Watch: BMW drives efficiency and localisation through its ‘Unleash ASEAN’ strategy

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.

BMW’s Michael Nikolaides on a localised, digital supply chain

Dr Michael Nikolaides talks to Automotive Logistics about making cross-functional decisions to make the OEM’s supply chain more localised, digitalised and efficient

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.

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