BMW goes the Make in India way achieves 50% localisation

On a hot afternoon in May I was invited to the BMW Plant in Chennai, it wasn’t a launch or a facelift but something bigger. The German automaker had achieved a staggering 50% localisation for cars assembled at its massive state of the art plant. Using parts sourced from local partners upto eight car models (1, 3, 5, 7 Series, 3 GT, X1, X3 and the X5) can be locally produced at the plants two assembly lines. Commemorating this occasion was none other than the god of cricket – Sachin Tendulkar who along with some plant technicians assembled a 5 Series – A 520D to be precise.

“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 Tendulkar.

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Among-st the host of components sourced some of the major ones 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.

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2015 will see 15 new models from the automaker, starting with the i8, X5M, X6M, X6, 6 Series Grand Coupe, new 1 series, new 7 series and more.

BMW will aim for further localisation and produce more models locally in a bid to improve profitability. However inspite of the localisation the pricing for your Ultimate Driving Machine will remain the same.

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