BMW is the leading vehicle exporter in the U.S. by value | Carscoops

      The large production facility has manufactured over 2.7 million vehicles in the last ten years.

      15 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      In 2024, BMW exported nearly 225,000 SUVs from its South Carolina facility.

      Key models produced in the U.S. include the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and the flagship XM.

      Since 1992, the brand has invested more than $14.8 billion in its Spartanburg plant.

      When considering American automobile manufacturers, names like Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Tesla likely come to mind. However, in terms of the value of exported vehicles (rather than the sheer quantity), none of these companies can compete with one foreign automaker: Germany's BMW, due to its extensive production site in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

      Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce indicates that BMW’s South Carolina facility exported close to 225,000 SUVs and crossovers last year, with a total export value exceeding $10 billion. These vehicles are primarily dispatched from South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Maryland. But where are they headed?

      Read: BMW Declines $76M Grant for MINI EV’s Production in the UK

      BMW states that most of the vehicles it exports from the U.S. are sold in Germany, South Korea, China, Canada, and the UK, in addition to distributing to 115 other countries. Although BMW is a German company, this South Carolina facility is its largest single manufacturing plant globally. Since its inauguration in 1994, it has assembled over 2.7 million vehicles, accounting for around 63% of BMW's total production, with total exports valued at more than $104 billion.

      In 2024 alone, the Spartanburg plant produced 396,117 vehicles, with nearly half sold domestically. Among the models produced are the BMW X3, X4, X4 M, X5, X5 M, X6, X6 M, X7, and XM SUVs. Since 1992, BMW has poured more than $14.8 billion into the Spartanburg facility, and the results are evident.

      “When the first BMW came off the assembly line in 1994, it marked the start of a remarkable legacy for Plant Spartanburg in the United States. Our dedicated team has assembled nearly seven million BMWs, and thanks to our export achievements, millions of customers worldwide are experiencing the innovative technology and premium quality of our X vehicles,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “Our status as the nation’s foremost automotive exporter underscores BMW’s valued partnership with this state and our unwavering commitment to the United States.”