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.
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