In a strategic move towards bolstering its global production network, BMW Group’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico embarks on a transformative journey, poised to accommodate the production of the highly anticipated Neue Klasse. The commencement of construction for a local high-voltage battery assembly marks a significant milestone, signaling a total investment of 800 million euros into expanding the Mexican production facility.
Set to roll off the production line in Mexico from 2027 onwards, the Neue Klasse represents the future of BMW’s automotive offerings. With the Sports Activity Vehicle model slated for debut at the new BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary by late 2025, followed by the Sedan ramping up in Munich in 2026, Mexico will soon join the production fray, initially focusing on the Sports Activity Vehicle variant.
At the heart of this expansion lies the future high-voltage battery assembly facility at Plant San Luis Potosí, spanning over 80,000 square meters. Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG’s Board of Management member responsible for Production, emphasizes the global significance of this endeavor, highlighting the integration of battery assembly as part of BMW’s commitment to the “local for local” principle, ensuring production resilience amidst dynamic market conditions.
The close proximity of battery assembly to vehicle manufacturing underscores BMW’s dedication to efficiency and sustainability. By strategically locating assembly sites worldwide, including Hungary, China, the USA, and Lower Bavaria, BMW fortifies its production capabilities while minimizing environmental impact through reduced carbon footprints.
Central to the Neue Klasse’s innovative design is the utilization of newly developed round cells, promising a 20 percent increase in energy density and up to 30 percent faster charging speeds. Moreover, range is set to soar by 30 percent, embodying BMW’s relentless pursuit of technological advancement.
In tandem with battery assembly integration, Plant San Luis Potosí undergoes a comprehensive overhaul, including expansions to the body shop, assembly, and logistics areas, totaling nearly 30,000 square meters. Harald Gottsche, President and CEO of BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí, reaffirms the plant’s commitment to sustainability and technological leadership, positioning it as a trailblazer in Mexico’s automotive landscape.
Furthermore, the plant’s sustainability initiatives extend to energy efficiency, with plans to double photovoltaic output and expand wastewater treatment capabilities. Nicole Haft-Zboril, Head of Real Estate Management at BMW Group, underscores the company’s dedication to environmentally conscious practices, emphasizing the importance of onsite renewable energy generation.
In addition to infrastructure enhancements, BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí prioritizes employee skills development, ensuring a highly qualified workforce equipped to navigate future challenges. With a focus on safety awareness and technological proficiency, BMW remains committed to empowering its employees for success in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
Since its inception in 2019, BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí has been a cornerstone of BMW’s global production network, employing around 3,700 skilled professionals to produce the BMW 3 Series Sedan, BMW 2 Series Coupé, and BMW M2 models for the global market. As it prepares to embrace the future with the Neue Klasse, the plant solidifies its position as a hub of innovation, sustainability, and excellence in Mexico’s automotive industry.
