BRAZIL: BMW to make 3 Series, X3 and Mini Countryman in Brazil BMW is planning to make three models at its new plant in Brazil: the 3 Series, X3 crossover and the Mini Countryman. The choice of the two models to accompany the 3 Series has surprised some analysts and observers who expected that a three model manufacturing line-up would comprise the 3 Series and two other models closely related in engineering architecture - the BMW X1 and 1 Series. The 3 Series already enjoys considerable success in Brazil's market. Sales of the 3 Series account for over half of the BMW brand's sales in Brazil. It has also begun selling the Munich-made 320i Active Flex, the world's first direct injection turbo model capable of burning petrol and/or 100% hydrous ethanol premium car. However, the two other models confirmed for manufacture in Brazil are relatively unrelated to the 3 Series. The X3 shares engineering architecture with the 5 Series and the Mini is on a unique front-wheel drive platform. BMW will initially invest BRL600million/€200million in the new plant and create 1,300 direct jobs. Annual capacity will be 32,000 units, but could go higher. A FWD compact BMW that shares parts with Mini could also be added later. President of BMW Group in Brazil Arturo Piñeiro noted the chosen 1.5million sq. meter plant is strategically located. There are five ports, three airports and two federal motorways nearby. The city of Araquari, next to industrial pole Joinville, includes a large German-descendent community and is the largest city in the southern state Santa Catarina. BMW says that in October 2014 the first Series 3 will roll off the assembly line. The other two models will follow in 2016. BMW and Mini combined will end 2013 with around 16,000 units registered, a sharp 60% up on 2012. Source: BMW confirms 3 models for Brazil assy
If I recall correctly, when VW did that, their quality went wayyy down and they lost a lot of customers. It took them a few years to recover from the bad reputation even when they returned production to Germany.
Their Mexican cars are still far below their German made products.... Guess with such a large and growing market in Brazil, bmw wants to get a foothold into the South American markets...and reduce risks Currency fluctuations.... Let's face it, the euro is getting strong, making exports from European factories hard.... My thoughts.... With MINI already in a quality crisis....I hope they have looked at their production processes to iron out potential issues in new models.... Sure, the tri-tec motor was made in a Brazilian factory....and after a couple of years it was a damn good reliable motor...but it took a couple of years for the factory to make a consistent product....hopefully the cars will take less time to Come up to speed... But a better question..... Is a British car...made in south america, by a German company still in any way an English car? With the bulk of production in england and much of the design there...even with worldwide parts, it was imo still English....but now with mostly German engineering... What is British? Not sure I can even say the style.... Sure with Asian makers making cars in the us it has been asked before...but never to this extant...a Mexican made ford or Canadian made Chevy is one thing....a bmw made in the us south is another.... But this new plan is a new level (imo) of multinational company production....any thoughts?
windscreen = para-brisa boot = porta malas bonnet = capo Dang, a whole new vocabulary to learn. :crazy:
Those concerned about the quality of the Brazilian built Countryman might want to add "garantia estendida" to that vocabulary listing.
All this gobblygook....Here is confirmed information on the new F56 Countryman, which apparently is a joint venture with Ford: 2006 Ford F56 1720 - Ford Buses - Buses for Sale