BMW suspends assembly of Mini Countryman in India

BMW has suspended the assembly of the Mini Countryman at its Chennai plant. The reason behind this step being taken by the German manufacturer, is likely to be the poor sales of the car.

The Countryman managed to garner 100 bookings in India even before BMW had opened a Mini dealership. This encouraged BMW to start local assembly of the car. It was the only Mini model assembled in India. Now, all Mini models are imported as completely built-up units.

According to a company spokesperson, generation change is the reason for the suspension of the car's assembly. However, the next-generation Countryman is not expected to make its debut before 2016.

India is the 100th market for the Mini brand. From 2012, till the end of 2014, the brand has managed to sell just 1,123 cars in the country.

Source: Autocar Professional