Red Sofa interview
Watch: BMW drives efficiency and localisation through its ‘Unleash ASEAN’ strategy
At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain ASEAN 2025, BMW Group’s Dr Michael Nikolaides outlined how the carmaker is streamlining lead times, harmonising standards, and expanding localisation to strengthen supply chain resilience across Southeast Asia.
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BMW Group is accelerating its supply chain transformation in Southeast Asia through its Unleash ASEAN strategy, which focuses on regional efficiency, localisation and regulatory alignment. Speaking on the Automotive Logistics Red Sofa at the ASEAN 2025 conference in Singapore, Dr Michael Nikolaides, head of logistics and production network at BMW Group, outlined the company’s roadmap for growth across the region.
Operating across a diverse network of partners and local assembly facilities, BMW faces the challenge of managing long and complex supply chains while maintaining the same quality and process standards applied globally. “Whether a vehicle is built in Munich or Malaysia, customers can expect the same BMW standard,” said Dr Nikolaides.
The company is prioritising two major objectives: reducing lead times and increasing efficiency. “Setting up such a network comes at a cost,” he noted, “and improving cost efficiency without compromising quality is key.”
Dr Nikolaides emphasised that harmonising regulations across ASEAN would be a significant step toward achieving greater scale and integration. “A more homogeneous framework across countries would help unlock economies of scale,” he said.
As part of its local-for-local approach, BMW is also expanding regional sourcing to shorten supply chains and enhance resilience. “We are constantly exploring opportunities to localise components,” Dr Nikolaides added, highlighting the company’s commitment to building a more agile and competitive production network across the region.
Watch the full conversation to hear how BMW is advancing its Unleash ASEAN strategy and preparing for the next phase of regional growth.
