Category Archives: Editorial

The Road to Global Dominance: Analyzing BMW’s Expansion Efforts

BMW is one of the most successful names in the automobile industry. For over 100 years, the automaker has made its mark with the i8, 3 Series, 4 Series and its line of motorcycles.

Nowadays, you can find BMWs in all six inhabited continents, with plants in Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Asia. How did BMW get so popular? Here’s a timeline of their expansion efforts in the last century. 

The Impact of World War II

World War II devastated BMW as the Allied forces bombed or dismantled its plants across Germany. The company relinquished control over its manufacturing sites for nearly a decade. During this time, BMW slowly rebuilt its post-war production with motorcycles and models like the 501.  

By the early 1960s, BMW returned to its pre-war status in the auto industry with the 1500 sedan. Twentieth-century Bimmer drivers lauded the 1500 and sparked a decade of excellent sales numbers for the manufacturer. In 1967, BMW outgrew its plant in Munich and needed to expand, so it acquired facilities in Dingolfing and Landshut, Germany. The company only needed a few more years before looking to another continent. 

First Expansion Efforts

In the late 1960s, BMW assembled the Glas 1800 at a plant near Pretoria, South Africa — the country’s administrative capital. By 1972, the automaker’s board members decided to purchase the production facility. BMW’s plant in Rosslyn became known as BMW South Africa — the first manufacturing facility for BMW outside of Germany in the country’s history. 

The Pretoria plant became significant for BMW as it continued producing the Glas 1800 SA and the BMW 2000 SA. In 1984, a decade after establishing the South African plant, the company began producing 3 Series vehicles here. 

Heading to the U.S.

The next expansion came nearly two decades later. In 1989, BMW wanted to build a plant in the United States. The country is very car-centric and has been for almost a century, so it makes great sense to build here. By 1980, nearly 90% of Americans owned at least one car, so establishing a BMW plant would be a significant step for the automaker.

In 1994, BMW opened its first American production plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The location gave BMW a foothold in the southern United States and a spot near the Atlantic coast. BMW initially used the Spartanburg plant to build the Z3 Roadster — but now it produces the X3, X4, X5 and X6, making it a pivotal location for the manufacturer. 


The facility is crucial for BMW’s presence in America and South Carolina, employing 43,000 people and contributing nearly $27 billion annually to the state. 

Acquiring a Big Name

BMW’s international expansion began to accelerate in the 1990s. At the end of the century, auto manufacturers, tech companies and other corporations realized globalization leads to better products at lower prices in nearly every industry. After American expansion, BMW looked to the U.K. for its next global opportunity.

In 1994, BMW purchased the Rover Group, the manufacturer of the Land Rover, the Mini, the Triumph and more. It didn’t last long, with the automotive group selling Rover by 2000. However, they kept the Mini, a staple for Bimmer fans today. 

In 1998, BMW made a massive decision by purchasing Rolls-Royce — one of the world’s most famous luxury car brands — away from Volkswagen. The automaker built a new headquarters and plant in Goodwood, a hub for motor enthusiasts in southern England.

Expanding to Asia

In 2003, BMW began producing Rolls Royces at its Goodwood location and made plans to expand into Asian markets. The manufacturer announced it would construct a plant in Shenyang, northeast of Beijing. BMW vehicles rolled off the production lines in 2004 for Shenyang residents. By 2012, BMW grew again with another plant in Shenyang — Plant Tiexi. 

Crossing into South America

By the 2010s, BMW left its mark on Europe, Africa, North America and Asia. In 2014, it expanded into South America for the fifth continent with a manufacturing plant in Araquari, Brazil. The southeastern Brazilian plant produced its first car in early September and has been integral to BMW’s presence in Latin America since. 

BMW in Mexico

The most recent development for BMW is opening a plant in Mexico. The San Luis Potosí facility opened in 2019 and will be a significant part of the future for the manufacturer as it looks to electric vehicles (EVs). BMW announced substantial investments to build high-voltage batteries and hire more employees to meet the demand for EVs. 

EVs are the future for BMW and other manufacturers, but what about hydrogen-powered cars and other alternative energy sources? Currently, BMW produces hydrogen-powered vehicles at its Munich plant, but watch for even more international expansion as technologies and markets evolve. 

BMW’s Global Impact

BMW is one of the most recognizable names in the automotive industry. For over 50 years, the company only produced in Germany, but its gradual globalization has led to success on multiple continents. 

7 Best Locations for a Holiday Road Trip

There’s no place like home for the holidays, but going on a road trip with family and friends is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. 

All over America, towns are celebrating the winter holidays, with various traditions creating myriad unique experiences for you and your family to enjoy. 

Avoid the airfare and lost luggage worries by hopping in your BMW and enjoying a scenic ride to your destination. You can take a short trip down the coast or go north or south to watch the seasons change before your eyes. The journey will be just as fun as the destination, especially if you watch epic road trip movies and bring plenty of snacks to enjoy. Once there, you’re sure to make new holiday memories. 

Here are the seven best locations around the United States for a holiday road trip. 

1. Vail, Colorado

The Christmas season is also the start of the ski season in Vail, making it the perfect time to visit. December brings fresh snow, the village’s Christmas tree lighting and New Year’s Eve activities. 

After enjoying the slopes and lights, explore the town’s famous coffee shops and cocktail bars. The Lodge at Vail has a heated outdoor pool and fire pits, allowing you to enjoy the winter scenery in style. 

Fine dining restaurant Flame hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration, and you can sample unique drinks at The Sebastian. 

2. Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Santa Fe’s holiday traditions are worth the trip at least once in your life. 

The Canyon Road Farolito Walk puts a spin on Christmas lights by setting up lanterns around town, making the whole area adopt a peaceful glow. You can enjoy the desert or still have a white Christmas by going up the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to Ski Santa Fe.

3. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is an excellent place to take a road trip during the holiday season, thanks to the various indoor and outdoor-themed activities. 

You can visit one of the many art galleries before stopping by the arboretum to view an abundance of Christmas lights. 

Train lovers can visit the Twin City Model Railroad Museum to view Christmas scenes. You’ll want to experience the Festival of Trees at the Mall of America if you love Christmas trees — the decorations will get you in the holiday spirit. 

4. Annapolis, Maryland

There is much celebration in the military town of Annapolis around the holidays. There are plenty of Christmas lights around the area, with many hung on boats, lighting up the water. 

You’ll be close enough to Washington, D.C., to see the National Christmas Tree and historical sights. 

Annapolis is also a prime location for Christmas shopping, with Midnight Madness keeping stores open until midnight on Thursdays in December. 

5. Orlando, Florida 

Spend the holidays in the sun of Central Florida by taking a road trip to Orlando. 

If you can swing the theme park prices, there are many holiday activities at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. However, there are many different activities throughout the city to celebrate the season.

A giant display of nutcrackers and Christmas trees graces downtown, with the nearby Harry P. Leu Park turned into a 50-acre light show to enjoy. 

6. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Step back in time to spend the holiday season in Portsmouth, with its settlements dating back to the 1600s. 

You can explore the Strawbery Banke Museum, where you can skate at Puddle Dock Pond or walk along a candlelight path to see the old residences come to life with Christmas decorations.

You can take advantage of tax-free shopping for classic toys and books if you’re looking for unique gifts for little ones. 

7. Laguna Beach, California

Enjoy the sand and sunshine at Laguna Beach if the snow and cold aren’t for you. 

You can enjoy the holiday treats at Montage Laguna Beach or the Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival, a unique arts and crafts show meant to get you into the holiday spirit. 

Visit the ocean to spy migrating whales or find unique gifts at the abundance of small businesses. Enjoy the surfboard menorah on the beach before enjoying a holiday show at the Laguna Playhouse. 

Enjoying a Holiday Road Trip 

A holiday road trip is an excellent way to make memories with your friends and family this season. 

There are many places around the United States where you can enjoy old and new holiday traditions. You can view Christmas lights, find unique gifts and go on special excursions you won’t find at other times of the year. No matter where you go on your road trip, you’re sure to have a wonderful time with the people you care about.

Does BMW Have a Future in Boating?

German automobile giant BMW is known worldwide for its luxury sports cars, SUVs and motorcycles, but it could earn a reputation in another vehicle category: boats. BMW has partnered with several boat designers and manufacturers to create new toys for the water, but it’s still too early to estimate their success. Does BMW have a legitimate future in boating? Let’s find out.

The Sundancer 370 Outboard

Designworks – a BMW Group company – is the organization leading the charge into boating. It partnered with American boat manufacturer Sea Ray in early 2021 to create a new boat called the Sundancer 370 Outboard. This boat is BMW’s biggest water-based project to date and could preview what the car company has in store for the future. These are the 2022 model’s main specifications:

  • Class: Cruiser
  • Hull Material: Fiberglass
  • Length: 39 feet and 9 inches
  • Weight: 21,008 pounds dry, 22,947 pounds total
  • Bridge Clearance: 12 feet
  • Fuel Tank: 250 gallons
  • Capacity: three people
  • Top Speed: 50.8 mph
  • Longest Range: 201 miles

Designers said they wanted the boat to have four characteristics: sleek, confident, athletic and distinctive. At first glance, it contains hints of previous Sundancer models but has sharper lines and a more aggressive look overall. It looks more like a vessel built for high speeds than a luxury cruiser. 

The four qualities the builders were looking for certainly come to mind when you approach the boat. The hull has innovative design features with their own new names, such as the S-sheer line, jawline and center crease.

These lines make the boat look more muscular and rugged, while the glass windshield goes all the way up to the hardtop canopy, allowing for better climate control and more comfortable driving. In fact, drivers describe the experience as yacht-like, as the boat delivered a smooth ride with few bumps and splashes.

Things get more luxurious once you step onboard – as expected for a BMW-influenced boat. The bow space is more open than usual for Sea Ray vessels, with plenty of seating and storage space. The stern also has comfortable, roomy seating, complemented by hardwood tables and surrounded by a powerful Fusion stereo system.

You enter the cabin from the port walkaround, where you’ll find a complete kitchen, bathroom and lodging for three. The stained hardwood and white fiberglass pair together remarkably well. A custom diamond pattern makes subtle appearances here and there, making it feel like a proper luxury vessel.

Boat Engines

BMW has also established itself in the production of boat engines, most notably with Swedish diesel outboard company Oxe Marine. BMW agreed to provide engine blocks for the company’s 200-horsepower (hp) engines and collaborate on a new 300-hp engine that will be released in the near future.

The BMW logo and caption “In Cooperation With BMW” will appear on every device as a sign of the partnership’s long-term intentions. BMW officials said the partnership “offers the BMW Group a chance to re-enter the marine business after several years of absence.” 

These partnerships with Sea Ray and Oxe Marine show that BMW is serious about increasing its influence in the boating industry. But what kind of success can a car company expect to have on the water? 

Looking Ahead

Although BMW has the brand awareness and technological capabilities to make a splash in the boating industry, the industry itself might not have room for another power player. Like many other lines of business, boating is facing supply shortages that could inhibit the production of the Sundancer and Oxe engines.

As a result of the supply shortages, options are limited, prices are high and buyers often have less time to consider purchasing a boat before someone else snatches it up. This rush leads to risky agreements, incomplete documentation and an overall lack of trust between sellers and buyers. These factors might stifle the growth of BMW-related boating products that many buyers aren’t familiar with.

But we’re being pessimistic and premature. The Sundancer was only released in early 2021, and the new Oxe Marine engine isn’t even finished yet. It’s far too early to determine the success/failure of these products. 

The most likely scenario is that BMW’s boating products will gain a niche following from wealthy buyers and luxury car enthusiasts looking to add to their collections. This group will be large and stable enough for BMW to dodge economic pitfalls and remain profitable, though further expansion will be difficult.

The Future Looks Bright… Enough

The Sundancer 370 Outboard has all the makings of a successful luxury cruiser and the partnership with Oxe Marine looks promising as well. The only thing stopping BMW from gaining influence in the boating industry is the industry itself. However, BMW has the reputation and resources to overcome subpar market conditions and attract a sustainable group of buyers.