BMW Group Malaysia has started its exports of the newly unveiled, locally assembled new MINI Countryman. They had delivered the first units for its export programme to Thailand making BMW Group one of the few manufacturers exporting cars from Malaysia. The variants exported to Thailand are the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper S Countryman Hightrim.
BMW Group Malaysia's export initiatives in South East Asia are an example of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) in action. ATIGA promotes the intra-ASEAN trade and the arrangement ensures the realisation of free flow of goods within ASEAN. This has aided the BMW Group in utilising their plants in ASEAN efficiently, providing flexibilities to match its production to the market demands, both for domestic and for export effectively. Locally it has allowed tax breaks and lower pricing, export-wise it takes advantage of the free trade zone arrangements which also help lower car prices (based on tax) regionally.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO, BMW Group Malaysia had this to say about the new venture, “The INOKOM Corporation plant in Kulim, Kedah, which is a partnership between Sime Darby Berhad and BMW Group Malaysia, are among 30 production sites in 14 countries around the world for the BMW Group and is an important touch point for us in the South East Asian region.”
“We have been developing our local assembly capabilities here together with our local partner Sime Darby Berhad and our network of local suppliers with the ambition to support the region and today, we have taken an important step forward.” added Hoelzl on the fact that BMW Group Malaysia are actually able to support and serve Southeast Asian markets. This is an achievement and a historic milestone for the Malaysian automotive industry.
BMW Group Malaysia are one of the few manufacturers actually using Malaysian as their base for exports. This sort of news always makes us feel that there is some progress towards a more open Malaysian automotive industry which can eventually be competitive globally.
MINI Countryman Prices in Thailand & Malaysia / Specifications:
The MINI Cooper S Countryman
Price: THB 2,299,000, approx. RM 259,557.00 (VAT incl. with MSI Standard
Package)
Making a convincing statement through the rugged appearance and clear silhouette,
the MINI Cooper S Countryman harmoniously embodies the unique, authentic and
classic MINI character.
The headlights are encircled by circular LED daytime driving lights, whose evenly
illuminated rings are a signature element, ensuring the striking contours of the
headlights are visible both day and night. LED fog lights are also installed in both the
headlights and taillights to further ensure safety, while Parking Assistant helps the driver
find a suitable parking space and makes parallel parking easy.
The MINI Cooper S Countryman is powered by a 4-cylinder, 2-liter petrol engine with
MINI TwinPower Turbo technology, producing up to 141 kW/192 hp and hitting a
maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1,350 - 4,600 rpm. The combined fuel consumption is
15.9 km/liter and the combined CO2 emission is 142 g/km.
The automatic 8-speed Steptronic transmission, a sport leather steering wheel with
multifunction controls and Servotronic steering combine to equip the driver for every
challenge. The vehicle also comes equipped with 18” Pair Spoke alloy wheels in silver.
The MINI Cooper S Countryman provides ample space in the five fully-fledged seats as
well as the foldable rear backrest, which offers a 40:20:40 split for extended comfort and
functionality.
This space and practicality are complemented with a Piano Black finish and Leather
Cross Punch Carbon Black sport seats that lend the vehicle a sporty edge. To add even
more convenience, the automatic tailgate allows easy access to the spacious boot with
a foot-activated motion sensor under the rear bumper.
The 6.5-inch touchscreen in the central instrument of the MINI Cooper S Countryman
displays navigation information, key vehicle data, and entertainment features. It is also
the portal to MINI Connected, a personal assistant that supports you on the road with
navigation and information supplied via connection with a smartphone, to keep you
connected and informed at every stage of the journey.
The MINI Cooper S Countryman Hightrim
Price: THB 2,499,000, approx. RM 282,137.00 (VAT incl. with MSI Standard
Package)
The MINI Cooper S Countryman Hightrim enhances the sporty yet classical look of the
standard MINI Countryman with Chrome Line highlights across the exterior and interior
to add a luxurious feel.
A rear-view camera combined with Parking Assistant system makes every parking spot
an easy task, while the rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function provides an
extra level of safety.
Powered by the same 4-cylinder, 2-liter petrol engine as the MINI Cooper S
Countryman, the Hightrim variant generates up to 141 kW/192 hp and reaches a
maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1,350 - 4,600 rpm. Stylish driving fun is guaranteed with
the inclusion of an automatic 8-speed Steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles, a
three-spoke MINI Yours sport leather steering wheel with multifunction controls, and 19”
Edged Spoke alloy wheels in silver.
The interior is decked out in MINI Yours Piano Black Illuminated style with colourful
glows that bring the car to life at night with an energetic, refined ambience, while the
top-notch Harman Kardon HiFi sound system promises to lift your spirits on every drive.
Inspired by the cockpit of a jet plane, the MINI Head-Up display projects key driving
information such as the vehicle’s speed into the driver’s line of sight without obstructing
the view of the road. The 8.8-inch touchscreen in the central instrument of the MINI
Cooper S Hightrim also comes equipped with MINI Connected, a personal assistant that
supports you on the road with navigation and information supplied via connection with a
smartphone for a greater convenience for every journey.
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