Knudt Flor, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing Co

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

Ambassador Wittig,

Distinguished Guests,

BMW Associates,

Good morning and welcome to BMW Plant Spartanburg!

Each and every one of you here today is important to the United States, the state of South Carolina and to Plant Spartanburg, so I would like to begin by taking a moment to recognize all elected officials. Please be kind enough to stand for us so you may be acknowledged. On behalf of the BMW Group, I would like to thank you for twenty-five years of continued support and personal commitment to this plant’s success. Thank you!

Governor McMaster, thank you for your continued efforts in promoting this partnership, as many governors – especially the late Governor Carroll Campbell - before you have done. We’d also like to say a special “thank you” to Bobby Hitt, the Secretary of Commerce, who has been instrumental in the tremendous growth of Plant Spartanburg.

From the BMW Group, I would like to introduce Mr. Harald Krueger, Chairman of the Board of Management, and Mr. Oliver Zipse, Member of the Board of Management, responsible for Production worldwide. We welcome the national and international press, as we celebrate 25 Years Spartanburg and the All-New BMW X3!

Also, please join me in welcoming our valued dealers and suppliers from the U.S., our managers from Munich, and last, but certainly not least, I am delighted to welcome all of our associates here on site - the heart and soul of Plant Spartanburg!

25 years ago, our company reached an historic agreement with local government to build our first U.S. BMW plant in the great state of South Carolina. It was the start of something very special - a wonderful friendship and a new beginning. As BMW’s Chairman, Mr. Eberhard von Kuenheim stated back in 1992: “Seldom in the history of our company, has a community extended such a warm welcome to us as here in Spartanburg, in the state of South Carolina, USA. We have felt at home here from the first day on.”

In 1994, Spartanburg began operations with 570 associates, under the motto of “Welcome to the Future”. Today, we are proud to have over 9,000 associates here! Spartanburg has grown to become the largest plant in the BMW Group’s worldwide production network. That, in itself, is a very strong statement about our commitment to South Carolina and to the U.S.

It is our global competence center for our very successful BMW X vehicles. Currently, the plant produces X3, X4, X5 and X6 models, as well as M and hybrid variants. We are looking forward to starting production of the BMW X7 in late 2018. Today, we are delighted to give you an exclusive world premiere of the All-New BMW X3. The BMW X3 is without a doubt, the best vehicle in its segment. More on that shortly!

Of course, the success story of Plant Spartanburg wouldn’t have been possible without people. People have made and continue to make the difference.

We are proud of the people who work here – they are highly skilled and dedicated to building premium quality vehicles for our customers. I am proud to be the leader of such an incredible team at such a remarkable time. World class products are built here every single day. It’s thanks to you, our associates that BMW feels very much at home here in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

We are honored to have so many friends here and immensely proud to call South Carolina “our home away from home”. It is our goal, and our commitment, to remain a strong and reliable partner for our associates, our customers, South Carolina, and the United States.

Of course, a picture is worth a thousand words – here’s a film to remind us of a few highlights from the past 25 years.

Thank you!

Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

Ambassador Wittig,

Honored guests,

It’s great to be back in Plant Spartanburg again!

The film we just saw underscores the BMW Group’s strong commitment

• to the United States of America,
• to South Carolina,
• and to all our associates and partners here in the U.S.

All of this shows that the U.S. is clearly our home away from home.

We are proud to be responsible for around 70,000 jobs in this great nation – including dealer network and suppliers. The effect of that employment multiplies to a total of more than 120,000 jobs nationwide. This is according to a new study from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Furthermore, our purchasing volume in America is now at 5.7 billion US dollars.

25 years ago, we made a crucial and forward looking decision. We decided to build our first full production plant outside of Germany in the U.S. – right here, in South Carolina. The BMW Group’s success in America would not be possible without the open arms and warm hearts of the people and elected officials in the great state of South Carolina and the surrounding region.

Senator Graham, it is an honor to have you with us here today. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support over the years.

Our relationship with South Carolina has been built upon decades of mutual trust and respect – and goes far beyond just building cars. Governor McMaster, as you have kindly said – we have become part of the very fabric of this great state. And David Britt, we were deeply touched by your words when you said: “BMW is the gift that keeps on giving”.

I am extremely proud of the highly skilled people who work here for the BMW Group. Their passion for excellence ensures that BMW vehicles built in the U.S. excite and inspire customers all over the world. Some of my fondest memories are from my time here at the plant as a manager. Since then, one thing has never changed – the unique spirit that makes BMW Plant Spartanburg so special: It’s all about People, Performance, Passion and Pride.

Today, I would like to thank all of our associates here, at Plant Spartanburg, for their strong commitment. You bring this plant to life – with your work, every single day. Thank you for your outstanding dedication! I am sure you all would agree that our associates deserve a round of applause.

Governor McMaster,

Senator Graham,

World-class people build world-class products. Today, Spartanburg is our largest plant worldwide. It is the global competence center for our X family vehicles, including the BMW X3. The BMW X3 is the most successful vehicle in its segment worldwide. Today, we are very proud to present you the third generation – “Built by BMW in the U.S. for the world”!

About 70% of our production from Spartanburg is exported to more than 140 countries. Thanks to our great, hardworking team here in the U.S., BMW was once again the leading U.S. automotive exporter by value in 2016 - a title we hold with pride.

Free trade has made our joint success story in South Carolina and the U.S. possible. A story, we want to continue, together with all of you. I firmly believe in free trade and open markets. It is essential for global businesses and economies around the world to flourish.

Altogether, the BMW Group has invested eight billion US dollars in Plant Spartanburg to date. I am delighted to say, we are investing a further 600 million US dollars in our manufacturing infrastructure here, up to 2021. This is for future generations of our X models. In the next four years, we will also create 1,000 new jobs, taking our workforce here to over 10,000.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Training and qualifying our associates is key to our future success. We believe in education! That’s why the BMW Group will invest $200 million over the next five years – solely for the training and further education of associates at Spartanburg. In addition to this, we will begin to roll out a nationwide training program. We work together with local universities and colleges to offer a combination of training on the job and earning a degree. We will keep investing in our people and in our business in the U.S. This underscores our enduring commitment to the people of this great state and nation.

Therefore, I remain confident: Our footprint and commitment will continue to grow – not only in the Great State of South Carolina but also in the United States in the years to come.

(Unveiling of new BMW X3)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The new BMW X3!

I can tell you, it’s really amazing to drive. Over two generations, the BMW X3 has been delivered to more than 1.5 million customers worldwide. I’m certain: This new generation will raise the bar even higher! Thanks to the team in Spartanburg for your great contribution. “Built by BMW in the U.S. for the world”!

Governor McMaster, Senator Graham, Ambassador Wittig, Oliver, Knudt, dear Associates – please come and join me on stage.

Thank you!

Mr. Karsten Engel

Dà Jiā Zǎo Shàng Hǎo!  (Good morning everyone)

Last month, we were very proud to hand over the two millionth BMW in China. This was a significant milestone for us and we look forward to welcoming even more customers to the brand in the future.

Today, we are delighted to present some very important new models in Shanghai. These clearly reflect the BMW Group’s confidence in, and commitment to the future of the Chinese market.  

As a successful company and a corporate citizen, BMW will remain firmly committed to social responsibility in China.  In the past 7 years, our “Warm Heart Fund” has involved a significant amount of customers and dealers in public-service activities. Including youth traffic education programs, BMW has helped around half a million people. This is an integral part of our dedication to build a strong foundation for the future.

In 2015, the BMW Group aims to achieve sustainable growth in China, which is aligned with the outlook of the Chinese market. We will continue to focus on the quality of business and customer satisfaction. The growth of the BMW Group in China this year will be driven by our highly attractive product portfolio, which will be enhanced by more than 10 new and revised models.

I would like to highlight that BMW is in a good position to tap into the fast-growing premium SAV and premium compact segments in this market. And you will see more on that very soon.

Our business will also be driven by our highly appealing brand. I’m very proud that our customers continue to perceive the BMW brand as the hallmark of innovation, passion and sustainability.

Let’s now begin with a unique expression of Sheer Riding Pleasure on two wheels – the latest generation BMW S 1000RR, which is setting new standards in the super-sports motorcycle segment. With even sharper performance and particular attention on rider-friendliness, the new S 1000 RR excels in every respect. It will continue to defend its position at the top of the super-sports segment!

2014 was a very successful year for BMW Motorrad.  This year we plan to build upon this success and introduce another 7 new models, including the S1000RR. This will bring our product offer in China to a total number of 16 different models, which covers customer demand in all segments. 

Now I would like to hand over to Dr. Ian Robertson. Thank you very much!

Dr. Ian Robertson

Ni men hao ladies and gentlemen!

It’s great to be back in Shanghai.

China’s combination of strong tradition and a focus on the future is the same blend of qualities that underpins the success of BMW.  Our ties with China are long-standing and we will continue to heavily invest in this market. Over the last five years we have invested more than two billion euros in our Chinese plants.

Annual production capacity will increase from 300,000 to 400,000 units in the next years and we are going to double our range of locally produced models from three to six.

As the world’s leading premium car company, our customers expect us to fulfill their individual wishes and demands.

And given the high demand for BMW vehicles worldwide, we are truly “spot-on” with our product portfolio. The BMW Group just achieved its strongest ever first quarter in sales worldwide. We are very pleased to have achieved solid growth in our key regions of Asia, America and Europe. We’re confident that the new models we’re presenting today will further drive that momentum.

Time and again, BMW has paved the way by creating new segments with truly innovative vehicles. The most recent example is right here - celebrating its Asia premiere in Shanghai.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer!

This is the world’s first premium Multi Purpose Vehicle – the first premium seven-seater in the compact segment. It combines the best of BMW engineering in terms of quality, dynamics, design and safety with great space and flexibility. No other MPV handles, corners or feels as secure as the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.

It was designed to maximize space for both passengers and cargo. It offers ample headroom and the panorama roof also enhances the luxurious feeling of “spaciousness”.

With three rows of seats, it can take seven passengers. We are certain that customers will appreciate the ease of adjusting the seats, the elevated seating position, and the intelligent storage options.

And, the Gran Tourer has more safety and connectivity features than any other vehicle in its segment. It offers full-colour Head-up Display, Adaptive Cruise Control and Park Assistant, just to name a few.

We believe that this is a vehicle customers have been waiting for and that there is much potential here in the Chinese market.

Earlier on I talked about how creating new segments is part of BMW’s DNA.

Back in 1999, we celebrated the launch of a brand new concept for premium vehicles: the BMW X5. The BMW Group made the bold decision to create a new premium segment - the Sports Activity Vehicle - and hasn't looked back since.

“The boss” has been delivered to over 1.5 million customers since its debut.

Today, we are entering a new chapter with the BMW X5. We are fulfilling the needs of customers who desire the benefits of a full-size SAV, with zero-emission driving.

I am delighted to present you with the World Premiere of the BMW X5 xDrive40e.

We are very proud of this car. It combines the best of both worlds: the versatility and luxurious ambience of a full-size SAV, together with outstanding efficiency.

It is a great example of how our core models are benefitting from the technology and know-how transfer from BMW i.

Over the long term, we plan to offer every BMW model as a plug-in hybrid version.

China has the potential to become the world’s largest market for new energy vehicles.

As the leader in sustainable mobility, the BMW Group will continue to drive this field forward.

Let’s take a closer look at the BMW X5 with eDrive technology. Driven by a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor, it provides both a sporty and efficient ride.

The figures speak for themselves:

• Only 3.3 liters of fuel consumption per 100 km
• Emissions of just 77 g CO2/km
• With 313 kilowatts!

In electric mode, the BMW X5 xDrive40e offers a range of up to 31 km and a top speed of 120km/h. The intelligent hybrid powertrain control ensures that the engine and the electric motor work together in perfect unison.

The lithium-ion battery is housed under the rear luggage compartment, so there’s no compromise on luggage space. Charging the battery is easy. Simply charge at home from a standard outlet or take advantage of faster charging with the BMW i Wallbox or a public charging station. With BMW 360° ELECTRIC, customers are offered an holistic service concept - covering everything from the supply and installation of the charging station to maintenance, advice and other services. BMW will ensure that customers have everything they need to charge their cars from home.

Catering to customers’ demand for an SAV, as well as emission-free driving, we’re very confident that this vehicle will be a big success here in China and worldwide.

It’s already caught the eye of Hollywood producers. We’re thrilled to once again be involved in a Blockbuster “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” with cutting-edge BMW vehicles, such as the BMW X5 xDrive40e.

Thank you!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Innovation drives change.

And truly revolutionary innovations can even transform society. There is a powerful idea behind them – and a strong desire to create something better for tomorrow.

This is why we are here today. We are at the starting-blocks of a new era — the era of sustainable mobility.

Welcome to New York City, America’s premier megacity with over 8.3 million residents.

I am delighted to present – for the first time – the BMW i3.

Big changes start small. Looking back in history, we can find many examples of this. Today, the BMW i3 marks the beginning of a new mobility age. To put this into perspective, take a look at the mobile phone in your pocket. We had more than one hundred years of landline telephones. Then came the mobile phone and it completely changed how we interact with our world. The mobile phone opened up business opportunities that no one would have believed possible.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The car industry has waited well over a century for its own revolution. Today the wait is over. What the mobile phone did for communication, electric mobility will do for individual mobility.

The BMW i3 is more than an evolutionary step —it is a great leap forward. From sketch to street, the i3 is unique in every respect. With the intention of creating a truly sustainable car, we conducted research in megacities around the world.

This included:

• Millions of test miles with our retro-fitted electric cars, MINI E and BMW ActiveE,
  
  
• Years of research in collaboration with Megacity experts around the world, and
  
  
• Thousands of hours talking with customers.

From the start, we redesigned our entire development and production processes. The BMW i3 is purpose-built around an electric powertrain to serve the needs of our megacity customers.

The BMW i3 is Born Electric.

This is premium at its very best.

With every step of the way from development, to production, to after-sales, the BMW i3 sets new benchmarks in sustainable mobility. In the brand-new architecture, we use carbon fibre for the passenger cell — a first in high-volume car production. Our expertise in manufacturing with this material makes the passenger cell extremely strong and light weight. We produce the carbon fibre material using hydroelectric power. And we build the BMW i3 using wind power.

This is an industry first.

Our innovative production methods are also unique.

Carbon fibre components are bonded together in a fully automated process. The bonding techniques we have developed in-house are setting new industry standards.

The innovations of the BMW i3 go beyond R&D and production to include customer experience. 

We will support all of our BMW i3 customers with a comprehensive set of premium service offerings. This approach, “360 Degree Electric”, will make BMW i3 driving enjoyable and easy. Adding to the BMW i3’s relaxing experience is the open interior with its lounge atmosphere.

And of course, the BMW i3 will share one dynamic quality with every other BMW on the road: It will be an Ultimate Driving Machine.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In response to global trends such as urbanization and increasing carbon emissions, sustainability is an important part of a modern, urban lifestyle. The BMW i3 is the perfect solution to the mobility needs of people here in New York City. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has committed the remainder of his term to making New York City the greenest city on earth by supporting several citywide programs. Foremost, he seeks to improve and expand sustainable transportation infrastructure. We support with Mayor Bloomberg’s efforts to connect public parking spots in NYC for electric vehicle charging – up to 20 percent over the next seven years. This promotes not only sustainable mobility solutions, but also cost savings.

Charging your electric car costs up to 30 percent less than the average of what you now pay at the pump.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The car has existed for nearly 130 years.

Today marks a shift — a change — in the future of mobility.

The BMW Group is proud to be driving this change. 

Today, the BMW i3 begins a new era:

The era of true sustainable mobility. 

Thank you.