SOUTH CAROLINA CELEBRATES ONE MILLIONTH BMW THROUGH PORT OF CHARLESTON

Charleston, SC - South Carolina today celebrated the one millionth BMW shipped
through the Port of Charleston, demonstrating the strength of a relationship
that began in 1992 when the automaker broke ground in the state on its first
U.S. production facility.

The millionth BMW was a right-hand drive Titanium Silver X5 sports activity
vehicle destined for Great Britain.

"This milestone symbolizes the strategic partnership between BMW and the Port
of Charleston," said Bob Nitto, Vice President for Corporate Affairs at BMW
Manufacturing Co.

BMW first began shipping cars through Charleston in June 1994, when 65 imports
crossed the docks. The first exports began in March 1995 with 11 cars.
Presently, on an average day, BMW ships more than 400 vehicles through the
port.

BMW exports South Carolina-assembled X5 sports activity vehicles and Z4
Roadsters to more than 120 worldwide markets through the Port of Charleston.
The company also imports 3, 5, 6, and 7 Series vehicles and MINIs for
distribution to 22 states in the south and central United States. For this
year, 112,000 vehicles will be imported and 75,000 will be exported.

BMW has invested $2.3 billion in its South Carolina operations and has 4,500
employees. Locating the factory in the United States has led to the creation
of a North American supplier network encompassing 140 companies. Forty key
suppliers are located in South Carolina, including 31 who chose to place new
North American operations in the state to partner with BMW.

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