Charleston, SC – South Carolina today celebrated the one millionth BMW shipped through the Port of Charleston, demonstrating the strength of a relationship that began in 1992 when the automaker broke ground in the state on its first U.S. production facility.
The millionth BMW was a right-hand drive Titanium Silver X5 sports activity vehicle destined for Great Britain.

“This milestone symbolizes the strategic partnership between BMW and the Port of Charleston,” said Bob Nitto, Vice President for Corporate Affairs at BMW Manufacturing Co.

BMW first began shipping cars through Charleston in June 1994, when 65 imports crossed the docks. The first exports began in March 1995 with 11 cars. Presently, on an average day, BMW ships more than 400 vehicles through the port.

BMW exports South Carolina-assembled X5 sports activity vehicles and Z4 Roadsters to more than 120 worldwide markets through the Port of Charleston. The company also imports 3, 5, 6, and 7 Series vehicles and MINIs for distribution to 22 states in the south and central United States. For this year, 112,000 vehicles will be imported and 75,000 will be exported.

BMW has invested $2.3 billion in its South Carolina operations and has 4,500 employees. Locating the factory in the United States has led to the creation of a North American supplier network encompassing 140 companies. Forty key suppliers are located in South Carolina, including 31 who chose to place new North American operations in the state to partner with BMW.