German Car Zone

Deutsch · 08-29-2008, 12:23 AM

Can I do kart-wheels? I'm excited....

Quote:

MUNICH, Germany — Auto executives are responding to pretty much any hot question during turbulent times such as these with the fallback answer: "Safe to say, everything is on the table these days." In BMW's case, what's on the table is expanded production of the new 3 Series at its U.S. plant.

For 2011, Volkswagen and (by association) Audi are working on a new plant in Tennessee that will build the A4 and Q5, among other models, and Mercedes is looking to get C-Class production into the Alabama plant by 2011 as well. Now it's BMW's turn to up the ante with higher-volume production from its South Carolina location.

A BMW representative told Inside Line in Munich that once the new production capacity currently being added at Spartanburg is finished at the end of this year, "within 18 months from today we can consider a new phase of expansion at the U.S. plant."

With X3 production coming to Spartanburg to fill the current new capacity, this "new phase," the source tells IL, would involve the 3 Series, which uses the same architecture. The United States accounts for roughly 25 percent of all 3 Series sales worldwide, and 3 Series sales make up close to 35 percent of total U.S. sales. In brief, this new phase would be a major expansion for BMW as it tries to head off more significant future cash losses in North America.

What this means to you: BMW would be able to more comfortably keep 3 Series pricing contained and stop losing money based on exchange-rate issues. — Matt Davis, Correspondent

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http://http://www.edmunds.com/inside...ticleId=131370

EMpower · 08-29-2008, 12:38 AM

Makes sense with the way the US $ has taken plunge. Palbay can keep us updated on plant expansions.

Deutsch · 08-29-2008, 12:51 AM

Palbay, name sounds familiar?

Palbay · 08-29-2008, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMpower

Makes sense with the way the US $ has taken plunge. Palbay can keep us updated on plant expansions.

Very interesting info.I think I mentioned 3 Series production for the US Plant somewhere on this Forum in the last 12 months.One of my plant contacts has mentioned 3 Series production on several occasions.Not just idle talk....very serious consideration.The weak US dollar is killing BMW on exports to the US from Europe.I don't think anyone believes the weak dollar situation is going to change in the foreseeable future.I'll press my ear to the ground a little harder!!!! All good as far as I'm concerned!

Thanks! PalBay PS...A little back to the future for the SC Plant...during the intial plant start up and maybe for the first two years,the plant built 3 Series from knockdown kits brought in from Germany.

Deutsch · 08-29-2008, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palbay

PS...A little back to the future for the SC Plant...during the intial plant start up and maybe for the first two years,the plant built 3 Series from knockdown kits brought in from Germany.

I remember that! I've always thought to myself that it would be stupid for BMW not to manufacture the 3er here as it's one of their most profitable models on sale in the states. If they're smart (and we know they are) we'll see 3er production here within the next 5 years or (hopefully) less.

Merc1 · 08-29-2008, 01:26 AM

Wow, I didn't know the A4 and C-Class were being considered for production here by Audi and MB. Things are really changing fast.

M

chonkoa · 08-29-2008, 12:00 PM

For the sake of reliability I will argue against it.

Deutsch · 08-29-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chonkoa

For the sake of reliability I will argue against it.

Hunh? Spartansburg has recieved many quality awards.

chonkoa · 08-29-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deutsch

Hunh? Spartansburg has recieved many quality awards.

My E90 330i that is 3 years has never had a single problem.
My E70 X5 4.8i that is 9 months has had the following problems:

Faulty Front wheel bearing back that had to be replaced
Rattles from the rear passenger side
Crazy iDrive system that seems to have a mind of his own.

My good friend had his air conditioning vent system of E70 X5 3.0i replaced after 3 months of ownership.
Another person that I know has the E70 3.0i brake fluid system completely crapped out on him.

dmlgc · 08-29-2008, 01:25 PM

Amazing as it sounds not only will the weak $ come to play in this but in the very near future the american work force will be cheaper.

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German Car Zone

BMW considering U.S. production for 3er