BMW 'absolutely committed' to new Mexican plant

German luxury vehicle manufacturer BMW has said that it was "absolutely" committed to a new plant in Mexico despite US President-elect Donald Trump's hostility to imported cars, a media report said on Monday.

BMW Sales and Marketing Director Ian Robertson told the BBC that the firm was "absolutely" committed its new plant in San Luis Potosi, which will make its 3 Series cars for sale across North America.

He added that the company was investing $1 billion in its plant in South Carolina and pointed out that BMW was the biggest exporter of cars, in terms of value, from the US.

"I don't think there's any discussion that BMW is not at home in the US. Yes we are building a plant in Mexico. Yes we built a plant in Brazil last year. Yes we are building plants in other parts of the world as our capacity increases. But that's part of a normal strategic manufacturing direction," Robertson said.

Trump has threatened to impose a "border" tax on firms that make cars in Mexico for the US market.

Last week, Trump criticised General Motors for building cars in Mexico for the US market.

"General Motors is sending Mexican-made model of Chevy Cruze to US car dealers tax-free across border. Make in USA or pay big border tax!" he tweeted.

He also threatened Toyota with a border tax if it went a head with a plant in Mexico.

On Sunday Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced a $1 billion plan to produce three Jeep models in the US, the BBC said.

FCA will also move the production of a Ram pickup truck from Mexico to the US.

--IANS

ksk/vm