BMW'S Indian plant to start operations this month

Bangalore, Mar 3: The assembly plant of luxury car maker BMW at Mahindra World City in Chennai, will start operations later this month as part of the Munich-based companies expansion plans in the country.

''India is very important market and we are eyeing nearly 300 per cent growth sales during the current year. We sold 257 luxury sedan's, most of them in the 320 and 520 series, and we are eyeing to sell 1000 plus cars during the current year,'' Peter KronschnabL, President, BMW India said.

Speaking to UNI after introducing company's new showroom concept ''BMW World of Fascination'' here last night, he said the plant in Chennai would start assembly of 320 series shipped from Munich in a semi knocked down kits. It would later in the year take up the assembly of the five-series, he said.

The showroom concept represented BMW brand and introduces the premium brand to the Indian Market. As part of the concept, the guests were taken through the 'BMW World' exhibition that showcased the BMW history, its Design and innovations of the past and present.

The grand event, held at Navnit Motors on the busy Hosur road, picked up momentum with a special multimedia fashion show that featured dresses from different BMW eras, created by leading Indian fashion designer Suneet Varma. Top models showcased premium lifestyle and clothing of the 1930s, 50s, 70s and 2007.

Commenting on the occasion Mr Kronschnabl said, ''It is our endeavour to provide a truly world class experience to our customers and developing a premium dealer network is critical to it. We have invested significantly in infrastructure and training at our dealerships and will continue to do so till we set a new benchmarks in service quality and customer care in India.'' Apart from the 3 Series and 5 series, the showroom displayed 6 Series and 7 Series which were available in the country as completely built-up units. The Z4 Coupe however stole the thunder.

The 3 Series starts from Rs 26.9 lakh ex showroom price in Bangalore.

UNI