BMW's U.S. site to add Z models

08/14/96

It will take BMW Manufactuing Corp two years, but the automaker will transform its South Carolina plant into a Z factory. The transformation will allow the German transplant to build nearly 90,000 of the roadsters a year for global markets. Speculation is emerging that such fire-power will let BMW spin off Z-car models from America for sale around the world.

The most likely first candidate would be the recently proposed M roadster, a pricier six-cylinder version of the current four-banger Z3. The M version appeared in March at the Genva auto show, with a hint that it could be in commercial production in 1997. Other Z variations could follow that one.

Demand has been so strong for the new two-seat Z3 that BMW had decided to turn the entire plant over to it. That means canceling U.S. production of 3-series cars, which began in September 1994.

BMW suppliers were told last week to curtail shipments of 3-series parts to the Spartanburg County, S.C., car plant. The plant will build its last 3 series in mid-August. That represents a new stategy for BMW. The South Carolina plant originally was intended to build the Z3, 318 and 328. It was an attractive plan for North American dealers, who wanted to shorten the German supply line for their bread-and-butter cars.

But now that BMW is dispensing with .S. 3-series production, it inherits a big potential volume for the niche sports car and its variations.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel