Earlier this month, we told you about how the popularity of BMW models continues to rise - edging out some very major competition by the end of 2011. And this wasn't a one-time occurrence, either. BMW is forecasting a future in which many more people will fall in love with an all-new BMW X5, X3 or X6. As such, they've recently announced a strengthened investment in the facility that produces a number of X-models - and it's right here in the United States.

That's right. German automaker, BMW, has announced a further investment of nearly $900 million and 300 new jobs at their plant in Spartanburg, SC. Between now and 2014, when the final implications of the investment have rolled out, workers at the plant will be able to produce another 350,000 units. This is also marks the second time the automaker has reinvested in the plant - the first time, a total of $750 million was used to expand the plant to produce the BMW X3 between 2008 and 2010.

"This is in response to rising global demand for our BMW X models and the expansion of the BMW X family to include the BMW X4,"¹ explains Frank-Peter Arndt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG. Since the plant opened in 1994, they've produced two million vehicles, and as of these most recent move, BMW's investment in their US plant totals nearly $6 billion.

We probably don't need to tell you how good this speaks volumes about the state of the American economy. South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley says, "BMW has once again provided tremendous evidence that South Carolina is a blueprint for significant economic development success. The partnership between this company and our State is an enduring example of how to attract, retain and grow business to stimulate perpetual job creation."²

It's a move that Bob Smith BMW can definitely stand behind. We look forward to seeing more German-engineered and American-built models like the BMW X3 and X5. You don't have to wait for these expansions to take place to take one for a test drive, either. Stop by and see us at 24500 Calabasas Rd Calabasas, CA 91302 to speak with a member of our team and learn more about why more and more people are falling in love with BMW.