BMW Group broke ground on the construction of its new plant in Mexico on July 16. The new plant is set to be completed in 2019 for production of BMW 3 Series Sedan. The Mexico plant will also be BMW’s “greenest” manufacturing site.

The BMW Group plant, locating in San Luis Potosí, is a full plant that comprises body shop, paint shop and assembly. The plant will feature an innovative production system and comprehensive sustainability standards.

BMW aims to operate the plant’s full operation completely by electricity generated from renewable energy resources. For example, BMW is going to develop a ground-mounted PV power station on the plant’s ground for supplying solar electricity.

Furthermore, responsible use of water resources will be a particular sustainability goal in the San Luis Potosí plant. The facility will have the lowest water consumption per vehicle produced in the production network. This will be the BMW Group's first paint shop to produce zero process wastewater. The water needed for the painting process is reconditioned and recycled.

"All of the BMW Group's knowledge and capabilities will be on show at our new location in Mexico,” stated Oliver Zipse, Board of Management member for Production in BMW Group. “The production system being established there will be a leader in productivity and sustainability, thanks to the use of innovative technologies. I am delighted to launch this ground-breaking BMW Group plant on its way."

The San Luis Potosí plant will build the BMW brand's best-selling model series, the BMW 3 Series Sedan. Production is expected to start in 2019, with an annual production capacity of up to 150,000 units.

The BMW Group is investing approximately US$1 billion in the new plant and creating at least 1,500 new jobs.

(Photo Credit: BMW Group)