[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW of North America Celebrates Grand Opening of New Vehicle Distribution Center at Tradepoint Atlantic Terminal in Baltimore, Maryland.

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35-Acre Site Will Help Meet Growing Demand for BMW and MINI Vehicles in the Region.

Baltimore, MD – February 7, 2022… BMW of North America and Tradepoint Atlantic today celebrated the grand opening of the new BMW vehicle distribution center (VDC) at the Tradepoint Atlantic Terminal in Sparrows Point, Maryland. The two companies were joined by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, and Maryland Port Administration/Port of Baltimore Executive Director William P. Doyle to mark the occasion. The 35-acre site at 1301 Shipyard Road, in Sparrows Point, MD includes a new purpose-built 75,000 sq. ft. building, nearly doubling the size of the BMW’s previous location on Broening Highway.

The new BMW vehicle distribution center at Tradepoint Atlantic Terminal will support more than 125 BMW and MINI dealers in the Central and Eastern Regions of the U.S. In addition to receiving vehicles from manufacturing facilities and acting as a distribution hub, the site also performs vehicle inspections, repairs (mechanical, paint, and body), accessory installations, vehicle programming, and maintenance. These additional functions are critical in ensuring that each vehicle meets the BMW Group’s high-quality standards before final delivery to dealer lots.

“Vehicle distribution centers are a critically important part of our operations, helping to support our dealer network, and ultimately in getting vehicles into customers hands,” said Claus Eberhart, vice president, aftersales, BMW of North America. “With the ability to process up to 100,000 vehicles annually, the BMW vehicle distribution center at Tradepoint Atlantic Terminal will help us meet growing demand for BMW and MINI vehicles in the region.”

The new location at Tradepoint Atlantic provides BMW with several logistical advantages, including access to deep water berths and proximity to rail and highway transportation. The repurposing of what was once an integrated steel mill and implementation of active recycling and waste management programs align with BMW Group’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Highlights of these sustainability efforts on site include smart lighting throughout the building, a water reclamation system in the facility’s car wash, aluminum, plastic, and cardboard recycling, and a purpose-built design to create an efficient workflow and reduce vehicle movement and emissions.

"When you think about BMW, the words, 'quality,' 'sophistication,' and 'style,' come to mind—and standing here looking out over this beautiful facility, it's clear why that is," said Kerry Doyle, Managing Director of Tradepoint Atlantic. "BMW's phenomenal record of operating in Maryland speaks for itself; combined with Tradepoint's global logistics facility purpose-built to accommodate this exact kind of business, this vehicle distribution center is poised to deliver significant supply chain advantages for more than 100 dealerships and countless consumers throughout the region. Tradepoint Atlantic could not be more proud to play an integral role in BMW's expansion within the Port of Baltimore, and we look forward to many years of growth together."

“With this new state-of-the-art facility, BMW is nearly doubling the size of its previous location, launching a major distribution hub to serve 126 BMW and MINI dealers with the capacity to process up to 100,000 vehicles,” said Governor Hogan. “The job creation and associated economic benefits are a game changer. But equally as important, this partnership allows the Port of Baltimore to continue leading the way in responding to the current supply chain crisis and cements our port’s vaunted status as the largest importer of automobiles in America for years to come.”

“Over the past seven and a half years, Tradepoint Atlantic has worked with the entire Port of Baltimore family to breathe new life into Sparrows Point, which was once the site of the world’s largest steel mill and is again contributing to the Port’s status as a huge economic engine linking our state with the global economy,” said Sen. Van Hollen. “This new BMW distribution center will bring more jobs to Baltimore and contribute to our efforts to build greater economic opportunity in the region. Federal Team Maryland is a proud partner in the effort to ensure the success of this area, having helped secure over $500 million to boost jobs, capacity, and efficiency in and around the Port over the past five years.”

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the official opening of BMW’s distribution center, representing the latest sign of Sparrows Point’s transformation into a thriving economic engine for our entire state,” Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “By significantly expanding their distribution efforts and creating even more jobs for our working families, BMW is doubling-down on Baltimore County, and we are grateful for their commitment to our region and the continued success of Tradepoint Atlantic as a flourishing hub for global commerce.”

“It’s a terrific day for Tradepoint Atlantic, BMW, and the Port of Baltimore,” said Maryland Port Administration - Port of Baltimore Executive Director William P. Doyle. “The historic Sparrows Point is being revitalized to a leading 21st century supply chain and logistics hub. The Port of Baltimore is the largest importer and exporter of automobiles in the United States of America, and Tradepoint Atlantic’s new BMW vehicle processing center is going to help the Port of Baltimore sustain our top ranking for years to come. Welcome to Baltimore BMW, and a big congratulations to Tradepoint!”

Next month, BMW will introduce two all-new, fully electric vehicles in the U.S. - the BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle and the BMW i4, four-door Gran Coupe. Both vehicles were on display at the event as a preview to dealers and other stakeholders in attendance.

Also present at the event was Captain Glenn Wiedeck from Baltimore County Police Precinct 12 in Dundalk to receive four brand new BMW electric bicycles donated by the company.

BMW of North America currently operates vehicle distribution centers in New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, Texas, and California, serving a dealer body of 350 BMW and 105 MINI dealers nationwide. The U.S. is also home to the largest BMW production facility in the world, located in Spartanburg, SC, which has made BMW the leading exporter of vehicles from the U.S. by value for the past seven years. Since the opening of Plant Spartanburg in 1994, more than 5 million BMW vehicles have been built in the U.S., including a record 433,810 vehicles in 2021.

[chassis]

Makes sense as it is near a large, dense and wealthy population center on the US eastern seaboard, and near the major seaport of Baltimore.

Congrats to BMW for increasing its capacity to get product into the hands of consumers.

[fl650]

Now if they only had cars to distribute . . .

[Ibiza]

Originally Posted by fl650

Now if they only had cars to distribute . . .

Had to upgrade the available VDC space to store the inbound German build vehicles for the RAM/camera module stop sales.

[G30 B58]

Originally Posted by fl650

Now if they only had cars to distribute . . .

Not cars but parts for cars.

[Kief]

Tell that to these poor guys...
https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1871561

[merlin3008]

This completely clarifies the previously inexplicable delays in Baltimore. They've been transitioning to a new facility. I had a car on the ground in Baltimore for 11 weeks. BMW should've just been transparent about all of that.

[bloozemanAZ]

So they're moving to a new location... big deal outside of the announcement for press, etc. but the remaining issues with stop orders, vehicles stuck waiting for parts, etc. continues.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by merlin3008

This completely clarifies the previously inexplicable delays in Baltimore. They've been transitioning to a new facility. I had a car on the ground in Baltimore for 11 weeks. BMW should've just been transparent about all of that.

Depending on your your car's status the move may not have an impact whatsoever. In fact if it is ready to go BMW wouldn't sit on it for nearly 3 months as inventory turnover is king in the retail market.

[Resjudicata]

Originally Posted by fl650

Now if they only had cars to distribute . . .

^^^ this

[Resjudicata]

Originally Posted by bloozemanAZ

So they're moving to a new location... big deal outside of the announcement for press, etc. but the remaining issues with stop orders, vehicles stuck waiting for parts, etc. continues.

^ agree

[Game]

Originally Posted by Resjudicata

^^^ this

Originally Posted by fl650

Now if they only had cars to distribute . . .

BMW sold more cars last year than ever actually.

[fl650]

Originally Posted by Game

BMW sold more cars last year than ever actually.

Maybe in China . . .

[merlin3008]

Originally Posted by bloozemanAZ

Depending on your your car's status the move may not have an impact whatsoever. In fact if it is ready to go BMW wouldn't sit on it for nearly 3 months as inventory turnover is king in the retail market.

My car and tons of others had the RAM stop sale. My point is that the transition in processing centers explains the lack of equity in processing time. Baltimore cars tended to sit a lot longer whereas cars in Galveston, California, NY, Brunswick, etc. went through much much faster. BMW could never explain why. Now I get it.

[GOLFFRR]

[pseto]

For east coast orders, if there are delays, sounds like a good excuse for Performance Center delivery at Spartanburg plant. I believe those are delivered through Georgia

[tambat]

Originally Posted by fl650

Maybe in China . . .

BMW sales are up by 20% in 2021 compared to 2020 in North America and topped all luxury brands in NA.

Just because a vocal minority comes on the forums and complains about their affected orders does not mean its doom and gloom for everybody.

BMW is indeed selling more cars than ever.

[vj123]

Hopefully this update push through the vehicles which have been stuck in Baltimore for a while.

[Resjudicata]

Originally Posted by Game

BMW sold more cars last year than ever actually.

I can confirm that it's extremely difficult to find any BMW on the lots that isn't sold.
A 6-8 week "backlog" is too much. We need more vehicles on the ground, in the lots.

Dealerships used to have a 90+ day supply. They currently have 0 day supply.
Cleaning out the "pantry" isn't the same a sustainable kitchen with chefs that keep serving food to restaurants.

Maybe they sold a lot; but it was at the expense of dealerships inventory.

[adc]

Originally Posted by Resjudicata

I can confirm that it's extremely difficult to find any BMW on the lots that isn't sold.
A 6-8 week "backlog" is too much. We need more vehicles on the ground, in the lots.

Dealerships used to have a 90+ day supply. They currently have 0 day supply.
Cleaning out the "pantry" isn't the same a sustainable kitchen with chefs that keep serving food to restaurants.

Maybe they sold a lot; but it was at the expense of dealerships inventory.

Agreed.

I wanted to order an X2 M35i, order books are closed with no info and no ETA. So I searched dealer inventory, which BMW made extremely hard to do since they only allow new vehicle search for a 100 mile radius. Anyway, circumvented with cars.com and autotrader and found my car in Chicago.

I flew and picked it up over the weekend.

It’s a ball of nervous energy and enthusiasm. But that’s a different story.


Related to the post, very little inventory at BMW and Mini dealers. It was shocking to see that many models were just not represented at all, and for others inventory was like 1-3 cars.

[overcoil]

Local news tonight showed this facility. One of the other stations zoomed in a mint green M3 that was absolutely wild. Used to be the sight at one time of the largest steel mill in the Americas ( I think ).
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/bmw-v...ntic/39002029#

[Game]

Originally Posted by Resjudicata

I can confirm that it's extremely difficult to find any BMW on the lots that isn't sold.
A 6-8 week "backlog" is too much. We need more vehicles on the ground, in the lots.

Dealerships used to have a 90+ day supply. They currently have 0 day supply.
Cleaning out the "pantry" isn't the same a sustainable kitchen with chefs that keep serving food to restaurants.

Maybe they sold a lot; but it was at the expense of dealerships inventory.

That's the direction BMW wants to go. They want the customer to place their order to their spec and off they go. We're no longer a pantry and more so a chipotle. You get in line for your car and build it to your needs.

The way BMW disperses their allocations is based on how quickly the dealer can sell cars off their pipeline. The longer they have a car sitting on the lot, the less allocations of that specific vehicle they'll get in the future.