Z4 production in US to end very soon
 

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.

http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-con..._Z4_main01.jpg

So at the end of the run can one consider the Z4 a success? I know sales have been pretty slow.

I didn't think it was a bad looking car and for the price (especially on the pre-owned market) was a sold performance value. I did a BMW sponsored autocross when the Z4 was first introduced and was impressed with the performance. It was a blast to drive.

We almost ended up with a Z4, but got the X5 instead. I know...I know, 2 totally different vehicles, but it was my wifes choice and those were the two cars she liked.

Actualy sales have been not that bad as per BMW sources. Looking at current financing offers @ BMWUSA.com Z4 financing is not .9% as against other BMWs.

I think it was a success. It was never going to be a volume seller. The styling set a direction for BMW with the flame surfacing, and thus allowed the sedans to be more restrained, while still moving in a clearly defined direction with a common theme. I enjoyed our Z4 for a few years, and didn't regret buying it. It was a lot more car than the Z3. It wasn't a Z8, but then I didn't want that much cash tied up in a car that would sit in the garage most of the time.

The first sentence in that article is really wrong. Anything built in the US has a big (huge, enormous) advantage due to the current exchange rate.

BMW is trying to De-Americanize the Z4 image and that is the reason to move to Germany. More sales outside of US.

Nope. Keep guessing.

Trust me. If LeMansX5 says why or what BMW is doing, he is accurate. He gets good information and knows what he is talking about.

Judging by your location and secondary country, you may very well work at the S.C. plant, but LeMansX5 manages to get inside information that very few other people can match time and time again.

However, if you too have inside info, then please share.

No doubt, but in this case, the root cause is not the exchange rate as stated in the first post, nor a perception that because a particular model is built in America (image problems with the Z3 or X5 overseas?) it is 'less-than' it could be.

The first post is copy and paste from Motor Authority and not my comments. But to my knowledge Z4 production in US ends next month.