BMW to increase localisation; partners with Indian auto component suppliers

BMW has joined hands with Force Motors, ZF Hero Chassis, Draexlmaier India, Tenneco Automotive India, Valeo India, Mahle Behr and Lear India for sourcing of components for local production of its cars at BMW Plant in Chennai.

Commenting on this occasion, Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India, said, “BMW Plant Chennai is the heart of our India operations. Since 2007, BMW Group has strengthened its commitment to the Indian market and has continuously increased the number of its locally produced car models. With a strong portfolio of locally produced cars, it is now the appropriate time for us to partner with major Indian auto component suppliers who will play a significant role in the future strategy of BMW Group in India.”

The luxury carmaker states that with the addition of these partnerships, the level of localisation at BMW Plant Chennai will increase to approximately 50 per cent.

According to Robert Frittrang, Managing Director of BMW’s Chennai plant the new partnership with Indian auto component suppliers will help the company in setting even higher benchmarks not only in quality standards but also in cost optimisation and value addition.

Some of the major auto components sourced for local production by BMW include engine and gearbox 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.