Posted on Wednesday 23 July 2008
The low value of the U.S. dollar against the Euro has forced BMW to change its production plans for the next-generation Z4 sports car. At the moment the Z4 is built alongside the X5 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but the new model, due late next year, will be built in Germany, most likely at BMW’s Regensburg plant. The extra capacity at Spartanburg is needed for the new X6 as well as the next-generation X3, which will also see production in the U.S. for the first time when it arrives in 2010.
This means that production of the current Z4 coupe and convertible will come to an end within the next 12 months, and according to Auto Motor und Sport production could end as early as next month. A BMW spokesman confirmed that Z4 exports have already stopped for most markets and no special edition model is being planned to mark the end of production.
BMW’s next-generation Z4 roadster is due to arrive next year as a 2010 model, and contrary to numerous reports the new model will grow in both size and price. Heavily camouflaged prototypes of the car have been spotted testing at the Nurburgring revealing that a new folding metal hard-top option will be added with the introduction of the new model.
So I am to understand that since the SC plant won’t be producing the Z4 anymore we won’t see the next generation one here since it has to be exported and the dollar is so weak?
No, BMW is freeing up capacity at Spartanburg to build more popular models in the U.S. like the X3, which is currently imported. Less popular models, like the Z4, will be imported.
Might make it more desireable, since it will be built by Zee Germans…
Does this mean that there will not be a 2009 Z4 Roadster with a soft top.