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BMW Considering Mexico Production of 3-Series and 1-Series GT

BMW’s Spartanburg plant currently makes the X3, X5 and X6, and it used to make the Z3, Z4 and the 318i and 318is (between 1994 - 1996), so it’s safe to say it’s one of BMW’s most important production sites. It’s also their only facility of its kind in North America.
BMW 1 photo
Photo: BMW
However, according to autonews.com, they are planning on adding another one, but not in the US. Officials are considering the idea of making the 3-Series, and the upcoming 1-Series GT at one of four possible sites, in Mexico, and while a decision won’t be taken right away, the deal (if it goes through, that is) will be finalized by the end of the year, with production expected to start in 2016-2017.

The opening of a plant in Mexico does not mean that the entire 3-Series production will be shifted from Germany, but only the cars destined for the surrounding markets would be made there. Also, production will start off slowly, with no more than 40,000-50,000 units made in the first year, rising to 100,000 to 150,000 units per year at full capacity.

BMW are also expanding their Spartanburg, South Carolina operation, with the aim of reaching a production figure of 350,000 units per year by 2014, with the introduction of the X4 crossover. However, their 2011 US production figure is not that far off their planned figure, as they made a total of 276,065 units in total - an increase of 75% over 2010. The outsourcing continues. . .
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