German luxury car maker BMW launched its new hatchback, the second generation X3 in India in two diesel variants, two-litre and three-litre engines.
The BMW X3 will be produced at the company's plant in Chennai from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits.
Dr Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said, “The first-generation BMW X3 was the pioneer in its segment. We are confident that the second generation BMW X3 will inherit the position of its predecessor.”
In the first seven months of 2011, BMW has sold 5,364 cars in India, achieving 97 per cent growth year-on-year, with the X1 proving to be the most important pillar of growth, Dr Schaaf said. “The premium segment in India is very stable, August (sales) will be better than July,” he said and added that the company expected to close the year with total sales at 10,000 units.
BMW Plant Chennai has introduced a second shift and increased its production capacity to 11,000 units a year.
Deliveries for the 2-litre variant of the X3, priced at Rs 41,20,000 will begin in September, while those for the 3-litre car priced at Rs 47,90,000 (both prices ex-showroom) will begin by October.
Used car business
Meanwhile, BMW is set to launch its used car business under the banner of BMW Premium Sales next month. The company has started this business in January to determine issues like price points, concepts of warranty and will formalise this in September with a pilot at five dealerships. Dr Schaaf said, their goal is that each dealer should have a used car business.