Spartanburg, S.C. BMW Manufacturing announced today that it exported a record 287,700 BMW X models from the Spartanburg plant during 2016.  Approximately 86 percent of these Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes were exported through the Port of Charleston with an export value of $9.53 Billion, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce.  This confirms that the South Carolina factory is the leading U.S. automotive exporter by value. 

The other 14 percent of BMW X models were exported through five southeastern ports:  Savannah, GA; Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL; and Everglades, FL.  All totaled, the Spartanburg plant exported 70 percent of its total production volume of 411,171 units.

 “We had a record-breaking production and export year in 2016, and these new export figures reinforce BMW’s commitment to South Carolina and the United States,” said Knudt Flor, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing.  “Our vehicles are in high demand.  Customers from 140 countries around the world are eagerly awaiting our vehicles.  We build our product with precision and pride every day.” 

“There’s no overstating the value BMW has brought to South Carolina since opening its doors in Spartanburg County over twenty years ago,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “The fact that the same facility that represented such a commitment to our state is now the leading automotive exporter in the country is something that all South Carolinians should be proud of.”

“In 1994, the first South Carolina-produced BMW rolled off the assembly line at the Spartanburg facility, forever transforming the economy of our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Since that time, BMW’s continued success and commitment to South Carolina have shown the world that we are a state with a strong business environment and skilled workforce that are unmatched.”

“SC Ports Authority has a strong history with BMW Manufacturing, and we are proud to serve the nation’s leading automotive exporter through both our Charleston and Greer facilities,” said Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO. “We congratulate BMW on their record-breaking production and look forward to supporting their continued future growth.”

Construction is continuing around the BMW site as the plant prepares to add a fifth model to the vehicle line-up:  the all-new BMW X7.  The second phase of a new state-of-the-art body shop continues with the installation of robots and special tooling in the 1.2 million square foot facility.  An additional 200,000 square feet is being added to the X5/X6 Assembly Hall – where the BMW X7 will also be built.

BMW began manufacturing vehicles in the United States in 1994 and has since produced more than 3.7 million vehicles for the world.  In 2016, BMW Manufacturing produced a record 411,171 vehicles, confirming the Spartanburg plant as the largest by volume in the BMW Group global production network.  Through December 31, 2016, the BMW Group has invested more than $7.8 billion in the facility.