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Audi has a plant going in Mexico as well, and their most popular q5 will be built there starting in 2016.
Cars are automated to the nth degree and a majority of it is done by robots. Yes, there is handwork and people do matter.
Just because something is made in Germany, doesn't mean it's perfect. Mercedes has had numerous problems with their German cars and some are far below average in reliability.
I'm not a fan much either of Alabama made Mercedes. But they've been making them there 20 years or so.
The world is a changing place and Americans need to change their mind about who's making quality vehicles. China and the Asian markets are starting to get their act together.
A lot of junk has come out of America when it comes to cars over the years. So you have to be careful who you throw stones at.
When it comes to Mexico, the U.S. government has it's own issues and it's a debate going on over 20 years now. There are a lot of good people in Mexico being held back by poverty and a corrupt government with many social issues.
The more good paying jobs they have there, the less people need to leave.
You have to remember that German cars sell on the cache of Made In Germany label. BMW is a huge seller in China. You think if they built them in China it is going to have the same draw. I think not. A Mexican BMW? Ooook.
I would buy a Mexican built car of ANY make over a UAW built car. Ford made a GREAT decision by using a Mazda design, and not letting the UAW build the first generation Fusions, which proved to be the only truly reliable Detroit 3 car. Now the new Fusion is a Ford design, and the UAW is "building" it. I am anxiously awaiting the new model's reliability record.
Only if Made in USA and Made in Mexico are on par. When did that happen?
Are we talking assembled in Mexico or made in Mexico? If the latter, only then I agree. But it looks like even MB has put together their C-Classes in Mexico while parts come from Germany. And isn't that what a plant will do - put together the cars rather than creating parts? I don't think anything in my BMW was created in South Carolina. Anytime you order parts and they don't have it in stock, it takes a week as it ships from Germany.
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Originally Posted by rh71
Are we talking assembled in Mexico or made in Mexico? If the latter, only then I agree. But it looks like even MB has put together their C-Classes in Mexico while parts come from Germany. And isn't that what a plant will do - put together the cars rather than creating parts? I don't think anything in my BMW was created in South Carolina. Anytime you order parts and they don't have it in stock, it takes a week as it ships from Germany.
About 30% of the parts for the X models made in Plant Spartanburg, SC are made in the US. The car is completely assembled by non-union US workers though (JD Powers rated Plant Spartanburg as the 3rd best Plant Assembly Line Quality). The engines come from Germany, but there is talk about one day assembling engines in the US.
Expect the 3-series to be built at the San Luis Potosi, Mexico plant at first, then possibly a 1 series and a Mini. They plan to have 150,000 vehicles at full production, about a third of what Plant Spartanburg will do.
BMW will build a vast new plant in Mexico joining other European and even some Asian car makers plans for production in that country. Mexico apparently appeals to automakers on several fronts but tariff free access to the USA market and that the plants are out of the reach of autoworkers unions helps seal the deal.
BMW already builds cars here. It is very peculiar not to expand their existing facilities here and head to Mexico. The financial calculations must have been huge. Is BMW building cars in any third world market?
BMW has a plant in South Africa. My 2006 3 series was built there. It has actually been a decent car.
It's been sucking for a while now... and not the kind of sucking sound I would've hoped for...
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