New BMW plant in Mexico to build 3 Series sedans sold in U.S.

(June 17, 2016) Thursday's ground-breaking signals the start of construction of the new BMW Group plant in Mexico, which will build the BMW brand’s best-selling model series, the BMW 3 Series sedan. For more than the 40 of the company’s 100 years, the iconic BMW 3 Series has been the heart of the brand and set the benchmark for dynamic performance, efficiency and design. The 3 Series now sold in the U.S. is built in Germany.

“All of the BMW Group’s knowledge and capabilities will be on show at our new location in Mexico. 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,” said Board of Management member for Production Oliver Zipse.   

The plant in San Luis Potosí will balance out production capacity by discontinuing 3 Series production at the Group Plant Rosslyn in South Africa, which will build the new BMW X3 instead of the 3 Series in the future.



Start of production is scheduled for 2019, with an annual production capacity of up to 150,000 units. The BMW Group is investing around a billion US dollars in the new plant and creating at least 1,500 new jobs. The decision to locate in San Luis Potosí was based on criteria such as the broad supplier network and qualified local workforce, as well as the technical and social infrastructure.

BMW says the San Luis Potosí plant will be a full plant, comprising body shop, paint shop and assembly, characterized by an innovative production system and comprehensive sustainability standards. From the first full year of production, the plant will be the BMW Group’s most resource-efficient production location worldwide.

BMW says the 3 Series engines and transmission will continue to be built in Germany.

The BMW Group is relying exclusively on digital 3D plans for both building construction and equipment installation at the plant. During every phase of construction, architects enter specific information, such as location, dimensions or completion date into digital models. Digital 3D-scan technology is being used for the first time during the set-up phase. The combination of these two technologies enables real-time analysis of construction progress and cost-efficient modifications, and provides the BMW Group with constant planning reliability.