BMW plans major investments in India

The global Chairman of BMW Dr. Nobert Reithofer alongwith global heads of production and strategy called on Dr. Ashwani Kumar , Minister of State (Industry) here yesterday. Dr. Reithofer is currently visiting India to inaugurate BMW's first assembly line cum production unit in Chennai today. Expending on the plans for the production of BMW's premium segment vehicles in India. Dr. Reithofer informed the Minister that BMW treats India as an important base in the future for BMW's global manufacturing plans. He said that the current demand for the premium segment cars in India is likely to double in the foreseeable future and that BMW would like be a part of the booming automobile and auto components industry in India.

Dr. Kumar welcomed the visiting delegation and informed the chairman of BMW that promoting excellence in manufacturing was a key objective of the UPA government and that the NMCC has suggested a blue print for initiatives to increase the annual growth of manufacturing from the current level of 9% to 12% so that manufacturing constitutes in the years ahead about 30% of India's GDP.

Dr. Kumar suggested to the BMW's top management to prioritise skills upgradation and technical capabilities of the work force so as to create larger job opportunities for skilled and semi skilled blue collar workers which is a foremost priority of the UPA government.

Dr. Kumar felt that the entry of companies like BMW will not only boost the manufacturing sector but will also give a major fillip to domestic electronic hardware industry.

The Chairman of BMW informed Dr. Kumar that BMW has mega investment plans for India and that from April BMW would be starting training workshops for its staff and dealers' network throughout the country and will later extend the training programme for others also.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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