given the weather, pollution and the Indian mentality. India has never been a friend to coupe’s. This might not be a big problem for MINI, but time will be the judge. Having personally driven most of its competitors in India, I can vouch for the better handling and performance of the MINI. Besides, none of the small cars have the kind of performance, image or following like the MINI does in the rest of the world.

Quelle: http://uberdesi.com/blog/?p=593