BMW cars to have up to 50 per cent localisation in India

Strengthening its commitment to Indian market German luxury car maker BMW has now joined the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for 'Make in India' by increasing local content in its car models assembled at the company's manufacturing facility in Chennai. 

BMW India has now started to have up to 50 percent of localisation in its car models such as the BMW 1-Series, BMW 3-Series and 3-Series GT, BMW 5-Series, BMW 7-Series sedans, along with its SUV range of BMW X1, BMW X3 and BMW X5 which are currently assembled at its Chennai plant. This decision benefits BMW in terms of reducing production cost and at the same time creates business for BMW's component suppliers from India. Moreover, this will also help BMW price their car range in India more competitively.

BMW India car brand ambassador and iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was present during the announcement at BMW Plant Chennai, where he confessed, "I am an avid BMW enthusiast and have been driving BMW cars since a very long time. The experience of making a BMW with my own hand was unique and unforgettable." He added, "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!"   

Among the locally sourced components used on BMW cars sold in India are - engine and transmission which is sourced from Force Motors, axels from ZF Hero Chassis, door panel and wiring harness from Draexlmaier India among others.

Speaking on the occasion, 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."

The Bavarian carmaker had recently announced that it has increased its cumulative investment in India from Rs 390 crore to Rs 490 crore, most of which will be routed to its plant in Chennai. The remaining amount will be invested in training programmes for both the current and potential employees. The training facility in Gurgaon has a capacity to train 18,000 members, and the carmaker states that personnel will be skilled according to the needs of the company.