Photo: bmw
BMW is now investing heavily in all corners of the world. After focusing some of its attention on China, the company is now expanding in the other extreme, opening a new plant in Brazil. We told you all about it earlier this year and today we've heard word that the X1 crossover started being assembled in the South American country.
With the new car, BMW is currently making two models in Araquari, Santa Catarina, after the F30 3 Series started being assembled there as well, not too long ago. However, for now, the cars are being just assembled there thanks to Completely Knock Down (CKD) kits as the paint and welding departments are not ready just yet.
Even so, the signs are rather encouraging, not only as far as manufacturing costs go but also from the perspective of the locals that can benefit from 1,300 new direct jobs and over 2,500 more in adjacent fields.
Over the next few years, BMW will invest over $200 million in Brazil to get its newest plant up to speed with the rest of its facilities around the world. At the moment, the German group has 30 plants worldwide in 14 countries.
Other models that will be built here in the future, include the entry-level 1 Series, the future X3 and the MINI Countryman. The X1 that is currently being assembled there is the sDrive20i that is powered by a 2-liter petrol engine with ActiveFlex technology that allows the customer to use ethanol as well as petrol as fuel.
Even so, the signs are rather encouraging, not only as far as manufacturing costs go but also from the perspective of the locals that can benefit from 1,300 new direct jobs and over 2,500 more in adjacent fields.
Over the next few years, BMW will invest over $200 million in Brazil to get its newest plant up to speed with the rest of its facilities around the world. At the moment, the German group has 30 plants worldwide in 14 countries.
Other models that will be built here in the future, include the entry-level 1 Series, the future X3 and the MINI Countryman. The X1 that is currently being assembled there is the sDrive20i that is powered by a 2-liter petrol engine with ActiveFlex technology that allows the customer to use ethanol as well as petrol as fuel.
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