03. 09. 10. - 12:00

BMW X3 production shifted from Graz

BMW has relocated production of a new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) from Austria to the United States.

The German car maker has had the latest edition of the X3 model manufactured at Magna Steyr’s plant near Graz, Styria, until the end of last month. Now the production of the small 3 Series-based vehicle has started at its own facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

This means the company produces three X series models in the USA since the X5 and X6 types are already built at the plant in Spartanburg.

The new version of the X3 will be on sale later this year or next year.

Meanwhile, Magna Steyr plant officials announced a 55 per cent year on year production increase. They said 40,352 vehicles were built between January and June of this year, adding that there was a 60 per cent year on year jump in production in the second quarter.

New models of BMW’s Mini, an upcoming Peugeot sports coupé and the latest Aston Martin are produced at the factory just outside the Styrian capital.