2017
BMW Service Apprentice Program
Photo Release | 2017.11.10

BMW Group Thailand continues its support to develop Thai vocational students’ skills through the 5th edition of the BMW Service Apprentice Program

BMW Group Thailand, led by Mr. César Badilla (right), Director Aftersales, together with Mr. Markus Hoffmann (left), German-Thai Dual Excellence Education Project Director, the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, recently presented certificates to 19 vocational students from Kanchanapisek Mahanakorn Technical College, Chumphae Technical College, and Bangkaewfa Industrial and Community Education College in the BMW Service Apprentice Program.

Bangkok. BMW Group Thailand, led by Mr. César Badilla, Director Aftersales, is continuing the BMW Service Apprentice Program for the 5th consecutive year as it pursues its mission of fostering the capabilities of technical personnel in the automotive industry under the dual education system. Nineteen vocational students from Kanchanapisek Mahanakorn Technical College, Chumphae Technical College, and Bangkaewfa Industrial and Community Education College were presented with certificates in a ceremony at the BMW Group Thailand Training Center, following the conclusion of their automotive technology and innovation training. Certified students will go on to work at BMW authorized dealers in Thailand. The initiative reaffirms BMW Group Thailand’s commitment to the advancement of the Thai vocational education system.

Mr. César Badilla, Director Aftersales, BMW Group Thailand said: “As the leader in mobility technology, BMW gives precedence to the promotion of automotive proficiency and know-how, as this undeniably improves service excellence. We are committed to the development of technical expertise of Thai vocational students through various training courses under the BMW Service Apprentice Program. Throughout the 5 years of this initiative and working together with Kanchanapisek Mahanakorn Technical College and partner’s college, BMW has successfully trained 110 vocational students. With this achievement, we are planning to expand the program and partnership to other technical colleges to ensure an adequate pool of mechanics to further drive the Thai automotive industry.”

Mr. Markus Hoffmann, German-Thai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) Project Director, the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce said, “Joining with BMW have laid the foundations for participating students with their future career path in Automotive Mechatronics. The significant development of their technical skills reinforces the company as well as the national economy. The GTDEE would like to congratulate the students in their completion of BMW Service Apprentice Program, and wish them success in their next chapter of a life-long process of learning.”

The BMW Service Apprentice Program was initiated in 2012 and recognized as part of the German-Thai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) program. The program curriculum was drawn up in partnership with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce and the BMW Group Thailand dealers’ network. Participating students receive training in technical fundamentals at the College, while theoretical and practical training is provided at the BMW Training Center with on-the-job training and support provided by BMW certified technicians at authorized BMW dealerships. Since its inception, the partnership has developed young technicians and enabled them to become skilled workers in the automotive industry while also reinforcing Thailand’s potential as a global automotive production hub.

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The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

BMW Group Thailand

BMW Group Thailand, a subsidiary of BMW AG, Germany, was established on the 3rd October 1998. The three entities of BMW Group Thailand include BMW (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with responsibility for wholesales & marketing of BMW Group products, BMW Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with responsibility for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad local production, and BMW Leasing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with responsibility for financial services offerings to both wholesale and retail customers.

In 2016, BMW Group Thailand delivered 7,923 BMW and MINI vehicles to the customers. For BMW Motorrad Thailand, a new record was set in 2016 with 1,819 motorcycle deliveries.

In 2017, BMW Group Thailand had the best-ever first 9 months with 7,702 BMW and MINI car deliveries, achieving an impressive +30% growth year-on-year.

On the production side, the BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand plant was founded on BMW Group’s strong belief in the growth potential of Asian markets and Thailand in particular with its unique location, strong manufacturing base, and ready supply of skilled automotive labor, being an automotive hub for ASEAN.
An investment of over 4.6 billion Baht year-to-date 2016has been invested into expansion of plant Rayong in terms of assembling processes, aiming to meet growing customer demand. In addition, with approximately
4 billion Thai Baht representing the amount of annual purchasing in Thailand, the BMW Global Purchasing office has been established in Thailand. This is to source various components from local suppliers in Thailand and the broader ASEAN region, in order to supply the entire BMW production network of 31 production and assembly facilities, located in 14 countries worldwide.

As of 2017, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand produces the following 17 models: BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW X1, BMW X3, BMW X4 and BMW X5. For BMW Motorrad the BMW F 800 R, BMW F 800 GS, BMW F 700 GS, BMW R 1200 GS, BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, BMW S 1000 R, BMW S 1000 RR and BMW S 1000 XR are also locally assembled at the plant. In addition, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand now assembles three BMW plug-in hybrid models; BMW 330e, BMW X5 xDrive40e and BMW 740Le.

Starting from May 2016, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand’s assembly line capability has been expanded for the purpose of exporting the BMW X3 and BMW X5 to China as well.


For further information, please contact:
BMW Group Thailand
1-800-269-269
www.bmw.co.th
www.mini.co.th
www.bmw-motorrad.co.th

Media Contacts:
Carl Byoir & Associates
Suthatip Boonsaeng (08-7685-1695 or0-2627-3501 ext.102)
Thornthawat Thongnab (08-3225-4567 or 0-2627-3501 ext.206)
Pawalisa Thanawajeran (08-6564-4726 or 0-2627-3501 ext.155)
Pichanan Toonkamthornchai (08-5157-7557 or 0-2627-3501 ext.101)
sboonsaeng@carlbyoir.com, tthongnab@carlbyoir.com, ptoonkamthornchai@carlbyoir.com, pthanawajeran@carlbyoir.com

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