Hams Hall, UK. BMW Group’s Hams Hall plant, located in the UK, has reached a major milestone: For exactly 25 years, the plant near Birmingham has produced highly efficient internal combustion engines for a variety of BMW Group vehicle models. More than 7.6 million engines have shipped from Hams Hall since 2001. The facility supplies numerous production sites worldwide with highly efficient petrol engines for the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands, including drive trains for plug-in hybrid models – making the plant an integral part of the BMW Group’s technology-open approach. Today, Plant Hams Hall produces three- and four-cylinder petrol engines, as well as the high performance V8 and V12 units.

Plant Hams Hall – an integral part of the global production network

"This anniversary is a special milestone for our site," says Dirk Dreher, Head of the BMW Group's Hams Hall plant. "We are a competitive plant and there’s always been a real passion among our workforce to continually improve our manufacturing processes and site. Building on our strong foundation, we are looking forward to remaining a successful plant in the future.”

“The Hams Hall plant is an integral part of our global production network,” explains Harald Gottsche, Head of Engine Production at BMW AG. “The site combines technological expertise with high flexibility. It reliably supplies our vehicle plants with efficient, powerful engines of premium quality. This includes the V12 engine for Rolls-Royce – a masterpiece from Hams Hall!”

Energy consumption per engine produced reduced by over 61 percent 

The British engine plant is systematically implementing the principles of the BMW iFACTORY. The strategic vision of the BMW iFACTORY focusses on sustainability, electrification, digitalisation and profitability. From the first concept of the plant to the present day, the Hams Hall team has made sustainability a key consideration. Since the first full year of production, the plant has made a 61% reduction in energy required per engine built, meaning the overall energy to operate the site has remained level even though there has been a considerable increase in production. The plant purchases 100% of its external electricity from renewable energy sources today. It has also worked to reduce its consumption of natural gas.

SpOTTO robotic dog scans and monitors manufacturing equipment

A four-legged autonomous robot named “SpOTTO” joined the Hams Hall team in 2024. The autonomous robotic dog scans the plant, supports maintenance and ensures production processes run smoothly. Equipped with visual, thermal and acoustic sensors, SpOTTO collects valuable data for the plant’s digital twin. It also serves as a watchdog, monitoring the maintenance of production facilities. SpOTTO was developed by Boston Dynamics under the product name “Spot”, an agile robot capable of climbing stairs and traversing rough terrain with ease. At Hams Hall, “Spot” was fondly renamed SpOTTO, paying tribute to the engine plant’s proud heritage: Gustav Otto, one of the founders of BMW, was the son of Nicolaus Otto, inventor of the four-stroke engine.

Fully connected digital twin: Big data on three levels

At the core of the Hams Hall plant’s digital transformation is the fully connected digital twin, which consists of three levels: On the first level, 3D representations of the entire plant are generated. The second level comprises a large data layer, continuously updated with all relevant information from the SpOTTO robotic dog, the plant’s manufacturing equipment and its IT systems. On the third level – the application level – dedicated programmes organise the collected data into comprehensible units. Using special apps, experts at Plant Hams Hall can leverage this information for tasks such as production planning and quality assurance.

A history of continuous growth

Over the past 25 years, BMW Group Plant Hams Hall has continuously evolved, establishing itself as a key pillar of the company’s production network. Relying on state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, it provides drive trains for numerous BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce models.

Selected historic milestones:

• 2001: Plant Hams Hall launches series production with new four-cylinder engines, using innovative Valvetronic technology in large-scale manufacturing for the first time.
• 2006: An additional engine family is introduced; Plant Hams Hall produces engines for the MINI brand for the first time.
• 2013: Plant Hams Hall becomes the exclusive manufacturer of the award-winning three-cylinder engine for the iconic BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. The plant also integrates additional production lines for three- and four-cylinder petrol engines. At the same time, the processing hall for crankshafts, crankcases and cylinder heads is expanded.
• 2022: The plant takes over production of V8 and V12 engines. With this step the plant generates even greater business value for the company.
• 2026: Plant Hams Hall celebrates 25 years of production.

The BMW Group’s drive train production network

The BMW Group’s engine production network comprises several plants alongside Hams Hall: Its largest engine facility is in Steyr, Austria, where diesel and petrol engines, as well as sixth-generation electric motors, are developed and produced. The fifth generation of electric motors is produced in Dingolfing. Plant Munich handles mechanical production of V8 and V12 engine components, while Plant Landshut manufactures special engines. The Chinese joint venture BMW Brilliance builds engines for the local market in Shenyang. Collectively, these locations support the BMW Group's technology-open powertrain strategy.

+++ Use of hydrogen in intralogistics – components delivered to all production areas by hydrogen-powered tugger trains and forklift trucks +++ Gradual transition from electric to hydrogen propulsion by 2030 +++

Regensburg. BMW Group Plant Regensburg plans to utilise hydrogen for its production logistics going forward. Starting in 2026, hydrogen-powered tugger trains and forklift trucks will be deployed for all transport and logistics tasks. This includes operations in the press shop, body shop and assembly, ensuring that the necessary components and individual parts are delivered to the correct locations for installation.

The project aims to capitalise on the benefits of hydrogen propulsion. “The gradual transition from electric to hydrogen propulsion brings us another step closer to the BMW iFACTORY, our digital and sustainable factory of the future,” says Armin Ebner, head of BMW Group Plant Regensburg.

“Switching production logistics from electricity to hydrogen will diversify our plant’s energy mix – while optimising logistics processes and saving valuable space,” explains Project Manager Katharina Radtke. “The advantage of hydrogen is that refuelling is very fast – just like with conventional fuels. The filling stations required for this will be installed directly within the different production areas and do not take up much space.”

The entire logistics fleet at the Regensburg plant is currently being equipped with electric drive trains. The batteries used in the industrial trucks need to be changed twice per shift. Battery replacement, which is performed manually using a crane, takes about 15 minutes and requires space.

To ensure the wide-scale supply of hydrogen in the future, BMW Group plant Regensburg will install a two-kilometre-long pipeline network, with six decentralised filling stations, between now and early 2026. These stations will supply the logistics fleet in the various production areas with hydrogen, delivered in special trailers that can also be used for interim storage. “Once the conversion is completed, our annual hydrogen consumption will be around 150 tonnes,” says Radtke.

The logistics fleet at BMW Group Plant Regensburg currently comprises about 230 tugger train haulers and forklift trucks. The transition will be completed in stages by 2030.


BMW Group Corporate Communications

Christian Dürrschmidt, Communications Regensburg
Cell phone: +49 151 6060 5194
Email: Christian.Duerrschmidt@bmw.de

Saskia Graser, head of Communications Regensburg and Wackersdorf
Cell phone: +49 151 6060 2014
Email: Saskia.Graser@bmw.de

Media website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmw.de


BMW Group Plants Regensburg and Wackersdorf

The BMW Group has viewed itself for decades as the benchmark for production technology and operational excellence in vehicle construction – including at its locations in Regensburg and Wackersdorf. The BMW Group vehicle plant in Regensburg has been in operation since 1986 and is one of more than 30 BMW Group production locations worldwide. A total of up to 1,400 vehicles of the BMW X1 and BMW X2 models come off the production line at Plant Regensburg every workday – destined for customers all over the world. Different types of drive trains are flexibly manufactured on a single production line – from vehicles with internal combustion engines to plug-in hybrids, to fully-electric models.

High-voltage batteries for the electric models built in Regensburg are also produced locally, in direct proximity to the vehicle plant. They are assembled at the electric component production facility, which opened in 2021 at the Leibnizstrasse location.

BMW Innovation Park Wackersdorf also belongs to the Regensburg site. The 55-hectare campus built in the 1980s was originally intended as a nuclear reprocessing facility. The BMW Group has located its cockpit production there, as well as its parts supply for overseas plants. In addition to BMW as the largest employer, several other companies are also based at Innovation Park Wackersdorf. A total of around 2,500 employees work there.
The BMW Group core staff at the Regensburg and Wackersdorf locations in eastern Bavaria is made up of around 9,250 employees, including more than 300 apprentices.


www.bmwgroup-werke.com/regensburg/de.html

Les nouveaux BMW C 400 GT et BMW C 400 X sont d’ores et déjà disponibles à la commande en France. Ils sont respectivement proposés à partir de 8 950 € TTC et 7 800 € TTC.

Munich. With the BMW C 400 GT and BMW C 400 X, BMW Motorrad offers two premium vehicles for the mid-size scooter segment. In the area of urban mobility, the BMW C 400 X stands out with emphasized dynamic characteristics, while the BMW C 400 GT, a Gran Turismo version suitable for touring, impresses with an increased range of comfort. BMW Motorrad has now sharpened the two mid-size scooters and, in addition to technical improvements, has also provided them with new features, colors and accessories.

Powerful single-cylinder drive with EU-5+ homologation and ABS Pro with DBC, DTC and MSR as standard.
The powerdrive remains the proven single-cylinder engine with an output of 25 kW (34 hp) at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 35 Nm at 5,750 rpm. Power is transmitted via a continuously variable CVT transmission and a powerset swing arm with high torsional rigidity. Thanks to the latest EU-5+ homologation, the new BMW C 400 X and
BMW C 400 GT remain ideal partners for dynamic, carefree scooter fun.

Both the BMW C 400 X and BMW C 400 GT are equipped with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro as standard. Thanks to ABS-assisted braking at a lean angle, it offers more safety even when braking in a corner. ABS Pro prevents the wheels from locking even when the brake lever is pressed quickly and reduces abrupt changes in steering force, thus the unwanted raising of the vehicle even during shock braking.

In addition, the Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) function linked to the ABS Pro offers a very sensitive response and high braking and driving stability with the best possible deceleration even when cornering. As soon as the sensor box delivers a certain deceleration value during braking, a simultaneous acceleration request by the driver is identified as implausible and the throttle valve is prevented from opening. As a result, the vehicle remains stable and the braking distance is reduced. If a defined deceleration force is reached, the hazard lights automatically switch on.

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR) are also already on board as standard. DTC offers even more safety when accelerating — even at a lean angle and especially in slippery road conditions. With MSR, unstable riding conditions that can occur during coasting or abrupt throttle reduction causing excessive brake slip on the rear wheel (slipping or stamping) can be safely avoided. In these cases, MSR opens the throttle valves so far as to equalize the drag torque and stabilize the vehicle.

Connectivity — outstanding variety of information and functionality in the form of a large, perfectly readable 6.5-inch TFT display as standard. Navigation preparation for both models and a 10.25” display for the BMW C 400 GT as factory optional equipment.
The BMW C 400 X and BMW C 400 GT now come with a large 6.5-inch TFT display as standard. The variety of information, display quality and, last but not least, user friendliness are unmatched. In conjunction with the BMW Motorrad Connected app, the display is linked to the multi-controller on the left handlebar assembly and can be operated quickly, safely and conveniently. As part of the Connectivity Pro option, the
BMW C 400 GT can also be equipped with a large 10.25” display.

Convenient calling, listening to music and navigating while riding are also possible. If, for example, a smartphone and helmet are connected to the BMW Motorrad communication system via Bluetooth, media playback and telephone functions can be easily accessed using the TFT-display. These functions can be used without installing an app. If there is an active Bluetooth connection to a standard smartphone, the rider can enjoy listening to music while riding and charge the smartphone in the actively cooled storage compartment. In addition, the free BMW Motorrad Connected app offers practical arrow navigation directly via the TFT display.

This basic navigation is particularly attractive for riders who want to comfortably handle everyday traffic or short trips without additional equipment. Navigation preparation with a holder for the BMW Motorrad Connected Ride Navigator or the BMW Motorrad Connected Ride Cradle is now also available as factory-fitted equipment (not in conjunction with the 10.25” display).

Expanded commuting offering with more storage space. New accessories such as 43.5 l top case, body protector and hand guard.
The BMW C 400 X and BMW C 400 GT now have more storage space under the seat allowing to store even more luggage. With the BMW C 400 X the storage volume increased by 3 liters, with the BMW C 400 GT, including the front pockets, by as much as 12 liters. The BMW C 400 GT now comes with a manually adjustable windshield as standard and can be factory-fitted with a luggage rack as part of the optional equipment.

With 43.5 l of storage space, the new top case not only offers 13.5 l more volume than before, but also 10 kg instead of the previous 5 kg payload. It also has electrification in the form of interior lighting and a USB charging port. A back cushion and painted side panels are also available as options for the new top case. It is attached to the vehicle via a vibration-decoupled luggage rack. New original BMW Motorrad accessories, such as body protectors and hand guards, round off the range of offers.

BMW C 400 X with new front design and new “Rugged” model variant as optional equipment ex-factory.
In addition to the basic Blackstorm metallic version with a black/grey seat, black rims and brake calipers at the front, the BMW C 400 X, equipped with a new and more dynamically designed front area, is also available in the new “Rugged” model variant.

In this version, the BMW C 400 X features the Kalamata metallic matt body color and appears exciting and dynamic at the same time. Red rims, tapes and tires with off-road design meet golden brake calipers at the front. A heavily tinted windshield, a red-black seat bench, stainless steel footboard inserts, and hand guards available as an optional accessory complete the robust look. The footboard inserts, as well as anodized handlebar end weights, are available as original BMW Motorrad accessories for both the
BMW C 400 X and BMW C 400 GT.

BMW C 400 GT with optimized ground accessibility and in the new “Exclusive” model variant as optional equipment ex-factory.
The BMW C 400 GT's ground accessibility has been optimised to provide even greater comfort and improved ergonomics.

In addition to the basic Blackstorm metallic version with black seat, black rims and black brake calipers at the front, the BMW C 400 GT is also available in the new “Exclusive” model variant.

In this variant, the BMW C 400 GT in the body color Diamondwhite metallic looks decidedly elegant and exclusive. Golden rims, tapes and a black seat bench with embroidered emblem in the rim color complement the golden brake calipers at the front and a slightly tinted windshield. A floor lighting with a BMW logo projection and stainless steel footboard inserts round off the scope of this optional equipment variant.

New special equipment and original BMW Motorrad accessories.

  Individual special equipment :

  Connectivity Pro

Large 10.25” TFT display with connectivity, split screen and map navigation. (BMW C 400 GT)

  Anti-theft alarm system     

Automatic activation when the ignition is switched off or via the remote control.

  Luggage rack                     

Tailored to the new electrified 43.5 l top case.

  Original BMW motorcycle accessories :

• Top case 43.5 l with interior lighting and USB connection.
• Body protection protector.
• Footboard inserts.
• Anodized handlebar end weights.
• Hand guards.

Munich. Avec le nouvel Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), BMW Motorrad présente une solution technique innovante qui rend le pilotage plus facile et plus confortable. Fidèle à la devise "Simplify your ride", l'expérience de pilotage est encore améliorée par l'automatisation de l'embrayage et du passage des vitesses, sans sacrifier la dynamique émotionnelle des changements de rapports.

Le système Automated Shift Assistant se caractérise par une conception ingénieuse : deux actionneurs électromécaniques automatisent l'embrayage et le changement de vitesse de la transmission à six rapports, ce qui constitue la principale différence avec un système d'aide au changement de vitesse classique. Il n'est pas nécessaire d'utiliser un levier pour actionner manuellement l'embrayage. Le démarrage, l'arrêt et les manœuvres sont facilités par l'assistant de changement de vitesse automatisé.

Rouler avec le système Automated Shift Assistant devient également plus agréable grâce à des séquences de changement de vitesse rapides, adaptées au régime et à la charge, et aux changements de rapport précis qui en résultent. La sollicitation du pilote est réduite, ce qui rend la conduite encore plus agréable. En outre, il permet de créer un lien encore plus direct avec le puissant moteur boxer, car l'actionnement précis de l'embrayage facilite le contrôle de l'expérience de pilotage via la poignée d'accélérateur et le sélecteur de vitesses.

En mode "M", les changements de vitesse peuvent toujours être effectués au pied, ce qui permet au pilote de décider quand changer de rapport.

En mode "D", le système Automated Shift Assistant prend tout son sens. Les différents passages de vitesse sont automatiquement sélectionnés par l'unité de contrôle du moteur. Que ce soit en mode "M" ou "D", le pilote bénéficie de changements de vitesse parfaitement exécutés avec une interruption en douceur de la propulsion. Il en résulte une accélération efficace de la moto et une stabilité de pilotage accrue.

Lors du passage à la vitesse supérieure, par exemple, la "secousse" associée à une transmission manuelle classique avec un levier d’embrayage à main est largement neutralisée, de même que le risque de contact entre les casques du pilote et du passager.

Les rétrogradages sont également pensés pour être aussi fluides que possible, afin de minimiser les perturbations au niveau du châssis. Les caractéristiques spécifiques de la fonction de changement de vitesse automatisé sont assignées aux différents modes de pilotage afin de garantir un comportement parfait dans chaque situation. En combinaison avec le régulateur de vitesse actif (ACC – Active Cruise Control) ou l'avertisseur de collision frontale (FCW - Front Collision Warning), ces trois technologies BMW Motorrad apportent également un nouveau souffle à l'avenir de la sécurité à moto.

Embrayage et changement de vitesse automatisés pour une nouvelle expérience de pilotage.

Dans les situations de pilotage difficiles, l'utilisation de l'embrayage et de l'accélérateur demande beaucoup de concentration. Si vous voyagez avec des bagages et peut-être un passager, l'utilisation de l'embrayage et du levier de vitesses mobilise des ressources. Grâce à la technologie Automated Shift Assistant, le pilote garde le contrôle et bénéficie d'une plus grande liberté dans toutes les conditions. La pratique de la moto devient une expérience plus détendue et plus agréable.

Grâce à l'automatisation de l'embrayage, le moteur boxer peut démarrer presque sans effort dans les montées, par exemple, ce qui se traduit également par un meilleur contrôle de la moto en off road ou sur des surfaces plus irrégulières.

Le plaisir de piloter prend une toute autre signification lorsque vous choisissez le mode automatisé "D". Les changements de vitesse opérés de manière optimale créent un nouveau sentiment de sécurité et de plaisir au guidon. Le bon rapport est automatiquement sélectionné en fonction des besoins individuels du pilote. Il en résulte une expérience de pilotage très souple et équilibrée.

Actionneurs électromécaniques d'embrayage et de changement de vitesse combinés à des commandes électroniques sophistiquées.

L'Automated Shift Assistant est l'évolution logique et technique du BMW Motorrad Shifter Pro. Deux actionneurs électromécaniques contrôlés électroniquement actionnent l'embrayage et le sélecteur de vitesse, ce qui permet un démarrage facile et des changements de vitesse automatisés. La demande de changement de vitesse du pilote est transmise à l'unité de commande via un capteur, qui est actionné par le sélecteur de vitesse conventionnel actionné par le pied. D'autres capteurs déterminent le régime de l'arbre d'entrée de la transmission et la position de l'embrayage. Ces valeurs sont transmises à l'unité de contrôle de la transmission (TCU - Transmission Control Unit), qui est étroitement liée à l'unité de contrôle du moteur, pour la modélisation et le contrôle de l'embrayage, de l'actionnement et de l'état du changement de vitesse.

L'embrayage est commandé par un actionneur électromécanique combiné à un système hydraulique avec une connexion directe entre les maîtres-cylindres et le récepteur d’embrayage. Cet actionneur régule le patinage nécessaire de l'embrayage, engage ce dernier lors du changement de vitesse et le désengage lors de l'arrêt.

En mode manuel "M", le pilote peut actionner le sélecteur de vitesse de manière habituelle. Si le régime du rapport cible souhaité se situe dans la plage de régime optimale, le changement de vitesse s'effectue directement. Si le régime du moteur tombe en dessous d'un régime minimum, déterminé en fonction du rapport engagé, les rétrogradations sont opérées automatiquement, même en mode manuel. Cela permet d'éviter que le moteur ne cale.

En mode "D", les vitesses sont changées automatiquement en fonction du mode de pilotage sélectionné, du régime moteur, de la position de la poignée des gaz et de l'angle d'inclinaison. Les vitesses sont passées en fonction de la situation de conduite et des exigences dynamiques qui en résultent.

Les bénéfices de l’Automated Shift Assistant de BMW Motorrad en un coup d’œil :

• Le pilote n'a plus besoin d'actionner le levier d'embrayage.
• Changements de vitesse dynamiques et confortables pour un plus grand plaisir au guidon.
• Choix de changement de vitesse manuel ou automatique.
• Adapte automatiquement les changements de vitesse aux préférences dynamiques du pilote dans le mode automatisé « D ».
• Élimine le risque de calage du moteur dû à des changements de vitesse inopportuns.

Munich. Ce qui était encore considéré comme de la science-fiction il y a quelques années devient aujourd'hui une réalité avec les lunettes connectées BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses. Ces lunettes de moto innovantes utilisent la technologie de l'affichage tête haute déjà connue dans les automobiles BMW et projettent en temps réel toutes les données utiles au motard - telles que la navigation, la vitesse ou le rapport de vitesse engagé - directement dans son champ de vision. Elles permettent ainsi une meilleure anticipation et donc un pilotage plus sûr.

Les lunettes connectées BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses peuvent être facilement connectées à votre smartphone via l'application BMW Motorrad Connected (connexion Bluetooth). La projection peut être ajustée et les réglages peuvent être sélectionnés avant mais également pendant la conduite grâce au « multicontrôleur » situé sur le guidon de la moto.

Outre l'interface utilisateur personnalisée et l'amélioration de la sécurité, les lunettes intelligentes offrent également un niveau de confort élevé. Le design des lunettes et la zone d’affichage ont été adaptés pour répondre aux besoins spécifiques du motard. De plus, les lunettes connectées BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses s’adaptent à de nombreux casques et diverses formes de visage. Elles sont donc agréables à porter, même lors de longs trajets. La batterie lithium-ion permet jusqu'à dix heures d'autonomie.

BMW Motorrad fournit également deux jeux de verres certifiés UVA/UVB avec la monture. Un jeu de verres transparents à 85 % peut être utilisé, en particulier pour les casques déjà munis d’une visière solaire. L'autre jeu de verres, entièrement teintés, transforme les lunettes connectées en une parfaite paire de lunettes de soleil.

Pour les pilotes qui portent habituellement des verres correctifs, les lunettes ConnectedRide Smartglasses peuvent être ajustées à l'acuité visuelle requise (jusqu'à 4 dioptries) par un opticien à l'aide d'un adaptateur RX.

Le kit comprend également un étui à lunettes et un câble de recharge USB.

Les lunettes connectées BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses sont présentées dans le cadre des BMW Motorrad Days 2023 à Berlin, en parallèle de la présentation du nouveau BMW CE 02.

Les lunettes intelligentes BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses en un coup d’œil :

• Deux tailles (M ou L) disponibles avec des plaquettes nasales différentes :

- « M » pour un écart pupillaire de 53 à 67 mm

- « L » pour un écart pupillaire de 59 à 73 mm.

• Deux jeux de verres (teintés ou transparents à 85%), filtre UVA/UVB certifié.
• Adaptateur RX pour ajuster les verres à l'acuité visuelle requise (jusqu'à 4 dioptries maximum).
• Peut être connecté à un smartphone et à l'application BMW Motorrad Connected via Bluetooth.
• Transfert des données GPS en temps réel.
• Affichage tête haute pour la navigation.
• Affichage de la vitesse, de la limitation de vitesse, du rapport de vitesse engagé et de la navigation (affichage fléché réduit ou navigation détaillée avec noms de rues, intersections et directions précises).
• Capteur de lumière et module optique intégrés pour un transfert et un affichage sécurisé des données, en haut à gauche du verre droit.
• Batterie lithium-ion offrant jusqu'à dix heures d'autonomie.
• Câble de recharge USB.
• Plage de température de fonctionnement : -10° à +50°C.
• Couleur : Anthracite.
• Prix de vente TTC (Allemagne) : 690 €.

Spartanburg (USA)/Munich. The BMW Group continues the roll-out of its electromobility plan with a new investment in the U.S. to expand Plant Spartanburg and the company’s manufacturing footprint in the U.S. BMW Group Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Zipse, announced today a $1.7 billion investment in its U.S. operations, including $1 billion to prepare for the production of electric vehicles at the company’s existing U.S. manufacturing facility in South Carolina, and $700 million to build a new high-voltage battery assembly facility in nearby Woodruff, SC. By 2030 BMW Group will build at least six fully electric models in the U.S.

Zipse was joined today at Plant Spartanburg by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey III, Chairman of Spartanburg County Council Economic Development Committee, David Britt, and Woodruff, SC Mayor, Kenneth Gist as he also announced an agreement to source next generation lithium-ion battery cells from Envision AESC, which will build a new plant in the state.

“For decades, Plant Spartanburg has been a cornerstone of the global success of the BMW Group. The home of the BMW X models that are so popular all over the world. Going forward, it will also be a major driver for our electrification strategy, and we will produce at least six fully electric BMW X models here by 2030. That means: The ‘Home of the X’ is also becoming the ‘Home of the Battery Electric Vehicle’,” said Zipse on Wednesday. “In addition, we can showcase BMW Group’s ‘local for local’ principle: Our newly developed sixth generation battery cells, which were specifically designed for the next generation electric vehicles, will be sourced here in South Carolina – where X goes electric.”

Envision AESC Battery Cell Plant in South Carolina to Supply Plant Spartanburg

In line with the principle of "local for local,” the BMW Group aims to purchase battery cells for its electric vehicles where production takes place. The company has found a partner in Envision AESC, which will build a new battery cell factory in South Carolina, to supply Plant Spartanburg. Envision will produce newly developed round lithium-ion battery cells, which were specifically designed for the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, and will be used in the next generation electric vehicles. The annual capacity of the battery cell factory will be up to 30 GWh.

The new battery format will increase energy density by more than 20 percent, improve charging speed by up to 30 percent and enhance range by up to
30 percent. At the same time, CO₂ emissions from cell production will be reduced by up to 60 percent through the partial use of secondary lithium, cobalt and nickel material, as well as renewable energy for production. 

The cooperation with Envision AESC is an important step in the BMW Group's plan to strengthen its regional supply chains. The expansion of electric vehicle production in combination with a local battery cell factory will lead to the creation of new supply chains, new networks for sub-suppliers, and new jobs throughout the entire region.

BMW Group has already announced that four additional battery cell factories will be built in Europe and China to meet its demand for next generation battery cells. The cell factories are being built by partners and will each have an annual capacity of up to 20 GWh.

Increased Investment and Expanded Manufacturing Capacity in SC

Of the new $1.7 billion investment announced today, $700 million will be used to build a new high-voltage BMW battery assembly center in Woodruff, SC, near Plant Spartanburg. The new facility will encompass over 1 million sq. ft., and produce next generation batteries for fully electric vehicles. Around 300 new jobs will be created on site.  

Plant Spartanburg currently produces lithium-ion battery modules for the two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles built at the plant, the BMW X3 xDrive30e (fuel consumption combined: 2.6-2.0 l/100 km WLTP; power consumption combined: 20.5-18.9 kWh/100 km WLTP, CO₂ emissions combined: 59-45 g/km WLTP) and BMW X5 xDrive45e (fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 1.7-1.2 WLTP; power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 27.7-24.3 WLTP; CO₂ emissions in g/km combined: 39-27 WLTP.). In 2021, nearly 70,000 electrified BMWs were built on site. The site in Woodruff will also leverage the experience and expertise developed in Plant Spartanburg’s existing operations at the new facility.

“BMW’s sustained and impactful presence in South Carolina demonstrates the power of partnership and shared commitment to our state’s automotive industry success,” said Governor McMaster. “With today’s announcement of a $1 billion expansion to Plant Spartanburg for manufacturing electric vehicles as well as $700 million for a new plant in Woodruff to assemble battery units, the road to the future is here. And I applaud BMW on helping lead the way.”

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg

Plant Spartanburg was established 30 years ago and began producing vehicles two years later. Since then, the plant has become the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and a critical component of the company’s global production network. The plant currently represents an investment of nearly $12 billion, employs more than 11,000, and has an annual capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles. To date more than six million BMW vehicles have been built in the U.S. – for the U.S. and global markets. Based on this strength, BMW has been the largest automotive exporter from the U.S. by value for the past eight years.

Plant Spartanburg currently produces 11 models including the BMW X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles, four BMW M models and two plug-in hybrid electric models. Production of the all-new hybrid-electric BMW XM (fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 1.6-1.5 WLTP; power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 30.1-28.9 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km combined: 36-33 WLTP. Preliminary figures that have not yet been officially confirmed.) will begin later this year.

The plant is supported by more than 300 suppliers in the U.S., including over 40 direct tier 1 suppliers in South Carolina alone.

“This is a very important step for Plant Spartanburg as we continue our legacy of producing high-quality vehicles, and build on the success of the last 30 years,” said Robert Engelhorn, President and CEO, BMW Manufacturing Co. “With this latest investment, we futureproof our operations and prepare the plant for electrification and new technologies, ensuring both the long-term success of our company and our position as an attractive and viable employer in the state of South Carolina.”

Ongoing Commitment in the U.S.

In addition to sales and marketing operations, the BMW Group footprint in the U.S. consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states, including an advanced design studio, a technology research and development center, and a venture capital fund in California, BMW Group Financial Services, and BMW Manufacturing Corporation, which operates Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. The BMW Group dealer network consists of nearly 650 independently owned BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad dealers nationwide. Taken together, the BMW Group’s operatons in the U.S. directly and indirectly provide and support more than 120,000 jobs in the U.S., and has contributed $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy.

“Technology Openness” and Customer Focused Flexibility

BMW Group is clearly focused on a sustainable future and shares common ambition in the U.S. with regard to climate goals and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the company is following a path of “technology openness” to offer a choice of fully electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and highly-efficient internal combustion options to its customers in meeting their diverse needs in vastly different geographies across the nation. BMW Group is committed to fulfilling its goal of making a minimum of 50% of its global sales battery electric vehicles by 2030.

360-Degree Approach

BMW Group has also set an initial target to reduce CO₂ emissions by 40% per vehicle by 2030. As BMW Group works towards the goal of climate neutrality, the company is focused on the reduction of CO₂ emissions throughout a vehicle’s entire life cycle. 

• Design and Engineering: Beyond simply electrifying its product portfolio, BMW Group begins the design and engineering phase of vehicle development with a ‘secondary first’ approach, so that currently on average nearly 30 percent of materials used in BMW Group vehicles are recycled or reused. In the longer term, the “secondary first” approach aims to increase this figure to 50 percent.
• Supply Chain and Procurement: BMW Group has been actively involved for many years in initiatives to develop standards for responsible raw material extraction and promote compliance with environmental and social standards for raw material extraction through certification of mines. The cobalt and lithium used as raw materials for the new generation of BMW battery cells will be sourced from certified mines which allows the company retains full transparency over extraction methods and ensures responsible mining.
• Vehicle Production: BMW Group’s global production network also relies on renewable energy such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power in the manufacturing phase of its vehicles. All of the company’s production sites have been net CO₂ neutral by offsets since 2021.
• Vehicle Use Phase: BMW Group is also working to ensure that the electricity generated to charge battery electric vehicles is done so sustainably. For example, partnerships with dairy farms in California reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane gas and transforming it into renewable energy, which is exported to the power grid. The company also operates a pilot program called ChargeForward in the San Francisco Bay Area which makes it possible for owners to charge their vehicles with as much solar energy as possible.
• Vehicle Recycling & Post-Life: From the start BMW Group vehicles are designed with recycling in mind, thereby improving the possibility for components to be recycled or reused. The company has already demonstrated the ability to recover more than 90% of the material from high-voltage batteries and has approximately 3,000 collection points worldwide for the recycling of end-of-life vehicles.

As the BMW Group continues towards an electric future, the company is looking beyond the vehicles themselves to ensure that it delivers sustainable solutions across the value chain and throughout the entire lifecycle of the vehicle. In the U.S. BMW currently offers two fully electric vehicles including the BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle and the BMW i4 Gran Coupe. The fully electric
BMW i7 Sedan (power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 19.6-18.4 WLTP) will come to market later this year and BMW will make a significant step forward. For more information about the BMW Group’s focus on sustainability and unique approach to electrification, please visit: https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/sustainability.html