BMW said today it would build its new 2008 X6 crossover at its South Carolina plant and bring a twin-turbo diesel to the U.S. market in 2008, part of a growing push to expand diesels in the United States.
BMW also said it will increase its capacity of its South Carolina plant from 140,000 to 200,000 units in the next few years.
The company unveiled its new 5 series here at the New York Auto Show.
It has renamed its 525i sedan the 528i and given it 230 horsepower and 200 pounds of torque with updated six-cylinder engines. The new vehicles have more leather, larger door pockets, additional storage space and a lane departure system that vibrates the steering wheel if a driver changes lanes without using the turn signal. It also showed a picture of a Sport Activity Coupe concept that combines all-wheel drive and off-road capability with a coupe-like design.
BMW's U.S. chairman and CEO Tom Purves said the company would introduce 30 new models by 2010 and between 2005 and 2009, BMW worldwide is investing $25 billion in expanding its business activities. In 2006, the company invested $3.3 billion — or about 5 percent of its revenue — in research and development.
Since 1996, the company has invested $3 billion in its Spartanburg, S.C. facility, while its U.S. suppliers have invested another $2 billion. BMW builds its X5 and Z4 Roadster and coupe only at its U.S. plant and exports them to 120 markets worldwide. It is the leading U.S. exporter to non-NAFTA markets.
The company is also making a $100 million expansion to its Woodcliff Lake, N.J. headquarters — adding 220,000 square feet of engineering, office and training space.
BMW's new Valvetronic variable-valve control system in its 3 and 5 series delivers up to 17 percent greater power with up to 10 percent better fuel economy, the company said. Between 1990 and 2005, its miles per gallon increased more than 22 percent for its car fleet, in part by using lighter weight magnesium engines to improve fuel economy as well as lighter weight materials throughout.
“People want performance but not at any price,” Purves said. “They also want to be able to tell their friends at tennis that their new BMW also gets better fuel economy.”
