German luxury maker BMW is to announce plans for an expansion of its sole U.S. vehicle manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, SC, this coming Monday. As per a statement last year, the plant is to be upgraded to produce 240,000 vehicles by 2012 from the current 140,000. Sources say the expansion will come in the form of a $27 million, 70,000 square foot addition to the paint facility.
The only specifics known is that a ceremony is planned for 11am on Monday in Spartanburg, according to plant spokesperson Bunny Richardson, according to Automotive News.
This expansion marks the fourth since the factory opened its doors in 1994, with total costs amounting to over $4.83 billion.
The factory makes the X5 SUV, the upcoming X6 and is the exclusive builder of the Z4 sports car. In 2010, the small X3 SUV will also be produced there also, while the Z4 is expected to move to Germany. Last year, 154,999 vehicles rolled off the production line.
With the volatility of the U.S. dollar, many manufacturing companies are looking at U.S. production to bring stability to pricing. For BMW, that could mean bringing production of other models popular in America to a U.S. plant.
03/06, 5:57 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
…because in 3 years they’re still worth 40k while the Caddy’s worth 25.
03/06, 6:04 PM
posted by:
El Aleman
How are they inferior?
The technology is about 20 years ahead, and even though Cadillac’s design is nice, the escalade looks vulgar and plump next to an X5.
03/06, 6:23 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Good. This is what other, (especially U.S.-based) companies should do: bring back production to the U.S. The outsourcing crap must stop some day (yes I talking to you, computer industry).
03/06, 6:35 PM
posted by:
sunshine1810
I will never buy a German car made in the United States. BMW’s should be made in Germany.
03/06, 8:29 PM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
Oh so let me guess that the plant workers themselves and the manufactured parts that come out of the United States are also inferior to the Germans too sunshine1810? Oh I forgot the Germans are the “master race” right??? Sieg Heil!! Sieg Heil!!! Sieg Heil!!!
03/06, 9:47 PM
posted by:
bigp
they charge so much of nothing 10,000 dallars jfor an v8
03/06, 10:40 PM
posted by:
autonut
With 1 EU for 1.52 USD it is a no-brainer. I hope one day they will also start producing components here not only assemble vehicles. That’s where the boost to local economy is more profound.
03/07, 12:31 AM
posted by:
AxeHead
BMW has a class action suite against them for gouging Canadians with restrictions and unnecessary costs for importation…not exactly an honest company.
03/07, 10:13 AM
posted by:
Andrewthecarguy
autonut…you hit the nail on the head. I just wish they would bring over the 5 series with the 6 cylinder diesel when the X5 diesel shows up soon.
axe-head…BMW is not the only one getting sued because they did not adjust the cost of cars in Canada when the dollar started falling. It fell so fast most auto companies did not have time to respond.
03/07, 12:31 PM
posted by:
agent09
limp plunger 640 doesn’t have a driver’s liscense.
stop talking about cars u can’t afford. dumbdouche.