BMW India to assemble crossover X1 at Chennai by 2010-end

On the sidelines of showcasing its range of models at the recently concluded 2010 Auto Expo, BMW India had informed that it will begin assembling its X1crossover compact SUV in India by the end of this year. The company would be bringing the model in a CKD format and assembling it at its Chennai plant..

Speaking on the occasion, Peter Kronschnabl, president, BMW India said, "The CKD production of the BMW X1 is a key milestone in BMW Group's India strategy. The BMW X1 opens up a new luxury segment in the compact Sports Activity / Sports Utility Vehicle class, demonstrating once again the company's fine sense for pioneering automotive trends. The BMW X1 is a modern vehicle that represents new interpretation of sheer driving pleasure and, like no other vehicle, a spontaneous lifestyle. It convincingly perpetuates the success story of BMW in India."

The BMW X1 comes with all the features so typical of a BMW X model and at the same time offers a new interpretation of BMW Sheer Driving Pleasure. The youngest member in the wide range of BMW X models stands for versatile sportiness and supreme agility, with looks characterised by self confident elegance and modern style. Young and sporting in design, the interior combines superior variability with equally superior flexibility. The BMW X1 is the perfect vehicle for customers focusing on areas such as leisure activities and lifestyle in their choice of car. It immediately awakens one feeling: the enthusiasm for driving.

Meanwhile, PTI has reported that  the German luxury car-maker will be ramping up its network pan-India and penetrate Tier II cities like Coimbatore, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Bhubhaneshwar and Lucknow, among others, a top company official said here. Currently, the company has 12 dealers in 10 cities and plans to add 10 more in Tier II cities by the end of 2010. It expects each dealer from Tier II locations to contribute about 30-40 cars per year.