Tag Archives: BMW-X1

BMW Group to Present Strategic Car Models at Auto Expo 2012

BMW New M5
There is a lot of excitement building up for the upcoming 2012 Delhi Auto Expo and here is a official confirmation from the BMW Group that it will not only participate in the event but also will be launching the MINI brand in India apart from showcasing other products from the BMW stable.

The BMW Group will be housed at Hall no. 9. With its two brands, BMW and MINI, the BMW Group will introduce the MINI brand as a premium brand in India at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo with the launch of MINI, MINI Convertible and MINI Countryman exclusively at the MINI Pavilion. All the MINI cars that will be launched here in India are CBU (Completely built-up).

BMW will unveil the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept study and launch the new BMW M5 in India. Apart from these, BMW will also showcase the exclusive limited-edition BMW Individual 7 Series Composition inspired by piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons.

Dr. Kay Segler, Senior Vice President, MINI Business Coordination and Brand Management will address the press briefing for MINI. Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India will address the press briefings for BMW and MINI and will share the market strategy in India for the year 2012. The time for the press conferences on 5 January 2012 are BMW 5.10 pm and MINI 5.30 pm.

The BBMW Pavilion will feature BMW cars like the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 3 Series Convertible, the BMW 5 Series, the new BMW 6 Series Coupe, the new 6 Series Convertible, the BMW X1, the new BMW X3, the BMW X5 and the BMW X6.

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept

BMW Group, which comprises of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, has already set its sight firmly on the premium sector of the Indian automobile market. Along with its automotive concerns, the BMW Group’s activities in India comprise the marketing of motorcycles, as well as financial services for its premium clientele.

The MINI brand that will be launched January 2012 would also have an exclusive dealer network that will soon be established in India. The parent BMW Group will concentrate on successfully establishing the MINI brand in India in a start-up phase.

BMW Indiais a 100% subsidiary of the BMW Group. Till date, BMW Group has invested 1.8 billion Indian Rupees. The wide range of BMW activities in India include the establishment of a production plant in Chennai, parts warehouse in Mumbai and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country.

The BMW Plant Chennai produces the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 5 Series and the BMW X1 in petrol and diesel variants. The new BMW X3 is produced in diesel variants. The BMW Plant Chennai has the capacity to produce 11,000 units per year on a double shift basis. The total number of employees at BMW India is 650. More than 1200 additional jobs have been created in the dealer and service network. By end of 2012, BMW India will aggressively expand its dealer network by increasing the number of outlets to 40 across major metropolitan centers and emerging markets in India (from the present 25 outlets).

MINI

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 25 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

posted by carazooblog @ Thursday, December 29th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post
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New 2011 BMW X3 to hit India in Q1 2011

new 2011 bmwx3
BMW India, which had a pretty good year in 2010, wants to maintain the same in 2011. Just afresh after the much-awaited launch of the Compact enrty-level SUV, the X1, BMW India wants to weave its charm around the Indian auto enthusiasts and wants to keep the competition with Mercedes Benz at bay.

Now from what we hear, the new generation model BMW X3 should hit the Indian market by the first quarter of 2011. The SUV was often seen testing on Indian roads. What is new in the new X3 you ponder? Well, for beginners, the new BMW X3 carries a bigger and more fluidic exterior as compared to the existing model of X3. This means serious competition to its competitors such as Audi Q5 and Mercedes Benz GLK Class.

While the new BMW X3 will be available in two engine options including 2.0L diesel and 2.5L petrol with highly sophisticated 8-speed transmission gearbox, features like Head-Up display, splittable rear seats, higher positioned driver seat ensuring better outside view and large luggage space will be a bonus with the SUV.

BMW is one of the largest luxury car makers in the country and sells about a dozen cars in India that comprises of SUVs like BMW X1, X3, X5 and X6, sedans such as BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series, Grand Turismo, M series and the BMW Z4 coupe.

posted by carazooblog @ Thursday, January 6th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post
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Volvo XC30 on the cards

Volvo-XC-30
The compact SUV segment created by BMW with its X1 is already a rage in the automotive world. As soon as BMW announced its plans to launch the X1 in India, fellow compatriots (read: Audi and Mercedes Benz) also saw sense in bringing in the compact SUVs in their respective portfolios.

Audi has plans to come out with Q3, which probably could see the light of the day here in India sometime soon and Mercedes Benz not being very far from the idea of introducing a compact SUV will be starting to work on the GLC, Merc’s compact SUV. Now, the compact SUV mania seems to have spread to other parts of Europe too with the Swedes also eager to join the bandwagon.

Yes, Volvo, the Swedish company now in the hands of the Chinese are planning to bring in a new entry level compact SUV named Volvo XC30. Volvo India currently has XC90 and XC60 in its SUV portfolio. If Volvo’s plans materialise than the XC30, will be squarely aimed to quell the competition posed by the Germans, Czech, Japanese and Koreans in the entry-level compact SUV department. However, from what we hear, the Volvo XC30 will not be here in India until 2013.

It s interesting to see how competition is heating up here in the Indian SUV market which till now was ruled by Toyota Fortuner. Now with the advent of the Skoda Yeti, BMW X1, Hyundai Santa Fe and many other SUVs slated to hit the Indian market in 2011, the competition has skipped many levels.

posted by carazooblog @ Thursday, January 6th, 2011 Comments Off links to this post
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BMW X1 Launched In India

BMW-X1
The much-awaited BMW X1 has finally hit the roads. BMW India today launched its compact SUV, the X1 just moments ago with an awesome price tag as well. The X1 will be available in three variants Corporate Edition, Highline and Cool Elegance.

The SUV that will be powered by 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines has been launched as a rear-wheel-drive only to keep the price on par with its competitors. Just like the 3-series, BMW has come out with Corporate Edition for the X1 and has priced it right. While the base 1.8i will retail at Rs 22 lakh, the 2.0-litre diesel base variant will cost Rs 23.9 lakh, the 2.0-liter Diesel Exclusive Variant is priced at Rs 29.90 lakh and the top-of-the-line Cool Elegance variant will retail at Rs 32.5 lakh.

The X1 sDrive 1.8i is powered by a 1995cc four –cylinder 147.5 bhp petrol motor and 20.4 kgm of max torque. The X1 sDrive 2.0d will feature a 1995cc four-cylinder diesel engine with close to 174bhp of power and an impressive 35.7kgm of max torque.

Most of the features of Highline X1 and top of the line Cool Elegance variant have been negated for the Corporate Edition of the X1 to keep the price within reach. The Corporate Edition is not equipped with a sunroof, i-drive interface, and 6-CD changer, but comes with only a single CD player. The Corporate Edition gets simple black trim and fabric seats instead of wood garnishing.

Apart from sunroof and i-drive system, the Highline variant gets goodies such as Xenon headlamps, parking sensors and leather seats. In addition, the top-of-the-line Cool Elegance variant gets an Anthracite Headliner as well as exclusive contrasting piping on the leather seats.

The BMW X1 is based on the 3-Series sedan and will be assembled at BMW India’s Chennai plant, where the 3 Series is also built. With a wheelbase of 2760mm and at 4454mm long, the X1 will open up a new luxury segment in the compact SUV class.

posted by carazooblog @ Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 Comments Off links to this post
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X1 and Fortuner Record Huge Bookings

toyota_fortuner_suv_1
In an age where everything in India, right from food to clothing, is influenced by the American culture, it comes as no surprise that the Indians are shifting their vehicle preferences to fuel-guzzling SUVs. After Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh incriminated the use of SUVs in India, the number of people craving for them has increased ever more.

Toyota Fortuner and BMW X1 have received overwhelming response from the market, despite their steep price tags. Both the models are positioned at the entry premium tag in the SUV segment. While Toyota has halted the bookings for the Fortuner, it is BMW X1 that is scaling new heights, with customers wanting to buy the vehicle although the German company is yet to formally open bookings for it. The X1, whose deliveries would start in January, will be the most affordable model from BMW in the Indian market.

Some sources say that BMW will price the vehicle at Rs 22-23 lakh, much below their entry-level sedan 320i (3-Series) priced at Rs 26.95 lakh. And the customer response just goes on to show that the launch of this SUV would catapult the sales statistics of the German car maker in the Indian market.

“Although bookings for the X1 haven’t opened yet, consumers are making payments for it in advance. There is a huge interest for the vehicle which is a result of a teaser campaign we had started six months back,” stated a spokesperson at BMW India.

And here is something that would just show you the extent to which people in India are smitten by the new BMW SUV. Some of the BMW dealers say that, since booking for the X1 hasn’t been opened yet, customers are instead booking the 3-Series and are asking for this to be replaced with the X1 when BMW starts accepting bookings for the latter.“If you are booking the X1 now, you will only get the vehicle in May,” said a BMW dealer.

Toyota is reopening nationwide bookings for the Fortuner on January 1, and apparently the company is running an order backlog of 5,000 units for the model. And that when the consumers know that they will have to wait for like 6 months to take possession of the vehicle.
bmw-x1-india-rear-photo

“We are not planning to hike the Fortuner’s production, as there is no room for expansion (at the Bangalore factory). We are focusing on the Innova, whose production is much higher,” stated Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director, sales and marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motors.

But Toyota does not seem to be threatened by the arrival of the BMW. “They are two very different vehicles, with distinct characteristics. However, generally when there is a huge waiting period for a model, then people certainly will try to explore other options,” said Singh.

posted by carazooblog @ Friday, December 17th, 2010 Comments Off links to this post
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BMW India to launch X1 on 23rd Dec 2010

BMW X1
Rejoice guys…It is the end of the long wait for all BMW X1 fans. The BMW X1 will make its presence felt in the Indian car market on 23rd December 2010. Santa has certainly come in calling early this Christmas and what a gift…

As per the invite BMW India has sent us, the luxury crossover will be launched in New Delhi at Deutsche Motoren on the above-mentioned date. The BMW X1 will feature a 1,998 cc, turbocharged, common rail diesel engine that pumps out 177 bhp 359 NM of torque mated to a six speed auto tranny. Yes, it is the same engine, which powers the BMW 320D sedans if you think you have heard about the engine earlier.

x1-bmw-02

BMW India probably will be launching two variants (Corporate Edition and High line) of the X1. So it’s quite but logical that the baby Bimmer would be priced anywhere between Rs 24-30 Lakh and the deliveries should begin sometime early next year.

Since the BMW X1 probably will be the cheapest BMW available in India, do not expect any fancy eye-popping gadgets to come as standard fitment. All said and done X1 is that product which will take brand BMW to new heights in India.

Watch this space for more…

posted by carazooblog @ Monday, December 13th, 2010 Comments Off links to this post
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BMW to Launch Fuel Efficient 5 Series in India Next Week

We all know about the three German rivals, Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz, and the tricks they try to outdo the others in the Indian market. Now, BMW has been enjoying a fairly bright and sunny weather in the market this year and looks forward to further expand its Chennai facility as it is projecting healthy sales next year also. The Indian automobile market which experiencing an all time high has made many global car makers to re-think their market strategy.

2010_bmw_5_series
According to a popular Indian business daily, BMW is expecting the buoyancy in sales to continue next year with more vehicle launches beginning next week. According to the report, BMW is hoping to sell around 6,000 units this year, as compared to the 3,600 units sold last year. As of October 2010, BMW India has sold 4,741 vehicles.

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President of BMW India, said “We have made quick strides in India in a short time. For BMW, India has become a strategic market delivering many things much ahead of what we had thought initially. Therefore, the company will consider taking up expansion of its manufacturing facility at Chennai as it begins to produce a few more models next year. India is in such a position China was a few years ago. But going forward, this is a market no one can ignore to invest and grow. I believe BMW has made the right moves since 2007, both in terms of marketing and manufacturing, which is paying off. All expectations from India need to be reviewed as they no longer hold good. In fact, most companies are forced to revise their expectations upwards given the growth. Though the luxury car market is relatively small at 15,000 cars an year, it will get big very soon.’’

BMW India currently has 18 dealers across the country and it plans to have four more by mid 2011. The German luxury car maker is planning to have its facilities in all major Indian cities. BMW is also planning to launch a fuel efficient car in the diesel 5 Series in India next week. But here is the exciting part: BMW is also going to launch Sports Utility Vehicle X1, which will be priced in the Rs 20-25 lakh range and will challenge some of the existing players.

The new 5 Series sedan, priced at Rs 36.9 lakh, is expect to give a fuel mileage of 18.5 km/litre without compromising on power, torque and driveability.

“BMW is betting big on X1, as a volume driver. BMW never offered cars at this price before. This will attract a lot of buyers to the BMW fold. In fact, we are set to launch few more models next year, which will sustain the excitement,’ Schaaf said, added report.

posted by carazooblog @ Monday, December 6th, 2010 Comments Off links to this post
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BMW India Plant rolls out 10,000th Car

BMW
BMW India today rolled out its 10,000th car from its assembly line which has been a cause for celebration for the German premium marquee which has been in operating in Chennai for nearly four years now short of few months.

Mr. Juergen Eder, Managing Director, BMW Plant Chennai said, “It is a moment of great pride and joy for us at BMW Plant Chennai to roll-out the 10000th car made in India. The BMW Plant Chennai team is very excited with the achievement of this milestone in less than four years and looks forward to fulfil the increasing demand for BMW cars in India. BMW production is characterized by people that consider quality not only a task, but first and foremost a core attribute. I am convinced that our employees here at BMW Plant Chennai will make a great contribution in strengthening our company’s long-term success in India”.

BMW India officially opened its production plant in Chennai on 29 March 2007. The BMW Plant Chennai produces the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series sedans in petrol and diesel variants. By the end of 2010, BMW Plant Chennai will also start producing the BMW X1, which should hit the Indian roads soon. The BMW Plant Chennai has the capacity to produce 5400 units per year on a single shift basis. BMW India will employ around 400 people by end of 2010. Till September 2010, BMW Group has invested 1.1 billion Indian Rupees. BMW Group’s investment in India will be increased to 1.8 billion Indian Rupees by the end of 2012.

BMW India, headquartered in Gurgaon (National Capital Region), is a 100% subsidiary of the BMW Group. The wide range of BMW activities in India include the establishment of a production plant in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), a central spare parts warehouse in Mumbai (Maharashtra) and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said “Having taken the lead in the premium segment for the first time last year, we aim to maintain our leading position in the Indian market by now embarking on the second wave of our India strategy. We are confident that we will be able to increase sales substantially over the coming years with exciting new products, now produced in India and the ongoing expansion of our dealer network to reach out to more of our potential buyers.”

BMW India has set a decisive course in India by setting up BMW dealerships of international standards across all metropolitan centres of the country. In 2011, BMW India will aggressively expand its dealer network by increasing the number of outlets to 22 across major metropolitan centres and emerging markets in India (from the present 18 outlets). Up to 1200 jobs will be created in the dealer and service network.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 Comments Off links to this post
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BMW Re-Launches New X5 SUV in India, Hikes Production Capacity

Dr. Andreas Schaaf with new BMW X5
The BMW X5 mid-size luxury crossover SUV is back in a new form. German luxury car maker BMW re-launched its X5 in India earlier today at Bird Automotive, the new BMW dealership facility in Gurgaon. The new BMW X5 can be availed in both petrol and diesel forms. The BMW X5 was earlier launched in 2006, and this new avatar of the car happens to be the upgraded version 2006 model.

Here are the prices of the new car. The X5 xdrive50i (petrol variant) has been priced at Rs 69.5 Lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi) while the X5 xdrive 30d (diesel variant) carries a tag of Rs 52.99 Lakh. The xDrive50i petrol is believed to possess monstrous power that’ll be hard to handle while BMW’s history with diesel engines will prove xDrive30d to be a sensible bet.

The X5 xdrive50i’s petrol motor churns out power of 407 bhp and peak torque of 600 Nm at 1750-4500 rpm. On the other hand, the X5 xdrive 30d’s diesel engine gives an output of 245 bhp and peak torque of 540 Nm at 1750-3000 rpm. Both petrol and diesel variants will have runflats and fuel injection system. BMW says that the xDrive50i petrol can accelerate 0-100 kmph in merely 5.5 seconds while the xDrive30d can achieve the same in 7.6 sec.

The new car brags about brake energy regeneration, where the driver stops accelerating, and the released kinetic energy is transforms into electrical energy. Its aerodynamic design is based on the BMW X6 with the front fascia looking stronger and more aggressive. The newly designed bumpers further improve the new X5’s aerodynamics.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said, “The new BMW X5 continues to set the standards in driving dynamics, combining more than ever before the fascinating driving experience offered by a BMW X model with outstanding efficiency. Its expressive design, innovative features and its premium character render the new BMW X5 the ultimate ambassador of its segment in every sense of the word.”

“The new BMW X5 remains a benchmark and with greater supremacy than ever; it combines the joy of driving with elegance, efficiency, safety and unmatched performance. We are confident that the trend-setting qualities of the new BMW X5 will win admiration amongst individuals who do not negotiate on luxury and performance whether on or off-road.” Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India further added.

By the way, the luxury automobile manufacturer is all set to increase the number of dealers in the country so that it can meet demand more easily and launch an increased number of new cars like the BMW X1. The dealerships are being expanded from 18 to 22. They are being opened in Surat, Indore and Bhubaneshwar among others. Over 40 per cent of BMW sales come from NCR region alone and over 70 per cent from Mumbai and NCR.

BMW has announced it has hiked production capacity at its Indian facility to 5,400 units per annum and will make a fresh investment of Rs 70 crore by 2012. Its Chennai production facility had an installed annual production capacity of 3000 units before the addition.

The company has already invested Rs 110 Crore on the plant so far. “India is a market that holds great potential for the future for us and is a building block in our global market offensive,” BMW AG Board member Frank-Peter Arndt told reporters in New Delhi. BMW is also looking at strengthening its manpower strength to 400 by this yearend from the present 200.

“At the same time as we are expanding capacity, we will also be gearing the plant to produce a further model, XI, for the Indian market, starting in November 2010 and thereby opening up new customer segment,” Arndt said.

posted by carazooblog @ Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 Comments Off links to this post
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Luxury Car Makers Turn to Compact Crossovers

Mercedes-Benz-BLK-front
There was once a time when most people’s preferences were inclined towards large SUVs. And then suddenly, fuel prices started shooting up, and car manufacturers and people shifted their focus on smaller fuel efficient cars.

However, some luxury car manufacturers believe that matrimony between SUVs and small cars would be a harmonious one, to say the least. This way we have the great ride and handling of SUVs combined with the easy maintenance and efficiency of small cars.

2011-Audi-Q3-1

So what would the so called matrimony between the two result in? A compact crossover SUV, and then BMW brought in the X1 and started a new segment called premium compact crossover. The BMW X1 has been highly successful in the international market. Audi Q3 is already in the process of development and then we have the Mercedes Benz BLK which is in concept stage.

The new BLK, as is evident from its name, will be based on the next-generation B-Class platform which is itself based on Mercedes’ new MFA – Modular front wheel drive architecture. This architecture will also make an appearance in the new A-Class. The new BLK will be offered in both front and four wheel drive options. Mercedes Benz would bring a sedan and at least four vehicles based on the B-Class platform. Internally, the BLK is known as the SUC (Sports Utility Cruiser) or GLA.

BMW-X1

The features of the Mercedes BLK, such as a long hood, big wheels, steeply raked windscreen, flowing roof and wide rear fenders, make it resemble the Infiniti FX. The car, when gets launched in 2013, will compete with BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque, and Audi Q3.

Talking about the Audi Q3, test mules of the crossover have been spotted while testing and is expected to be launched in the Indian market sometime next year. Word has it that the Audi Q3 will be assembled at the company’s Aurangabad facility here in India, where the A4, A6 and Q5 are also assembled. The Audi Q3 will be positioned below the Q5.

posted by carazooblog @ Tuesday, September 14th, 2010 Comments Off links to this post
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