BMW to build next X3 in U.S.

SEE ALSO: 2007 BMW Buyers Guide

Washington DC May 15, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that BMW, in order to counter a strong euro, will build the next-generation X3 mid-size sport utility vehicle in its U.S. plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the company said on Tuesday.

According to ABC News, the world's largest premium carmaker will expand the production capacity of its U.S. plant in Spartanburg from the current 140,000 to well over 200,000 vehicles per annum.

Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer said in mid-March the group needs to build up its production volume in Spartanburg to roughly 200,000 units or more in the next two to three years to help hedge against currency fluctuations.

The X3, first launched in January 2004 and refreshed in September of last year, is assembled in Austria by Magna Steyr. BMW now builds Z4 roadsters and X5 SUVs in Spartanburg. It already has decided to build an all new coupe-shaped SUV crossover in Spartanburg dubbed the X6.

BMW built just 105,000 vehicles in Spartanburg last year. Overall the group sold 114,000 units of the X3 last year worldwide, a gain of 3.0 percent from 2005.