The BMW Group has announced that the BMW plant near Chennai will start producing the Mini Countryman here, for the first time outside of Europe. The move comes barely a year after the brand made its entry into the Indian market.
Following a drop in demand for premium priced cars, the company aims to lower production cost through local manufacturing and consequently, offer the Mini at a more affordable price point. This will be the first instance of the British brand’s cars being rolled off the assembly line outside of Europe.
The locally produced Mini Countryman will be offered in two diesel variants – Mini Cooper D Countryman and Mini Cooper D Countryman High – which are currently not on sale in India. A new petrol version, Mini One Countryman, will also be produced locally.
Other models like the petrol Mini Cooper Countryman, Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper Convertible will continue to be imported here through the CBU route.
Mini range prices
Mini Cooper: Rs 26,60,000
Mini Cooper S: Rs 29,90,000
Mini Cooper Convertible: Rs 32,50,000
Mini One Countryman: Rs 23,50,000
Mini Cooper D Countryman: Rs 25,60,000
Mini Cooper D Countryman High: Rs 28,90,000
Mini Cooper S Countryman: Rs 34,20,000
Mini Cooper S Countryman High: Rs 37,50,000
(all prices ex-showroom).