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BMW Group India celebrates the 11th anniversary of Plant Chennai.

SKILL NEXT», a technical skilling initiative launched.

BMW Group Plant Chennai celebrated its 11th anniversary today at a
memorable event. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and students from the
College of Engineering of Anna University, launched ‘SKILL NEXT»’, a technical skilling
initiative. Together, they assembled a BMW engine and transmission at the main
assembly line of BMW Group Plant Chennai to commemorate the beginning of the
project.
Aiming to act as a major catalyst in developing automotive talent in the country, ‘SKILL
NEXT»’ will reach educational institutes and students in every state and union territory
in India. Through the initiative, 365 BMW engine and transmission units will be provided
for learning purposes to engineering and technical institutes at no cost. ‘SKILL NEXT»’
will present an opportunity for engineering and technical students to get hands-on
training on advanced technologies of BMW engine and transmission. BMW Group India
will also deliver the engine and transmission units to campuses of engineering colleges
/ Industrial Training Institutes / polytechnics at no cost by end of 2018.
The handover of demonstration units will be done on a first-come-first-serve basis after
due undertakings are submitted by the institutes. The undertakings will ensure that the
engine and transmission units are used inside the laboratories on campuses of the
institutes for learning purposes only.
Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The luxury automotive segment
in India has witnessed tremendous growth in the last decade and with the growing
number of cars on road, there is a high requirement of good technical talent in the
industry. ‘SKILL NEXT»’, will strongly promote the development of technical
competencies in students across the country by enhancing their practical knowledge of
advanced automotive technology. This initiative will also contribute in increasing the
availability of skilled technical staff required at automotive dealerships in India.”
The state-of-the-art engineering unit, including the BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line 4-
cylinder diesel engine and the BMW eight-speed steptronic automatic transmission,
will serve as a valuable learning tool for students. Since 2007, this engine has proved its
mark in India by powering close to 50,000 units delivered to customers.
The engine presently powers six cars locally-produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai –
BMW 3 Series (320d), BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (320d GT), BMW 5 Series (520d),
BMW X1 (xDrive 20d), BMW X3 (xDrive 20d) and the upcoming MINI Countryman
Cooper D. The BMW eight-speed steptronic automatic transmission is presently
featured in five cars locally-produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai – BMW 3 Series,
BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, BMW 5 Series, BMW X1 and BMW X3.
Post-handover, a ‘Train the Trainer’ module will be devised for institutes where 40
Aftersales Master Technicians will conduct extensive workshops at BMW dealerships
in more than 20 cities. The module has been devised by professional trainers from
BMW Group India Training Centre and BMW Group Plant Chennai. The workshops will
be a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on practical sessions using detailed
training materials.
Dr. Jochen Stallkamp, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai said, “For BMW
Group Plant Chennai, skilled workforce is the foundation to make finest cars of
outstanding quality. The know-how of advanced technology and the confidence to
work with state-of-the-art machinery and complex processes is a great asset in
engineering field. ‘SKILL NEXT»’ initiative will facilitate development of talent in the
future generation of engineers. These skills will open up new doors for a workforce that

wants to make a successful career in automotive industry in India.”
During extreme rain and weather conditions in Chennai in the past, a considerable
number of engine and transmissions were water affected. As per BMW quality
standards, these parts could not be used in the vehicles. The parts were insured and
Bharti AXA General Insurance honored the claims. BMW India proposed providing the
engines and transmissions to educational institutes at no cost as they could be used as
a learning resource to impart theoretical and practical knowledge to students. Bharti
AXA General Insurance played a vital role by giving special approval to allow realisation
of the project.
Mr. Sanjeev Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Bharti AXA
General Insurance said, “When BMW Group India approached us with the innovative
idea of ‘SKILL NEXT»’, we were excited to be part of it. We at Bharti AXA General
Insurance are always willing to explore ways that allow us to contribute towards the
betterment of the society we live in. The contribution of engine and transmission units
for educational purposes was a marvelous opportunity to do so. Vehicle insurance
premiums amount to nearly 45% of Gross Written Premium (GWP) recorded by the
General Insurance industry and is considered to be a growth generator for the category.
We strongly believe that as leading players in our arenas, we have both the
responsibility and the means to bring about change for good and upskill our future
leaders to deliver efficiently. It is a pleasure to initiate this rare opportunity that can
make a meaningful difference to the society.”

The students from College of Engineering, Anna University and Mr. Sachin Tendulkar

assembled the BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line 4-cylinder diesel engine with the eight-
speed steptronic automatic transmission for a BMW X3 being locally-produced at the

main assembly line of BMW Group Plant Chennai.
Dr. T V Geetha, Dean – College of Engineering, Anna University, who was present at
the event said, “In engineering, clarity of concepts is fundamental for creation and
innovation. In a fast moving world where technology is constantly progressing,
experiential learning plays a very important role. Reading about refined technology in
books and getting a chance to experience it first-hand are completely different. With
‘SKILL NEXT»’, students will be able to use the BMW engine and transmission units to
observe, practice, absorb knowledge and use it effectively in actual scenarios. This
initiative will go a long way in motivating students and making them passionate about
real and practical engineering aspects.”

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