BMW India is gearing up to take on its rivals by increasing its localization extent in India and planning a slew of product launches. The company today participated in the ‘Make in India’ initiative, by increasing the level of localisation at its Plant Chennai to 50 percent.
Upto eight car models can be locally produced on two assembly lines at BMW Plant Chennai. Presently, the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 7 Series, the BMW X1, the BMW X3 and the BMW X5 are locally produced at BMW Plant Chennai.
BMW Plant Chennai started operations on 29 March 2007. Since then, the BMW Group has strengthened its commitment to the Indian market and has continuously increased the number of its locally produced car models.
India’s most well known sportsman, Sachin Tendulkar marked the occasion in a unique way by assembling a BMW 5 Series using parts from Indian auto component suppliers. Mr. Sachin Tendulkar said, “I am an avid BMW enthusiast and have been driving BMW cars since a very long time. But the experience of making a BMW with my own hands was unique and unforgettable. I am impressed by the high quality standards followed at BMW Plant Chennai that ensure the impeccable performance of a BMW. I got the opportunity to go through the tiniest details and efforts that are put into making a BMW. Next time I take my BMW out, I can proudly say – I have made one!”
Some of the major auto components sourced for local production of cars at BMW Plant Chennai are: Engine and Transmission from Force Motors; Axles from ZF Hero Chassis; Door Panels and Wiring Harness from Draexlmaier India; Exhaust Systems from Tenneco Automotive India; Heating, Ventilating, Air-conditioning and Cooling Modules from Valeo India and Mahle Behr and Seats from Lear India.
BMW Group has invested close to INR 500 crore in BMW India. The wide range of BMW activities in India include a manufacturing plant in Chennai, a parts warehouse in Mumbai, a training centre in Gurgaon NCR and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centers of the country. Currently, BMW India has 40 sales outlets in the Indian market.
Mr. Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, “This decision benefits BMW in terms of cost optimization and value addition while at the same time it creates business and profitability for our suppliers – a win-win situation.”
Mr. Robert Frittrang, Managing Director, BMW Plant Chennai said, “The cars locally produced at BMW Plant Chennai now feature very strong local content. We are confident that through our partnership with Indian auto component suppliers, we will set even higher benchmarks in quality standards and supply chain management.”
Check out the image gallery of the event below
HI