BMW Continues as the Largest Automotive Exporter by Value in the U.S.

msej449 · 03-03-2025, 01:36 AM

Sorry, but I’ve been a forum member for many years, and have contributed hundreds of I hope useful, posts. I don’t think my post is ‘political’ - it’s answering a question about the very successful BMW plant in the US and how tariffs might possibly affect it. So I’m making an economic/business point. Which seems fair enough. Similar points gets made in the ‘iX’ section about arguably unfair Chinese competition in electric vehicle manufacturing, and people don’t see that as a threat.

I agree that forums where threads dive off into culture war conflict lose their attraction, but I didn’t bring the question up: I simply answered and economic question with an economic answer on a thread about the US manufacturing plant of a foreign company.

It seems a reasonable thing to do - but if you’re concerned, by all means report it to the moderators and if they think the question and my, and others’ replies are seriously off-topic, then I’ll naturally accede to them (all) being deleted.

On a factual note: VAT isn’t a tariff. It’s applied to all purchases, whether imported or local. If I buy a locally manufactured car I pay VAT just the same as if it’s imported. So in tariff terms, VAT is neutral.

BlkGS · 03-03-2025, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Jonathan

Suprised no one mentioned S.C. Is a right to work state. Might have something to due with BMWs willingness/success manufacturing in the U.S.

Years ago I interviewed at the Spartanburg plant. I had lunch with the plant HR director. She told me in no uncertain terms that BMW put the plant there to avoid the unions, and that they would be doomed of the facility ever unionized.

They pay and care for their workers very well, so there no point in unionizing for them.

BlkGS · 03-03-2025, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Still curious. Can anyone think of a manufacturer that exports more vehicles by volume than BMW? Again, excluding to Canada.

The domestics should all be doing that. The fact that everyone isn't immediately saying Ford, GM, Dodge is a massive issue with our domestic auto industry.

03-03-2025, 01:36 AM	#23
msej449 msej449 526 Rep 735 Posts Drives: M235i Convertible +LSD 2016 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: South Coast UK & Swiss Alps iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 Peugeot e208 GT [0.00] 2016 BMW M235i Conv ... [0.00]	Sorry, but I’ve been a forum member for many years, and have contributed hundreds of I hope useful, posts. I don’t think my post is ‘political’ - it’s answering a question about the very successful BMW plant in the US and how tariffs might possibly affect it. So I’m making an economic/business point. Which seems fair enough. Similar points gets made in the ‘iX’ section about arguably unfair Chinese competition in electric vehicle manufacturing, and people don’t see that as a threat. I agree that forums where threads dive off into culture war conflict lose their attraction, but I didn’t bring the question up: I simply answered and economic question with an economic answer on a thread about the US manufacturing plant of a foreign company. It seems a reasonable thing to do - but if you’re concerned, by all means report it to the moderators and if they think the question and my, and others’ replies are seriously off-topic, then I’ll naturally accede to them (all) being deleted. On a factual note: VAT isn’t a tariff. It’s applied to all purchases, whether imported or local. If I buy a locally manufactured car I pay VAT just the same as if it’s imported. So in tariff terms, VAT is neutral. __________________ 2016 M235i Convertible Estoril Blue & Oyster 2023 Peugeot e-208 GT (electric) Last edited by msej449; 03-04-2025 at 03:07 AM..
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