BMW joins Make in India wagon; increases localisation to 50 percent

BMW India showed its support for the ‘Make in India’ initiative by increasing the level of localisation at the company’s Chennai plant up to 50 percent. Currently, the BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Gran Turismo, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3 and X5 are locally produced at BMW Plant Chennai. Cricketing legend Mr. Sachin Tendulkar and BMW Group India President Mr. Philipp von Sahr marked the occasion with their presence at the plant. Some of the major auto components sourced for local production at the BMW Chennai plant 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.

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!”

Mr. Philipp von Sahr said, “The BMW Group has always looked towards India with a long-term perspective and our strategy is based on an inclusive approach. We have continued to build our operations in India in a systematic way. With a strong portfolio of locally produced cars, the time was appropriate to partner with major Indian auto component suppliers. 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, “BMW Plant Chennai takes pride in producing cars that have the same international quality standards as any of the BMW production and assembly facilities worldwide. Highly skilled employees, advanced manufacturing processes along with state-of-the-art machinery and technology provide all the necessary ingredients to achieve these tough standards. 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.”