BMW success storyDriving innovation through automotive advancement & production

Since opening its Spartanburg manufacturing plant in 1992, Germany-based BMW has led South Carolina to become America’s top automotive exporter. With an original investment of $600 million and 500 jobs, BMW has become the No. 1 auto exporter by value in the US.

Spartanburg County, SC

US auto exporter by value

11,000

SC workforce

>$7B

invested in SC automotive operations

vehicles made in SC

BMW is the model of continued innovation in SC

For decades, Plant Spartanburg has been a cornerstone of the global success of the BMW Group. In 2022, BMW committed to an electrification strategy with plans to produce at least six fully electric BMW X models in SC by 2030. The BMW Group has a “local for local” principle: the newly developed BMW sixth generation battery cells, which were specifically designed for the next generation Neue Klasse electric vehicles, will be sourced here in South Carolina.

1994 First BMW (a 318i) produced in North America

2014 $1 billion expansion announced, creating 800 new jobs

2015 Exported a record 250,000+ vehicles in one year

2016 Exported 2 millionth vehicle

2024 Invested $1.7 million in electric vehicles

2025 7 millionth vehicle produced

Stronger together

The sustained and impactful presence of BMW in South Carolina demonstrates the power and outcome that partnership and shared commitment create. From job training to fulfilling supply chain needs, BMW and South Carolina have partnered to create a vertically-integrated powerhouse and strengthen business for the entire automotive sector.

BMW chose South Carolina to build one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing plants. This was genius — finally, people got to work in the place they love.

Dr. Robert Engelhorn, President & CEO, BMW Manufacturing

BMW website