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.

2010 BMW Z4 spy shots

2010 BMW Z4 spy shots