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BMW Manufacturing Remains Largest U.S. Automotive Exporter by Value.

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BMW Manufacturing led the nation in automotive exports by value for the sixth consecutive year, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. During 2019, the South Carolina plant exported 246,014 BMW X models with a total export value of approximately $9.6 billion. The BMWs produced in Spartanburg, South Carolina, were exported through the Port of Charleston, SC (nearly 195,000 units), and through five other southeastern ports: Savannah, GA; Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL; and Everglades, FL. More than 18,000 BMWs were also exported via rail. “Every day, the Plant Spartanburg team produces five top-selling BMW X models, four Motorsport X models and two plug-in hybrid X models sold in more than 125 countries around the world,” said Knudt Flor, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “In addition to being the largest U.S. automotive exporter by value, our plant continues to be the largest facility in BMW’s global production network. These achievements are significant and clearly reinforce BMW’s ongoing commitment in the United States.” In 2019, BMW Manufacturing set a new production record with 411,620 BMW X models produced. Last year was also a significant year for launches at the Spartanburg plant. • (April) Launch of the first-ever BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M • (August) Launch of the third-generation BMW X6 • (August) Launch of BMW X5 xDrive45e (second generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) • (December) Launch of first-ever BMW X3 xDrive30e (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) • (December) Launch of the third-generation BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M • First full production year for the first-ever BMW X7. “When the first BMW rolled off the assembly line at the Spartanburg facility a little more than 25 years ago, South Carolina’s economic landscape began a transformation that would go on to define S.C. as a true brand state,” said Bobby Hitt, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce. “The remarkable partnership between BMW and South Carolina continues to thrive, and this is evident by the fact that our state remains the nation’s leader in the export sales of completed passenger vehicles.” “For more than 25 years, S.C. Ports Authority has had a strong partnership with BMW Manufacturing,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of S.C. Ports Authority. “Our Inland Port Greer operation brings vehicles from the Upstate to the Lowcountry via rail, and the Port of Charleston enables BMW to export 70% of its South Carolina-made vehicles to more than 125 countries. The automotive manufacturing sector is a vital part of our state’s economy. We are proud to support the shipping needs of the automotive industry, and we look forward to future success and growth for BMW.” From 2010 – 2019, BMW Group Plant Spartanburg exported 2,285,285 vehicles out of 3,335,871 total vehicles produced. This means nearly 70 percent of the plant’s total production was exported during the decade. Later in 2020, the plant will celebrate a significant production milestone as it produces the five millionth BMW built in South Carolina. BMW Group Plant Spartanburg produces more than 1,500 vehicles each day and has an annual capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles. The factory represents an investment of over $10.6 billion and employs more than 11,000 people.
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BMW collaborates with New York lifestyle brand Kith on special limited-edition M4 Competition x Kith, highlighting design and apparel partnership.

BMW has joined New York lifestyle brand Kith in a multifaceted partnership, highlighted by the BMW M4 Competition x Kith – a limited edition interpretation of the all-new M4 Competition coupe with design elements personally created by Kith founder Ronnie Fieg, strictly limited to 150 units worldwide. Fieg, a native New Yorker and lifelong BMW enthusiast, also lent his unique design vision and notable collaboration techniques to his own personal classic “E30” generation BMW M3. This legendary BMW model was further complemented by an all-new BMW M4 Competition Design Study by Kith; using the E30 M3’s current-day spiritual successor, the M4 Competition coupe, Fieg created a 1-of-1 special edition version that mimics the specifications – and Kith design touches – of his own classic vehicle. Further exploring BMW and Kith’s mutual admiration and his own history with the brand, Fieg has created The Kith for BMW Collection, featuring apparel and accessories inspired by classic BMW design elements and exclusively available through Kith’s retail locations beginning October 23. The collection, featuring 94 styles of apparel and accessories, is Kith’s largest single offering to date. more “Everything we work on at Kith has to come from an authentic place,” says Kith founder Ronnie Fieg. “Some of my favorite memories from growing up came from going to visit my grandfather and riding around in his BMWs in the 1980s. I remember he had an E21 320i and that his prized possession was a white E30 M3. These moments in my life really shaped my passion for BMW, so working on this project with them has brought everything full circle.” The collaboration also highlights BMW’s continuous focus on the lifestyle, luxury and fashion space, a key area for interacting with existing and new customers. “Keeping a close eye on the latest lifestyle developments is part of our approach to evolving the BMW brand,” said Jens Thiemer, senior vice president, Customer and Brand, BMW. “With his unique collaboration approach and Kith label, Ronnie Fieg is an outstanding mind and leader in the fashion, lifestyle and luxury industries. Our collaboration with Ronnie and his influential brand will be a positive force for BMW as we explore new customer groups.” “This is not the first time BMW M GmbH has released a limited edition of one of our cars as part of an exclusive collaboration,” added Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “The tie-up with Ronnie Fieg and Kith is a great opportunity for BMW M GmbH to bridge the gap between the original BMW M3 and our new BMW M4 Competition Coupé for the sixth generation of this iconic model range. It also allows us to spread the word to an exciting new target group, as the lifestyle fashion scene transforms from a cultural phenomenon to a global way of life, bringing a new and very distinct brand of exclusivity to many different areas.” Featuring many of the design touches from Fieg’s personal E30 M3 and the Cinnabar Red M4 Design Study by Kith, the limited-edition M4 Competition x Kith also has several highlights unique to the production vehicle. While merging logos is a hallmark of the many partnerships Kith has forged with other globally renowned companies, this is the first time BMW has altered its iconic roundel badge for a collaboration partner. The fusion logo created for the BMW M4 Competition x Kith adds an extra ring around the BMW roundel in the BMW M colors of light blue, dark blue and red, as well as details in bright lettering focusing on Kith and the collaboration. The rear decklid of the BMW M4 Competition x Kith features a black Kith logo with the iconic tri-color BMW M stripes. The limited-edition models are available exclusively in matte paint finishes of Frozen Black, Frozen Dark Silver and Frozen Brilliant White. Kith-designed elements further enhance the all-new BMW M4 Competition coupe. Featuring BMW M’s TwinPower Turbo 3.0 Liter inline-six cylinder engine, the M4 Competition x Kith arrives with over 500 horsepower and M xDrive all-wheel-drive. Customers can expect Kith-embossed black merino leather and multicolour ambient mood lighting throughout the driver-focused cabin, the latest BMW safety technology like optional Advanced Driver Assistance systems, cutting-edge infotainment like BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and all of the world-class performance that BMW M’s legendary motorsport heritage promises. For more product information on the all-new BMW M4 Competition coupe, please visit BMW USA News. The BMW M4 Competition x Kith will be available for preorder on October 23, 2020 at 11:00 AM EST exclusively through BMWUSA.com and is strictly limited to 150 units worldwide. MSRP begins at $109,250 plus destination and handling fees. Note: The BMW M4 Competition x Kith will arrive in 2021 as model year 2022 vehicle.

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BMW and BMW Motorrad Enthusiasts Have a New Way to Display Their Brand Affinity, Earn Rewards with New Credit Cards from U.S. Bank.

BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad enthusiasts have a new way to demonstrate their love of the brand and earn accelerated rewards for their spend, with the launch of a new, contemporary suite of Mastercard credit cards from U.S. Bank. The new portfolio includes: • BMW World Mastercard®, • BMW Precision World Elite Mastercard®, • MINI World Mastercard® and • BMW Motorrad World Mastercard®. In June 2019, U.S. Bank and BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC announced an agreement to issue credit cards that will deliver enhanced digital experiences and greater value to BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad enthusiasts. The new cards, which will be issued by Elan Financial Services, a division of U.S. Bank, are now available for new customers at the BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad card websites and at participating dealerships “Our new credit card offerings are designed to deliver the performance expected from our premium brands. Our customers will experience greater functionality and improved benefits, engaging them and providing a platform for improved loyalty” said Ian Smith, CEO, BMW Group Financial Services NA. “This new card program brings a world-class experience and value that rewards the relationship we have with our customers, and we know our dealerships and customers are going to love it.” Cardholders now have more ways to earn rewards that can be used at dealerships for parts and service, put toward monthly vehicle payments, or for travel or cash back. Additionally, the new cards bring significant digital improvements to the customer experience. The completely digital process saves the customer time and allows immediate card access to start generating rewards. It's as simple as the customer texting a number to receive access to a digital application that’s easy to complete and submit, all while in the dealership. The credit decision is nearly instantaneous, and if approved, customers will have immediate access to the credit card to use that day in the dealership for accessories, service, purchase of an extended warranty or insurance products, or to cover fees at lease end. Cardholders will receive: • Up to 5x rewards for purchases at BMW, MINI or BMW Motorrad • Accelerated rewards on gas and restaurants; • $70 annual dealership credit on the BMW Precision World Elite Mastercard; • Contactless payment capabilities that require no swiping or dipping, in addition to an EMV chip and magnetic stripe for maximum convenience; • One-click mobile application process with an instant credit decision for immediate use; • Ability to use the card to purchase branded merchandise and accessories, parts and service; • BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad Credit Card mobile apps to redeem rewards and manage their account from anywhere. “BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad are iconic brands that epitomize performance and quality and a rewarding experience for owners,” said Steve Mattics executive vice president of Retail Payment Solutions at U.S. Bank. “These new credit cards were designed to provide world class experiences for cardholders; starting with the streamlined digital application, continuing through to the accelerated rewards on gas and restaurant spend, as well as purchases at the dealership, and complemented by contactless payment capabilities. We are confident these will quickly become go-to cards for owners.”