norh america

BMW decision on second North America site location out before summer break

BMW Group is still deciding where it would build its second facility in North America, chief executive Norbert Reithofer said, adding that a decision will be out before the summer break. BMW is considering building manufacturing sites in in countries signatories to the North American Free Trade Agreement. NAFTA countries include the United States, Canada and Mexico.

BMW disclosed in March that it would ramp up annual production capacity at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina as it bids to reduce its reliance on Europe. BMW has been trimming the choices for the location, with two sites in Mexico under consideration, sources told Automotive News in April.

A report in by German daily Handelsblatt in May said that the carmaker is considering producing 3-series and 1-series cars – as well as Mini models -- at a new site in Mexico. The carmaker has quipped that it would need a new site in North America to stave off challenges from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.