Even makes in India

“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!” said an excited Sachin Tendulkar who was busy assembling a BMW 5 Series using parts from Indian auto component suppliers, at the BMW plant in Chennai, recently. There was a reason why Sachin involved in such a feat. He was being an active participant of the ‘Make in India’ initiative spearheaded by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

And for BMW, the luxury car maker was strengthening its commitment to the Indian market by increasing the level of localisation at BMW Plant Chennai reaching almost upto 50 per cent and was being an active supporter of the initiative. As of now, the auto group produces BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Gran Turismo, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3 and X5 locally at Chennai plant and with the enhanced capacity, we will see more Bimmers to be developed locally.

The German carmaker for its local production currently sources engine from Force Motors, Wiring harness and Door panels from Draexlmaier India, Axles from ZF Hero Chassis, Exhaust system from Tenneco Automotive India, Seats from Lear India while Air-Conditioning, Heating, Cooling and Ventilating Modules are supplied by Valeo India and Mahle Behr.

Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, “The 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 optimisation and value addition while at the same time it creates business and profitability for our suppliers – a win-win situation.”

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.

Robert Frittrang, Managing Director, BMW Plant Chennai added, “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.”

By Augustin Kurian