BMW To Move 3-Series Production To Mexico

Twenty years after revealing plans to build its first North American assembly plant, in Spartanburg, S.C., BMW is close to a decision to add a second one -- in Mexico.

Company sources say BMW is considering as many as four Mexican locations for a site to build the 3-series sedan, and is negotiating with local governments for incentives or tax breaks. A decision is due next year.

Production would begin in late 2016 or early 2017.

atc98092 - 8/6/2012 3:40:32 PM

+2 Boost

Well, it will certainly help keep their selling prices in North America in line. Of course, they may keep their prices as if they were still made in Europe and increase their profits instead. After all, they are in business to make money.

thetruth01 - 8/6/2012 5:13:43 PM

-2 Boost

Well that should help its stellar quality.

HughJass - 8/6/2012 6:50:29 PM

-1 Boost

Wow, first Ford, GM, Nissan now BMW. I guess its better than having them shipped in from China, not much better though.

94geo - 8/7/2012 8:25:09 AM

+2 Boost

Audi and VW have already committed to building plants in Mexico, which is why BMW is considering such a move. If VAG is taking advantage of the cheap labor its only natural the comp does the same, so they are all on the same playing field.

AgentOrange - 8/6/2012 6:52:44 PM

+3 Boost

Jeebus, what next - Rolex to move building of its "Swiss" watch to Vietnam?

MBguy - 8/6/2012 10:48:37 PM

+5 Boost

More inaccurate journalism from this site.

The headline says "BMW To Move 3-Series Production To Mexico" ... Like it's a done deal.

But the article says that "BMW is CONSIDERING moving production to Mexico."

Big difference!

HughJass - 8/6/2012 11:26:19 PM

+1 Boost

The fact they're even contemplating it says alot. If I pay an arm, leg and left nut for German engineering, I expect it to be designed, built, inspected and washed in Germany.

Even the built in America ones are having issues.

vdiv - 8/7/2012 11:17:55 AM

+1 Boost

BMW is not contemplating moving production to Mexico, they are contemplating starting production in Mexico. BMW 3series sold in the EU will be made in the EU.

smalcolm1 - 8/7/2012 4:03:34 PM

+1 Boost

Can't tell the difference between a South African 3 and a German 3 so don't expect any difference in the Mexican 3. BMW is quality because they control it and they will at that plant as well.

skytop - 8/7/2012 9:14:56 PM

+1 Boost

So now the 3 series will come standard with encheladas, tamales and Chimichangas!

Guess BMW couldn't find any acceptable American workers so they went to Mexico instead. Not a good development.

MBguy - 8/7/2012 10:56:46 PM

+1 Boost

Comment posted: "BMW is not contemplating moving production to Mexico, they are contemplating starting production in Mexico. BMW 3series sold in the EU will be made in the EU."

Yeah, but how long until they decide to MOVE production of 3 Series cars from South Carolina ... to Mexico?

It's just a matter of time. Especially with Audi announcing they will be producing luxury cars for the U.S. market at a new plant... in Mexico.

vdiv - 8/8/2012 12:01:24 AM

+1 Boost

Well, Mexico is more developed than many of us think. Your fancy new giant screen TV? Chances are it was assembled in Mexico. So are many computer and network systems. It is in the US interest for Mexico to develop.

At this point BMW has invested too much in the Spartanburg, SC facility to consider closing it, however things do change and we have to stay competitive.