BMW incorporates up to 50 per cent local content in cars assembled at Chennai plant

BMW has increased the level of localisation at BMW Plant Chennai by up to 50 per cent. They participated in the 'Make in India' campaign in the presence of legendary sportsman, Sachin Tendulkar. 

During the event Sachin assembled a BMW 5 Series along with the engineers at the assembly lines of BMW Plant Chennai. These parts were from the Indian auto component suppliers and include engine and transmission from Force Motors, axles from ZF, Hero chassis and door panels and wiring harness from Draexlmaier India. The exhaust systems are from Tenneco Automotive India, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and cooling modules from Valeo India and Mahle Behr; and seats from Lear India.

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!"

The BMW Plant in Chennai produces 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 have been roped in to achieve these tough standards. BMW India is confident that through their partnership with Indian auto component suppliers, they will set even higher benchmarks in quality standards and supply chain management.

The BMW manufacturing facility in Chennai started operations on 29 March, 2007. The plant has two assembly lines that locally produce eight car models. At present, the 1 Series, the 3 Series, the 3 Series Gran Turismo, the 5 Series, the 7 Series, the X1, the X3 and the X5 are locally produced here.

Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India, 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."