"Make Life a Ride" —
BMW Motorrad’s Rise from Rayong to the World

Surapol Kokoed
Head of Assembly Motorcycle,
BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand

Customer Insight

Surapol Kokoed
Head of Assembly Motorcycle, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand

The Motorrad Q&A: "Make Life a Ride"
The Local Legend – The GS Heritage
  • Q:

    The BMW GS series is legendary worldwide, but many Thai riders might not realise that some BMW models are actually assembled right here in Rayong. Can you tell us a bit more about how motorcycle assembly has evolved here in Thailand and its strategic importance in global motorcycle production?

  • A:

    BMW Motorrad local production in Rayong has been in place since 2014, making Thailand a strategic manufacturing base for both domestic sales and export. The Rayong plant has steadily expanded its Motorrad role, and this long-term investment shows how Thailand has become an integral part of BMW Group’s global production network for premium motorcycles.

BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand (Plant Rayong)

The Export Powerhouse
  • Q:

    BMW Motorrad Thailand isn't just for Thailand; it’s a major export hub for the region. How has the Motorrad infrastructure and strategic location of the plant within the EEC helped it become a 'Top 5' market for BMW globally?

  • A:

    Rayong’s location in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor strengthens BMW Motorrad’s regional export capability through efficient logistics, supplier access, and strong industrial infrastructure. This helps the plant support both local demand and wider ASEAN and international markets, reinforcing Thailand’s importance in BMW Motorrad’s growth strategy.

Thailand in Perspective of Supply Chain
  • Q:

    We learnt that BMW Thailand is the global centre for parts sourcing for BMW cars. In what ways is the country also a critical hub for sourcing and procurement for motorcycles? And what role does the existing supply chain play?

  • A:

    Thailand’s role in Motorrad sourcing is becoming increasingly important because local production in Rayong is now supported by a broader industrial ecosystem. Since 2023, BMW Parts Manufacturing Thailand in Rayong has supplied key motorcycle components such as cylinder heads, crankcases, engines, rear axles, wheels, frames, and swing arms for local assembly, showing a deeper level of localisation and supply chain integration.

Craftsmanship and Engineering Passion
  • Q:

    Motorcycles are emotional purchases. When a customer buys a bike assembled at the Amata plant, are they just buying a machine, or are they buying into a localised ecosystem of engineering passion that starts on the Rayong production line? How does Thailand’s craftsmanship complement BMW’s unparalleled product excellence?

  • A:

    A motorcycle assembled in Rayong reflects more than production efficiency; it represents the combination of BMW engineering standards with Thai manufacturing capability and attention to detail. Local production allows BMW Motorrad to build products closer to the market while maintaining global quality requirements, creating stronger relevance and pride for customers in Thailand and the region.

On the 2026 Motor Show Stars
  • Q:

    This year, the BMW R 12 G/S and the R 1300 RT are stealing the spotlight. For the Amata community—many of whom are high-achieving professionals—how do these specific models bridge the gap between a demanding work week and the ultimate weekend escape?

  • A:

    The BMW R 12 G/S and R 1300 RT represent two very different but equally relevant use cases for today’s premium rider. The R 12 G/S, assembled at Plant Rayong, brings heritage, freedom and light adventure capability for riders who want an authentic escape after a demanding week, while the R 1300 RT delivers long-distance comfort, advanced technology and refined touring performance for professionals who value both productivity and premium leisure. Together, they show how BMW Motorrad can serve both emotion and everyday versatility.

BMW R 12 G/S

R 1300 RT

Image Source: BMW Motorrad Thailand (www.bmw-motorrad.co.th)

The Urban Mobility Shift
  • Q:

    We’re seeing a lot of interest in the CE 04 and urban mobility solutions. As Amata evolves into a 'Smart City,' how do you see BMW Motorrad’s electric and mid-sized scooters changing the way people commute within industrial and urban hubs?

  • A:

    In a Smart City environment such as Amata, electric and mid-sized scooters can make commuting cleaner, quieter and more efficient, especially for short daily trips between workplaces, residential areas and service zones. The CE 04, in particular, shows how premium urban mobility can combine zero local emissions, digital connectivity and practical day-to-day usability, helping redefine two-wheel transport for modern industrial and urban communities.

Image Source: BMW Motorrad Thailand (www.bmw-motorrad.co.th)

Vision – The Future of “Make Life a Ride”:
  • Q:

    Looking ahead, what does the next chapter of BMW Motorrad’s “Make Life a Ride” vision look like for Thailand and the wider emerging region—and how will our manufacturing footprint here shape the future ride experience on the road?

The next chapter of “Make Life a Ride” in Thailand will be shaped by three priorities: Broader rider relevance, more advanced mobility solutions and a stronger regional manufacturing base.

With Rayong continuing to deepen local production and localisation, Thailand is well positioned to support future growth in both premium motorcycles and urban mobility, while ensuring that riders in this region experience BMW Motorrad products that are closer to the market, more responsive to local needs and fully aligned with global quality standards.