BMW Manufacturing has confirmed it was the leading automotive exporter by value in the United States for 2024, with export values surpassing $10 billion. The Spartanburg, South Carolina plant exported nearly 225,000 BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes over the past year. Since 2014, this manufacturing facility has exported more than 2.7 million BMWs, resulting in total export values exceeding $104 billion. Most BMWs produced at this location are shipped through the Port of Charleston, along with other ports including Brunswick, GA and Jacksonville, FL.
Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, noted, "Plant Spartanburg has been an important location in our production network for over 30 years and is now the largest BMW Group plant globally. The strong export share of our plant underlines the importance of free trade for the USA. Not only does this benefit our plant but also the strong supplier network in the region."
BMW’s South Carolina operation has become significant by exporting almost 63 percent of its total production. Dr. Robert Engelhorn, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing, remarked, "When the first BMW rolled off the assembly line in 1994, it was the beginning of a great legacy for Plant Spartanburg. Our achievement as the country’s leading automotive exporter demonstrates BMW’s trusted partnership with this state and our continued commitment to the United States.”
The assembly plant also launched significant projects last year, producing 396,117 vehicles, including over 57,000 plug-in hybrids. The plant celebrated its 30th anniversary by opening its first press shop and expanded its facilities by adding more space for electric vehicle production scheduled to start by 2026.
Meanwhile, China's automotive export capabilities are transforming as well. Jiangnan Shipyard Group's newly operational dual-fuel car carrier, which can transport 8,600 vehicles, enhances China's logistical capacity for vehicle exports. Constructed as part of efforts to improve the exports of automakers, this vessel is the world’s largest LNG-powered car carrier. This ship's delivery joins another significant milestone, as Guangzhou Shipyard International Ltd announced the completion of another advanced car carrier model with the enhanced capacity to hold 1,600 more vehicles without increasing its size.
According to CCTV News, Shanghai Port achieved the world’s top automotive throughput for the first time, handling 3.63 million vehicles last year—a 15 percent yearly increase. Over 60 percent of this volume consisted of foreign trade vehicles, demonstrating the garden of opportunity for automobile manufacturers.
A recent shipment saw over 4,000 vehicles, produced domestically, marked as the largest single-vessel foreign trade shipment departing from Tianjin Port, directed toward South America and other markets. XPeng Motors also took significant strides by shipping its first batch of right-hand drive X9 vehicles from Guangzhou to Thailand, showcasing its ambitions for international growth.
“While EV penetration in ASEAN remains relatively low, the market is growing rapidly. New products can quickly enter and be widely accepted, making ASEAN a core market for the future,” highlighted Gu Hongdi, Vice Chairman and Co-President of XPeng Motors. This reflects the company’s broader commitment to expand its reach—marking its 255th overseas delivery, across more than 30 countries within five years. SAIC’s IM Motors is also launching its IM6 model toward overseas markets, starting with Thailand, aiming for sales to kick off during mid-to-late March at the Thailand International Motor Expo.
The increased automotive exports from both BMW and Chinese manufacturers indicate not just their individual successes but also underline the shifting dynamics of global trade and production. Together, they highlight the growing importance of regional manufacturing hubs and advanced shipping logistics, as well as the global demand for innovative vehicle models. All these factors contribute to maintaining and enhancing their competitive advantages in today’s automotive market.