BMW Group embarks on a pivotal journey towards sustainable mobility and localized manufacturing with the commencement of its state-of-the-art local manufacturing facility for Gen-5 high-voltage battery, situated in Rayong, Thailand. This significant venture was inaugurated with a ceremony featuring Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production at BMW AG, alongside Thai government officials and the German ambassador to Thailand, Ernst Reichel.
This development marks a strategic expansion in BMW Group’s production capabilities, targeting the initiation of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) production by the latter half of 2025. Milan Nedeljković, during the event, articulated the strategy as a crucial progression in BMW Group’s electrification roadmap, emphasizing the ‘local for local’ doctrine. This philosophy aims at propelling economic prosperity, job creation, and the transference of knowledge within Thailand and the expansive ASEAN region.
Spanning 4,000 square meters, the forthcoming facility signifies a substantial enhancement of BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand’s operations. Designed to transform imported battery cells into modules for assembly into high-voltage batteries, the initiative sees an investment surpassing 1.6 billion baht (approximately 42 million euros), with a significant fraction, nearly 1.4 billion baht (around 36 million euros), allocated for the procurement of avant-garde equipment and systems.
This venture builds upon BMW Group’s established footprint in Thailand, where it has been producing high-voltage batteries for locally assembled plug-in hybrids since 2019. The Rayong plant plays a critical role in manufacturing a diverse portfolio of BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad models, serving both Thai and various ASEAN markets. The output in 2023 alone surpassed 12,000 cars and nearly 11,000 motorcycles, demonstrating BMW Group’s impactful contribution to the local automotive sector.
To complement these technological strides, BMW Group invests in its workforce through extensive training programs. These initiatives, integral to the global production network, aim to elevate the technical proficiency of local personnel through comprehensive knowledge dissemination. The emphasis on professional training and development reflects BMW Group’s commitment to fostering Thailand’s economic landscape.
Beyond workforce enhancement, BMW Group amplifies its influence through a partnership with UNICEF in Thailand. This collaboration focuses on augmenting career opportunities for young individuals via a specialized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education program, enriched with training and career counseling.
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