BMW

BMW to open its own manufacturing site in Brazil

BMW is to open its own motorcycle production site at Manaus, Brazil, at the end of 2016.
The new facility will create around 170 jobs with planning already going ahead for the production of more than 10,000 BMW motorcycles in 2017 for the Brazilian market, and is expecting significant volume growth in the market by assembling the new BMW G 310 R locally.
Eight other models will be produced in Manaus in addition to the entry-level model in the under 500 cubic capacity segment. The new production site replaces the current contract manufacturing being conducted by Dafra Motos in their plant in Manaus. BMW says it was agreed with Dafra that their production will be terminated this summer.
BMW states that Brazil represents a motorcycle market of strategic importance. With the new plant BMW Motorrad is positioning itself in a growing market environment and is expanding its involvement in Brazil. “With our global growth strategy we are opening up emerging markets such as Brazil. The G 310 R plays a key role in winning over new enthusiastic target groups for BMW Motorrad”, says Stephan Schaller, General Director of BMW Motorrad.
The company claims that it is currently the market leader in 27 countries in the premium segment over 500cc, and that it is set to continue growing sustainably and profitably. “The model initiative continues to advance and the worldwide sales network will be expanded significantly. The aim is to sell 200,000 units per year by 2020. The BMW Group is continuing to extend its involvement in the existing markets and is above all tapping new markets in Asia and South America. Further special focus is being placed on urban mobility”.
The BMW Group Plant Berlin will take on the lead plant function for establishing the new motorcycle production plant in Manaus. “At the BMW Group we place emphasis on international manufacturing sites in order to reinforce our market position further. With the start of production in Manaus, the BMW Group Plant Berlin is looking forward to supporting the international production network and the colleagues there.
BMW thanks its Brazilian partner Dafra for the good working relationship in the past years. Dafra Motos has been building BMW motorcycles in Manaus since 2009.