The Hindu Business Line : BMW to source engine, chassis parts from India for bikes

Munich, March 18 German luxury car and bike maker BMW AG, is looking at sourcing parts from India for engines and chassis for its high-end motorcycles.

The group has already been sourcing motorcycle parts such as handle bars and die cast from India. Now, it is exploring opportunities to source components for engine and chassis parts, said Board Member of BMW AG (international parts sourcing), Mr Herbert Diess.

The company had set up an international purchasing office (IPO) in India last year. Currently, it is running a pilot programme to increase component sourcing from India. “In the past few months, we have visited over 100 suppliers, and we are still in the monitoring stage for increasing sourcing of car components from India,” he said.

BMW has started sourcing from India in a small quantity for cars and has been closely working with few vendors, including Bosch India.

He, however, declined to comment on the value of components currently sourced from India or the value of components the company intends to buy from the country.

Asked if BMW would introduce motorcycles in India, Mr Diess replied in the negative.

After a few failed attempts at introducing its high-end bikes in India, the German automobile major has decided that its two-wheelers are not suited for India, where motorcycles are used for commuting.

More Stories on : Outsourcing | Automobile Components | Two/Three Wheelers

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