BMW to expand MINI portfolio in India
What's the story
BMW, the German luxury carmaker, is gearing up to expand its MINI portfolio in India. The move comes as a response to the growing demand for the brand beyond metropolitan cities. Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, revealed this during an interaction with PTI. Currently, the company offers models like MINI Cooper, MINI Countryman JCW, and MINI Convertible in its lineup.
Market expansion
MINI brand's acceptance beyond major cities
Brar said, "We are looking at a couple of more products under the MINI portfolio next year." The company plans to expand its sales network into smaller cities and towns where it has no presence at all. This includes places like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Ranchi. Brar emphasized that they want to double their city presence next year as they're seeing increasing demand from smaller markets.
Growth strategy
BMW's strategy to enhance product portfolio and sales network
Brar also stressed on the importance of being present in the local market for after-sales confidence. He said, "So we want to enhance the product portfolio, sales network." The company is also looking to build a community around MINI and host several events for them next year. Interestingly, Brar revealed that 40% of their MINI customers in India are already BMW owners.
Sales forecast
MINI's sales performance and future outlook
BMW imports the entire MINI range as a completely built-up unit (CBU). Since 2012, it has sold around 7,500 MINI units in India. The latest model in the lineup is the all-new MINI Convertible, which is priced at ₹58.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Looking ahead, Brar expects at least double-digit growth for next year. He said the luxury car segment has been performing well and they hope to continue this momentum from the last four-five years.