South Carolina Business Leaders Support BMW and Mercedes-Benz

News Summary

Business leaders in South Carolina have rallied to defend BMW and Mercedes-Benz following critical remarks from Peter Navarro about their manufacturing practices. Governor Henry McMaster emphasized BMW’s positive impact on the state’s economy, highlighting its $26.7 billion contribution and notable employment of around 11,000 workers. The companies’ commitment to free trade and innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing South Carolina’s economic landscape, particularly as they expand their production capacities with significant milestones in electric vehicles.

South Carolina – Business leaders in South Carolina rallied to defend BMW and Mercedes-Benz after comments made by Peter Navarro, a senior trade advisor to former President Donald Trump, criticized the companies’ manufacturing models as harmful to the U.S. economy and national security. Navarro’s remarks, made during an interview on CNBC, specifically targeted BMW, which assembles German engines and Austrian transmissions at its facility in Spartanburg, suggesting that this arrangement does not benefit America.

Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina expressed strong support for BMW, labeling it a “great company” that has considerably boosted the state’s economy and enhanced its manufacturing reputation. A joint statement released by the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and One Spartanburg emphasized that BMW contributes a remarkable $26.7 billion to South Carolina’s economy and consistently outperforms other major industries in terms of economic impact.

BMW has been a fixture in Spartanburg for nearly 40 years, transforming the area from a declining textile hub into a center for advanced manufacturing. The company has established a supportive network for local suppliers, bolstering the density of jobs in engineering, supply chain management, and logistics throughout the region. Furthermore, BMW’s significance extends beyond local boundaries, as the company has invested $14.8 billion in the Upstate since 1992 and currently employs around 11,000 workers.

Kevin T. Sheilley, president and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the positive economic effects that both BMW and Mercedes have had on employment and investment within South Carolina. With Mercedes manufacturing sprinter vans in Ladson, near Charleston, for the past 20 years, the contributions of these automotive giants are vital to the state’s workforce and economic infrastructure.

Both companies advocate for free trade and international cooperation, underscoring their roles in fostering connections within the global economy. In the broader context of the automotive industry, Navarro’s criticism aligns with Trump’s earlier sentiments regarding foreign automakers; Trump had previously suggested that assembling parts manufactured abroad was a simplistic process akin to something a child could do. In contrast, Mark Cuban pointed out the misunderstanding of advanced manufacturing practices reflected in Trump’s statements.

BMW’s achievements in the state have not gone unnoticed. The company received the 2024 Workforce Champion Award for its commitment to creating employment opportunities and fostering partnerships between education and industry. Additionally, BMW chairman Oliver Zipse was awarded the Honorary Sandlapper Award for his significant contributions to South Carolina’s economic landscape.

In terms of production milestones, BMW Manufacturing recently celebrated the assembly of its 7 millionth vehicle at its Spartanburg facility, with their vehicles exported to 120 countries. Similarly, Mercedes-Benz marked a significant achievement in its production timeline as it announced the completion of its 5 millionth all-electric eSprinter van at the North Charleston plant, further indicating the company’s commitment to electric vehicle manufacturing.

The vigorous response from South Carolina’s business leaders highlights the critical role that manufacturing giants like BMW and Mercedes-Benz play in the state’s economy and the broader implications for the American manufacturing sector. Their continued investment and commitment to innovation emphasize the importance of maintaining a robust and competitive manufacturing environment in South Carolina and beyond.

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