. South Carolina Celebrates One Millionth BMW
Through Port Of Charleston
Photo: BMW
Charleston, SC - South
Carolina today celebrated the one millionth BMW shipped through the Port
of Charleston, demonstrating the strength of a relationship that began in
1992 when the automaker broke ground in the state on its first U.S.
production facility.
The millionth BMW was a
right-hand drive Titanium Silver X5 sports activity vehicle destined for
Great Britain.
"This milestone
symbolizes the strategic partnership between BMW and the Port of
Charleston," said Bob Nitto, Vice President for Corporate Affairs at
BMW Manufacturing Co.
BMW first began shipping cars
through Charleston in June 1994, when 65 imports crossed the docks. The
first exports began in March 1995 with 11 cars. Presently, on an average
day, BMW ships more than 400 vehicles through the port.
BMW exports South
Carolina-assembled X5 sports activity vehicles and Z4 Roadsters to more
than 120 worldwide markets through the Port of Charleston. The company
also imports 3, 5, 6, and 7 Series vehicles and MINIs for distribution to
22 states in the south and central United States. For this year, 112,000
vehicles will be imported and 75,000 will be exported.
BMW has invested $2.3 billion
in its South Carolina operations and has 4,500 employees. Locating the
factory in the United States has led to the creation of a North American
supplier network encompassing 140 companies. Forty key suppliers are
located in South Carolina, including 31 who chose to place new North
American operations in the state to partner with BMW.
