BMW Chennai Factory Celebrates 10th Birthday
Cyrus Dhabhar
1 min read
Mar 31, 2017, 11:14 PM
Key Highlights
- Factory was inaugurated in 2007, originally assembled 3 and 5 Series
- The Chennai factory now produces eight BMW cars from sedans to SUVs
- The BMW India factory currently operates at about 50 percent localisation
The BMW manufacturing facility in Chennai, India has officially celebrated its 10th birthday! The premium car maker set up the factory in 2007 and started assembly operations of the E90 BMW 3 Series at the time followed by the assembly of the E60 BMW 5 Series. The factory currently produces the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 7 Series, the BMW X1, the BMW X3 and the BMW X5 there. The BMW M cars, coupes and the X6 coupe is imported into India. Till date, the factory, situated just north of Chennai has made 57000 cars and employs over 500 people who work in two shifts to make the wide range of cars.
Speaking on the 10th anniversary of the Chennai factory, Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “It is a day of great joy and pride for all of us at BMW Group to celebrate the 10th anniversary of BMW Plant Chennai. The sheer driving pleasure of our customers has been shaped with the fascinating portfolio of products built at the BMW Plant Chennai, which has laid the foundation for BMW Group’s success story in India. The precision in quality achievements perfectly complement the advanced technology in the cars and the multiple facets of the luxury brand. In the years to come, BMW Plant Chennai will play a crucial role in fostering BMW Groups ambitions in India.”
BMW is also moving towards a higher percentage of localization for the Chennai factory. Currently at just over 50 percent localization, BMW aims to increase that figure in the next few years which in turn might reduce the costs of the luxury marque’s cars in India. The next big product for India from BMW will be the new 1 Series sedan that has recently made its debut in China. The new car will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the updated Audi A3. The new 1 Series sedan will not be made on the same platform that the current 1 Series is being made on. Instead, the new 1 Series will for the first time get a front wheel drive platform, which also underpins the new X1 premium compact SUV and the 2 Series Gran Tourer that is also expected to make it to India soon.
Speaking on the 10th anniversary of the Chennai factory, Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “It is a day of great joy and pride for all of us at BMW Group to celebrate the 10th anniversary of BMW Plant Chennai. The sheer driving pleasure of our customers has been shaped with the fascinating portfolio of products built at the BMW Plant Chennai, which has laid the foundation for BMW Group’s success story in India. The precision in quality achievements perfectly complement the advanced technology in the cars and the multiple facets of the luxury brand. In the years to come, BMW Plant Chennai will play a crucial role in fostering BMW Groups ambitions in India.”
New BMW 1 Series Sedan Will Be Made In Chennai
BMW is also moving towards a higher percentage of localization for the Chennai factory. Currently at just over 50 percent localization, BMW aims to increase that figure in the next few years which in turn might reduce the costs of the luxury marque’s cars in India. The next big product for India from BMW will be the new 1 Series sedan that has recently made its debut in China. The new car will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the updated Audi A3. The new 1 Series sedan will not be made on the same platform that the current 1 Series is being made on. Instead, the new 1 Series will for the first time get a front wheel drive platform, which also underpins the new X1 premium compact SUV and the 2 Series Gran Tourer that is also expected to make it to India soon.
Related News
Popular BMW Models
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
car&bike Team | Apr 30, 2026Bajaj Pulsar NS400z Price Slashed By Rs 14,000The updated 349 cc Puslar NS400z is now priced at Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom).1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Apr 30, 2026Oben Rorr Evo Launched At Rs 1 LakhIntroductory prices are valid for the first 10,000 units, following which prices will be hiked by Rs 25,000.2 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Apr 30, 2026Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale Revealed With New Active SuspensionFerrari’s first four-door, four-seater gets a special handling package with active suspension to make it more dynamic to drive.1 min read
car&bike Team | Apr 30, 2026Royal Enfield Is Testing E85-Ready Classic 350 - Spy PhotosThe test bike was spied on public roads just days after the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways released a draft notification for E85 and E100 ethanol blending.1 min read
car&bike Team | Apr 30, 20265 New Cars Coming In May 2026: EVs, Hybrids And SUVs To Be LaunchedThe month of May will see a host of new car launches and this will include a couple electric cars as well as SUVs1 min read
Amaan Ahmed | Apr 29, 2026Volkswagen ID.Polo EV Revealed With Up To 208 BHP, 454 KM RangeThe first-ever Polo to be offered with an all-electric powertrain, the ID.Polo is built on Volkswagen's MEB+ architecture.3 mins read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Apr 29, 2026Toyota Innova Hycross Vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Choosing The Right Three Row Family MoverIn a battle of three-row cars the electric Mahindra XEV 9S takes on the Toyota Innova Hycross. Which one ticks more boxes?1 min read
Janak Sorap | Apr 26, 2026BMW F 450 GS First Ride Review: Almost A Proper GS With Big Bike DNANew 420cc twin, premium build, feature-loaded and Easy Ride Clutch — but does it deliver where it truly matters?8 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Apr 25, 20262026 MG Majestor Review: Bold, Feature-Packed And Off-Road ReadyWe spent time with the MG Majestor to see how much of an improvement it is over the Gloster, and whether it can take on the segment leader – Toyota Fortuner.9 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Apr 23, 2026Vega Bolt Bluetooth Smart Helmet Review: Smart, Simple, And FunctionalThe Vega Bolt Bluetooth Smart Helmet is a practical take on connected riding gear, aimed at commuters and riders who want integrated functionality without the hassle of add-ons.6 mins read
Preetam Bora | Apr 20, 2026Hero Destini 110 Vs TVS Jupiter 110 Comparison ReviewThe Hero Destini 110 and the TVS Jupiter 110 both sit in the same price bracket and target the same buyer. But they take different approaches. Which 110 cc scooter should you buy?9 mins read