BMW Says New Plant in Mexico Will Build the 3 Series in 2019
Automaker breaks ground on new high-tech facility
Jason UdyWords
BMW broke ground on its newest production facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico where it will build the BMW 3 Series sedan beginning in 2019, the German automaker announced. The new plant is expected to showcase all of BMW's latest manufacturing techniques.
"All of the BMW Group's knowledge and capabilities will be on show at our new location in Mexico," said Oliver Zipse, BMW board member in charge of production. "The production system being established there will be a leader in productivity and sustainability, thanks to the use of innovative technologies. I am delighted to launch this ground-breaking BMW Group plant on its way."
According to Forbes, BMW will still continue building the 3 Series in Germany, but will cease production of the sedan at its Plant Rosslyn facility in South Africa.. The move will allow the South African plant to produce the new BMW X3 crossover. BMW is investing $1 billion into the new plant in Mexico, which will also bring around 1,500 jobs to the area. The plant is expected to produce up to 150,000 vehicles a year once it starts running at full capacity.
The new BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí will feature a body shop, paint booth, and assembly line. BMW says the new facility will feature "an innovative production system and comprehensive sustainability standards." With an on-site solar-powered network providing most of the plant's electricity, BMW says the plant will operate using 100 percent CO2-free power. BMW also claims the new plant will have the lowest water consumption per vehicle thanks to a new water recycling system in the new paint booth, which is said to produce zero process wastewater.
Source: BMW, Forbes