German luxury car maker BMW on Thursday launched the new version of its crossover model X6 priced between Rs 78.9 lakh and Rs 93.4 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The company which is facing stiff competition from rivals Audi and Mercedes, said it will add new dealers and expand model range to keep its leadership position.
“In 2013, we expect some growth on the basis of new dealerships and new model range. We will launch new X1 and 7 Series, besides introducing the 1 Series,” BMW India Group president Philipp von Sahr told reporters here.
He said the company will increase its dealers to 50 by 2014 from 29 at present across India, while inaugurating its largest dealer here.
When asked about the competition, he said the company is not going for volumes at the cost of profitability and BMW India would focus on long-term sustainable leadership.
“We’ll continue to be sustainable leader in India. Sales are important, but not at any cost. We don’t give discounts to push sales for competition. With discounts, someone can gain in short term, but not in the long term,” Mr. von Sahr added.
It’s not important to look at numbers always. The most important is the profitability of dealers and company, he reiterated.
In October, BMW India had fallen behind Audi with sales of 790 units as against the rival’s 882 units, while Mercedes had sold 732 units. For the April—October period this fiscal, BMW and Audi are tied at the top with 5,174 units each followed by Mercedes at 3,651 units.
When asked about the company’s sales expectations for this year, he said the target this year is to sell higher than last year without disclosing details.
Talking about the new X6, Mr. von Sahr said: “This new car is not like any other model. It has created a segment for itself.
We are confident that the new X6 will definitely attract attention of our customers.”
While the eight-cylinder petrol X6 is available for Rs 93.4 lakh, the six-cylinder diesel variant is priced at Rs 78.9 lakh.
The petrol X6 is powered by a 4,395 cc engine, while the diesel option is run by a 2,993 cc engine.
The group’s other model Mini has so far sold 241 units, Mr. von Sahr said, adding the firm wanted to develop the brand further in India.
The company has already announced plans to launch entry level luxury car 1 Series in India next year-end.
At present, BMW sells its sedans 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series along with sports utility vehicles X1, X3, X5, crossover X6 along with M Series, Z4 Roadster and Gran Tourismo in India. These are priced between Rs 24.5 lakh and Rs 1.40 crore.
