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BMW Manufacturing Retains Title As Largest Automotive Exporter By Value In The U.S. For 2024
BMW Manufacturing was the top automotive exporter by value in the U.S. for 2024, as per the U.S. Department of Commerce. Plant Spartanburg exported nearly 225,000 BMW vehicles last year, valued at over $10 billion. Since 2014, this South Carolina plant has shipped more than 2.7 million BMWs, representing about 63% of its production and generating an export value exceeding $104 billion.
The BMW vehicles from South Carolina are mainly exported through Charleston's port and four others: Brunswick, Jacksonville, Everglades, and Baltimore. Nearly 15,000 units were transported by rail. Germany, South Korea, China, Canada, and Great Britain were the primary export markets for these vehicles.
Milan Nedeljković from BMW AG stated that Plant Spartanburg has been a key part of their network for over three decades and is now their largest plant globally. He highlighted that the plant's strong export share underscores the importance of free trade for the U.S., benefiting both the plant and its regional supplier network.
In 2024, BMW Manufacturing assembled 396,117 Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes. Among these, over 57,000 were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), making up more than 14% of total production. Approximately half of all BMWs sold in the U.S. were made at Plant Spartanburg.
The plant celebrated its 30th anniversary by launching the fourth-generation BMW X3 with enhanced sporting appeal and versatility. The X3 remains one of America's best-selling BMW models. Additionally, BMW opened its first North American press shop to stamp parts for the X3.
Expansion and Electric Vehicle Initiatives
The expansion of the X3/X4 assembly hall continued as preparations for fully electric vehicle assembly progressed. Construction is complete with most tooling installed; this facility has grown by nearly 50% to over 2.4 million square feet. The first electric vehicle will be shipped in late 2026.
By 2030, BMW plans to assemble at least six fully electric models in the U.S. Construction began on a new $700 million high-voltage battery assembly plant at Plant Woodruff. This facility will produce sixth-generation batteries for electric vehicles at Plant Spartanburg.
Investment and Economic Impact
Since 1992, BMW Group has invested over $14.8 billion in its South Carolina operations. The Spartanburg plant is crucial to meeting global demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes. Nearly 57% of its vehicles are exported to around 120 markets worldwide.
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich and assembles various models including X3, X5 M, X7, XM Sports Activity Vehicles as well as X4 M Sports Activity Coupes in South Carolina.
Local Support and Recognition
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster praised BMW's role in strengthening the state's automotive industry by assembling globally demanded models at Plant Spartanburg. He commended their commitment to community prosperity and employee success.
Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III noted that much of BMW's global success stems from Plant Spartanburg's advanced manufacturing capabilities and research initiatives. He emphasized South Carolina's pride in hosting dynamic automotive industries like BMW.
BMW Group's presence in the U.S., established over five decades ago with nearly 30 locations across 12 states today includes sales operations in North America alongside design firms and technology offices located primarily within California’s Silicon Valley region.
The company supports over 120,000 jobs nationwide while contributing more than $43 billion annually to America’s economy through various activities related directly or indirectly towards supporting local communities where they operate facilities such as those found throughout different regions within this country alone!
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