BMW Plans Production Increase at Spartanburg Plant Amid Trade Concerns

BMW is considering adding shifts at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina to increase production by up to 80,000 vehicles, as discussed during an analyst call. The automaker currently holds about 30 days' worth of inventory in the U.S. and plans to keep prices stable for most models until the end of May. This potential production boost comes amidst ongoing trade tensions and aims to reassure the U.S. government, particularly in light of the plant's strategic location in a free-trade zone that allows for tariff-free imports of parts for export vehicles. The call was conducted ahead of BMW's annual earnings announcement scheduled for May 7. Executives emphasized that the plant exports roughly half of its production, highlighting its significance in the company's operations. The move reflects an effort by BMW to align its production capabilities with steady demand for premium vehicles in the U.S. market.