BMW Plant Spartanburg not affected by semiconductor chip shortage

Despite an ongoing semiconductor chip shortage, BMW Manufacturing said Thursday the Spartanburg plant will continue to produce vehicles on schedule with suppliers expected to fulfill chip orders for the year.

"Since the beginning of the semiconductor component shortage, BMW Plant Spartanburg has been able to maintain its weekly production levels," said Sky Foster, Department Manager, BMW Corporate Communications. "However, the situation is very fluid, and the BMW Procurement team is in daily communication with our suppliers."

Automakers use semiconductor chips in the manufacturing process. The shortages in semiconductor chips began in late 2020. Some automakers have made adjustments in the manufacturing process by providing less technology and not including certain features such as high-tech navigation systems since in some cases the semiconductor chips have not been available.

Foster said BMW Plant Spartanburg's semiconductor chip orders will be supplied.

"The BMW Group ordered the required volume of components for 2021 at the appropriate time, and we expect our suppliers to fulfill these orders as stipulated by the contract," Foster said.

Chris Lavender is the public safety and breaking news reporter for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal. He can be contacted at chris.lavender@shj.com or on Twitter @LavenderSHJ