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 | Mar 2, 2026BMW M2 M Performance Kit Revealed: New Aero Package, Upgraded Suspension, Lighter ExhaustBMW has introduced a Performance kit for the M2, which includes a host of aerodynamic components.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Mar 2, 2026Two-Wheeler Sales February 2026: Hero MotoCorp, TVS, Honda, Bajaj Auto Report Positive GrowthMajor brands have shown remarkable sales in the second month of 2026.3 mins read
car&bike Team | Mar 2, 2026Tata Motors To Offer Mobile Vans For Doorstep Charging In Delhi NCRThese vans will benefit EV owners who do not have a fixed charging spot or do frequent relocations.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | Mar 2, 2026New Mercedes-Benz V-Class Vs Toyota Vellfire: The Luxury Van ShowdownNew V-Class is here after a long hiatus. And it’s aiming squarely at the Toyota Vellfire in the luxury MPV space. So let us break down design, comfort, features, powertrains and real-world usability to help you choose the right one.5 mins read
Jafar Rizvi | Mar 2, 2026Yamaha XSR 155 Prices Hiked; New Colour IntroducedPrices for the XSR 155 now range between Rs 1.50 lakh and Rs 1.59 lakh (ex-showroom).1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Mar 2, 2026Auto Sales February 2026: Tata Retains Second Place Ahead Of Mahindra; Maruti Sales FlatHyundai and Kia reported their best ever wholesales numbers for February, while Toyota and Mahindra also reported sales growth.6 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 28, 2026Tata Punch EV Facelift Review: More Range, More Sense, Less MoneyThe Tata Punch EV facelift gets a bigger 40 kWh battery, faster 60 kW DC charging, improved thermal management, and better real-world range, and all of that at a lower introductory price. But does it become a more complete package now?6 mins read
Preetam Bora | Feb 24, 2026Hero Destini 110 Review: Simplicity, RefinedThe Hero Destini 110 is a no-nonsense commuter that is simple, comfortable and above all, fuel efficient. In 2026, when buyers are spoilt for choice, is it good enough to consider?1 min read
Preetam Bora | Feb 23, 2026TVS Apache RTX Road Test Review: Redefining the Entry-Level ADVAfter spending some time with the TVS Apache RTX in traffic, the daily commute, as well as on open highways, one thing becomes clear: the RTX is trying to redefine the entry-level ADV segment. But is it without fault?1 min read
Girish Karkera | Feb 20, 2026Road Test: 2025 VinFast VF7 AWD Sky InfinityFlagship all-electric SUV from the Vietnamese car maker gets most of the basics right.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 18, 2026New BMW X3 30 Vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: Midsize Luxury SUV FaceoffWith the new X3 30, BMW has a direct competitor to the petrol GLC 300, but which is the luxury SUV for you?1 min read