9K+ views

    Mini confident of doubling India sales with new Countryman

    Mini confident of doubling India sales with new Countryman

    Second-generation crossover to be volume driver for carmaker in India; will be assembled locally and come in three versions.

    2min read ● 03 May '18

    Autocar highlight

    Second-generation crossover to be volume driver for carmaker in India; will be assembled locally and come in three versions.

    The BMW Group, today, launched the all-new Countryman in India, with prices starting at Rs 34.90 lakh. Mini’s second-generation crossover will be available in three versions.

    Underlining the importance of the Countryman to Mini India's growth plans, BMW Group India president, Vikram Pawah, said the model will help double Mini's sales in the market.

    “Over the last six years we have established Mini as a premium car brand in India. With the all-new Countryman, which will now be locally assembled at our plant in Chennai, we intend to multiply volumes for the Mini brand in India and take it to the next level. We expect the volumes to at least double this year,” said Vikram Pawah. 

    The new Countryman is being assembled in India right from day one and, according to Pawah, has over 50 percent local content, similar to other locally-assembled BMW models. This has allowed the Countryman a competitive price tag, and the company’s expectation is that this will help bring new buyers to its fold. What will further boost Mini sales will be introduction of facelifts of its other models, including the Cooper, Convertible and Clubman.

    The growth from Mini will also help boost BMW Group's sales in India. In calendar year 2017, Mini accounted for a mere 5 percent of the BMW Group's four-wheeler sales of 9,800 units. Even so, Mini's sales of 421 units last year represented a 17 percent jump.

    Things are also looking positive this year. In the first quarter of 2018, Mini sold 136 units in the country, up 15 percent over the same period last year. In all, the customer base for Mini in India is close to 2,500, said Pawah.

    While Pawah refused to comment on specifics, he said Mini's parent company, the BMW Group, will continue to evaluate the localisation of other Mini models in India.

    Also see:

    2018 Mini Countryman Cooper S review, test drive

    Explore cars

    The Safari combines a bold, stylish design with advanced technology and connectivity features. The interior feels more upscale due to the higher quality of materials used. The responsive engine is paired with a smooth gear... Read Less

    Read More

    Similar cars

    The Safari combines a bold, stylish design with advanced technology and connectivity features. The interior feels more upscale due to the higher quality of materials used. The responsive engine is paired with a smooth gear... Read Less

    Read More

    Poll of the month

    Should FCA discontinue the Fiat brand?

    Total Votes
    8566

    Yes, Fiat can’t be revived and the focus should be on Jeep

    18.11%

    No, Fiat has a strong legacy and the brand needs to be revived

    33.24%

    Fiat should revive its association with Tata and make cars together

    48.66%

    Explore cars

    Latest Cars

    Trending Cars

    Upcoming Cars

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe