BMW to take Mercedes head-on

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Evaluating mini cooper

The plant is to be officially inaugurated in March this year and the first customer delivery cars will roll out afterwards. While the 3-Series will be the first model to roll out of the plant, BMW India's local manufacturing plans include the 5-Series sedans. This would be the face-lifted 5-Series sedans that are due out soon for markets worldwide. The India-spec 5-Series sedans would roll out by May-June this year.

The 5-Series sedans would be made available with two petrol and two diesel engines. Mr Kronschnabl also mentioned that the company is in the process of homologating the BMW X3 and the X5 sports utility vehicles, which may be imported into the country as completely built units by the middle of this year. The company is also evaluating the feasibility of bringing in the Mini Cooper by 2009, if customer studies in India show that there will be a consistent demand for this performance small car.

Mr Kronschnabl also mentioned that BMW India has entered into a preferred financing agreement with an Indian bank for retail (customers) and wholesale (dealers) financing of its cars. The contract, which is yet to be signed with this as yet undisclosed Indian bank, will help the company launch a BMW branded financing product.

Taken from Business Line

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