By: Tracy Sanders, Co-Editor | tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
SPARTANBURG – BMW Manufacturing is celebrating national recognition after several of its locally assembled vehicles earned top marks in prestigious J.D. Power studies, while the company continues to expand its role as a major economic engine in South Carolina.
The BMW X6 and X7 ranked highest in their segments in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), while the BMW X4 and X6 topped their classes in the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. The X6 was the highest-ranking individual model in the APEAL Study, and the X4 claimed its third consecutive segment win.“Assembling premium quality BMWs for our customers is our highest priority, and these awards reflect the valuable contributions of our associates, suppliers, and contractors,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing.
Investment in Electrification
BMW’s success comes as the company ramps up its investment in electric vehicle production. Since 2022, BMW has committed $1.7 billion to U.S. operations, including $1 billion to prepare Plant Spartanburg for fully electric vehicle assembly and $700 million to build a high-voltage battery facility in Woodruff.
Construction at Plant Woodruff is now complete, with equipment installed and the first pre-series battery modules expected soon. By late 2026, the facility will produce sixth-generation battery modules for BMW’s fully electric Sports Activity Vehicles.
Plant Spartanburg will assemble three drivetrains—fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and highly efficient internal combustion engines—allowing customers to choose the best mobility solution for their needs.
(photo courtesy of BMW)
A Multi-Billion Dollar Impact
Beyond innovation and awards, BMW’s presence is a major economic driver for South Carolina. A 2023 study by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business estimates the plant’s annual economic impact at $26.7 billion, supporting nearly 43,000 jobs statewide and generating $3.1 billion in wages and salaries.
BMW Manufacturing is also the largest U.S. automotive exporter by value for the past decade, shipping 63% of its vehicles abroad. In 2024 alone, the Spartanburg plant exported nearly 225,000 vehicles worth over $10 billion.
With more than 11,000 employees, a robust local supplier network, and continuing investments in electrification, BMW Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of economic growth in the Upstate and a leader in premium automotive innovation.
Author: Tracy Sanders
