Earlier this week, BMW of North America announced a new Vehicle Accessories Center will be opened in Greer, South Carolina. This $25,000,000 investment comes shortly after the recent announcement of a near $1,700,000,000 (that’s a lot of zeros) investment to build Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) at Plant Spartanburg and produce batteries in nearby Woodruff, South Carolina. The new facility measures in at a whooping 60,000 square feet, will create 60 new jobs, and will support 350 BMW dealers across the U.S.
What happens at a Vehicle Accessories Center (VAC)? I’m so glad you asked. Vehicles are accessorized! No, this doesn’t meant they are bedazzled with rhinestones—yet. Though, perhaps we shouldn’t give BMW any ideas. The VAC is the place where “a full range of exterior and interior accessories including wheels, body parts, decals, M Performance parts, interior trim pieces, floor mats, roof accessories, and more” are factory installed. Perhaps similar to what happens at BMW NA’s new Vehicle Distribution Center.
Inside BMW NA’s VDC in Baltimore, Maryland.
Sebastian Mackensen, President & CEO, BMW of North America, says, “This new vehicle accessories center embodies our commitment to delivering the best premium customer experience in the industry. By factory installing accessories before delivery to the dealer, vehicles arrive already as ordered by customers. This will provide for a more efficient process and quicker delivery times for our customers.” This makes sense, but they could probably just throw the floor mats in the trunk (I kid).
A boat full of vehicles waiting to be unloaded next to BMW NA’s VDC.
As always, if you’re ever in the area and would like to see what goes on at Plant Spartanburg, book a plant tour and check out the Zentrum museum. The BMW CCA Foundation’s Ultimate Driving Museum is across the street, and BMW CCA headquarters is right down the road, so make sure to stop by for a visit!—Mike Bevels
