BMW builds 3 millionth car at Spartanburg plant - BMW X5 M

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW celebrates 3 million cars built in South Carolina

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BMW Celebrates 3 Million Vehicles Produced in South Carolina.

Confirms automaker as largest U.S. automotive exporter.
Affirms commitment to U.S. investment.
Reinforces 50% capacity increase and hiring.

Spartanburg, S.C.- March 24, 2015... In a special ceremony at its Spartanburg plant this morning, BMW celebrated its three millionth vehicle to roll off the line. The vehicle, a Donington Grey Metallic X5 M with Mugello Red Full Merino leather seats and Carbon Fiber interior trim, was driven by Dawn Burgess, Associate #433, hired in 1994.

Burgess presented the keys to the milestone vehicle to Manfred Erlacher, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing.

“The growth of this plant has been quite extraordinary,” said Erlacher. ”Today, as we witness another historic moment, I am delighted to announce that BMW’s profound impact in South Carolina continues. I am grateful for our dedicated associates and their commitment to building premium vehicles for the world.”

The three millionth BMW will be prepared for shipment to a customer in Kristianstad, Sweden.

Guest speakers at the event included South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and Jim Newsome, President and CEO of South Carolina Ports Authority.

“What a great day to celebrate as BMW marks another milestone in South Carolina,” said Governor Nikki Haley. “Now with three million cars produced with care and pride by South Carolina hands, BMW continues to be one of the shining success stories in our state’s history. We congratulate them on this achievement.”

“For over 20 years, BMW has been a catalyst for the exponential growth of our state’s auto sector, which today includes companies in 40 of our 46 counties,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “But beyond our borders, it’s a point of pride for our workforce that now three million world-class, quality-made vehicles have been delivered for the global market – from right here in South Carolina.”

“BMW operations are a tremendous asset to our port and state, and we are proud to celebrate the milestone achievement of three million vehicles produced with their leadership and talented workforce,” said Jim Newsome, SC Ports Authority president and CEO. “Automotive manufacturing is significant to the port for both import and export volume growth. BMW is the largest user of our roll-on/roll-off facility at the Columbus Street Terminal as well as the SC Inland Port, and their expansions have been exciting opportunities for us. We value our role in BMW’s international supply chain and look forward to a strong continued partnership.”

On display, in addition to the three millionth vehicle, were:

• First vehicle produced, an Alpine White 318i (September 1994)
• One millionth vehicle, an Interlagos Blue Z4 M (February 2006)
• Two millionth vehicle, a Vermillion Red X3 (January 2012)

Largest U.S. Automotive Exporter
In February 2015, the U.S. Department of Commerce confirmed that BMW is the largest U.S. automotive exporter of passenger vehicles by value. With an annual value totaling $9.2 Billion, BMW’s single plant in South Carolina exceeded exports from Michigan, Alabama and California. In 2014, nearly 250,000 vehicles were exported from its South Carolina plant, over 70% of the plant’s total volume.

Nearly $7 Billion Investment Since 1992, Annual Impact of $16.6 Billion USD
In March 2014, BMW Group announced an additional $1 Billion USD investment for the South Carolina plant from 2014 through 2016. In total, since 1992, the company has invested nearly $7 Billion through December 2014.

A 2014 report published by the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina revealed that BMW Group activities in South Carolina had a total impact of $16.6 Billion on the state economy. In total, BMW’s presence in South Carolina supports a total of 30,000 jobs throughout the state, including 8,000 at the plant in Spartanburg.

Capacity Increase and Hiring
BMW Manufacturing currently produces more than 1,200 vehicles each day. The factory is the exclusive producer of all BMW X3, X4, X5 and X6 vehicles (and their variants) to more than 140 global markets. In 2014, the plant celebrated two decades of production and announced a production capacity increase to 450,000 vehicles that will make the Spartanburg plant the largest BMW plant in the world. In addition, by the end of 2016, the plant has committed to adding 800 more jobs, bringing the total employment at the plant to nearly 9,000.

[NickyC]

That's a mind boggling number of cars.

[Twixboy]

The article said the one millionth vehicle produced was a 2006 interlagos blue Z4M was also on display. I don't get it, did they keep it around for 10 years or did the owner lend it to the company? They also said the three millionth vehicle is on display, but that it's also being delivered to a customer in Sweden. Which one is it?

[ADRQ0811]

Originally Posted by Twixboy

The article said the one millionth vehicle produced was a 2006 interlagos blue Z4M was also on display. I don't get it, did they keep it around for 10 years or did the owner lend it to the company? They also said the three millionth vehicle is on display, but that it's also being delivered to a customer in Sweden. Which one is it?

I would say it was never sold and bmw group kept it because it was the one millionth produced,I wouldn't be surprised if they keep the x5 m in the picture too.maybe your right about the x5 m going to Sweden I missed that part at first plus it has a non US bumper if that means anything.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Twixboy

The article said the one millionth vehicle produced was a 2006 interlagos blue Z4M was also on display. I don't get it, did they keep it around for 10 years or did the owner lend it to the company? They also said the three millionth vehicle is on display, but that it's also being delivered to a customer in Sweden. Which one is it?

Perhaps it's been edited but the article indicates 4 vehicles were on display.

1st vehicle.
1 millionth
2 millionth
3 millionth

It also notes that Associate 433 presented the keys to an BMW Predident and CEO.

I Am sure all of these milestone vehicles are saved by the company, for presentations just like today

[W///]

Originally Posted by Twixboy

The article said the one millionth vehicle produced was a 2006 interlagos blue Z4M was also on display. I don't get it, did they keep it around for 10 years or did the owner lend it to the company? They also said the three millionth vehicle is on display, but that it's also being delivered to a customer in Sweden. Which one is it?

That car is sitting at the BMW Zentrum (museum) that's attached to the plant. Gorgeous car too

[e92proper]

Thats awesome and all but too bad none of those folks pictured would ever be able to afford the BMW's that they build!! lol

[Doctor///M]

Awesome 3,000,000th car!

[3M TAPE]

One lucky Swede!

[Twixboy]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Perhaps it's been edited but the article indicates 4 vehicles were on display.

1st vehicle.
1 millionth
2 millionth
3 millionth

It also notes that Associate 433 presented the keys to an BMW Predident and CEO.

I Am sure all of these milestone vehicles are saved by the company, for presentations just like today

It's still there - the 4th paragraph states the 3,000,000th vehicle (the X5 M) was being prepped for delivery to Sweden, then said it would be put on display. Oh well, not important. I was just curious.

Originally Posted by W///

That car is sitting at the BMW Zentrum (museum) that's attached to the plant. Gorgeous car too

Is the museum nice? I can't believe I drove by Spartanburg at least couple dozen times when I used to live in Atlanta and never stopped to see it. Now I want to go, but it's very inconvenient from Boston. That is life.

[Twixboy]

Originally Posted by e92proper

Thats awesome and all but too bad none of those folks pictured would ever be able to afford the BMW's that they build!! lol

Many of us don't buy new BMWs either. Anyone can afford a used one. A 5-year old 328i is about the same price as a 5-year old Toyota Camry, maybe a couple grand more depending on options.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by e92proper

Thats awesome and all but too bad none of those folks pictured would ever be able to afford the BMW's that they build!! lol

I have to assume they get some perks when it comes to discounts offered on BMWs.

At any rate, it's not like everyone working at the Ferrari factory pulls up to work in a Ferrari, either. Or everyone at the Boeing plant in a 777.

[F15GorDe]

Originally Posted by e92proper

Thats awesome and all but too bad none of those folks pictured would ever be able to afford the BMW's that they build!! lol

Ehh, not true!!

[F15GorDe]

[QUOTE=Is the museum nice? I can't believe I drove by Spartanburg at least couple dozen times when I used to live in Atlanta and never stopped to see it. Now I want to go, but it's very inconvenient from Boston. That is life.[/QUOTE]

Very nice. Don't miss it the next time you do a PCD!

[Kief]

Never assume the wealth of someone based upon their job...although I don't think the comment above was an insult but more about the ever-increasing cost of new BMWs

When I toured the factory several years ago, we were informed that factory workers are offered incredible short term lease deals for around $250 a month which includes insurance. I recall something about some restrictions like they can't smoke in the vehicle

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Twixboy

Is the museum nice? I can't believe I drove by Spartanburg at least couple dozen times when I used to live in Atlanta and never stopped to see it. Now I want to go, but it's very inconvenient from Boston. That is life.

Yes, it is definitely worth stopping for if you're in the area. There is a lot of very cool historical BMW stuff on display in the museum.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by e92proper

Thats awesome and all but too bad none of those folks pictured would ever be able to afford the BMW's that they build!! lol

Wow, what a totally useless and asinine comment! Thanks for contributing!

[marcva]

Like that color. Pity it isn't more common.

[nonagon]

That X5M looks great, love the color combo and wheels.

[templarklimek]

Did women design, engineer and build 80 pecent of the product and infrastructure from Spartanburg? I guess so based on that photo...

[Ghetto2315]

Originally Posted by e92proper

Thats awesome and all but too bad none of those folks pictured would ever be able to afford the BMW's that they build!! lol

BMW employees pay essentially half of what a customer will pay. So yes, they can afford it lol

[NightStalker]

Originally Posted by templarklimek

Did women design, engineer and build 80 pecent of the product and infrastructure from Spartanburg? I guess so based on that photo...

Haha exactly.