We use cookies to make interactions with our websites easy and meaningful. To learn more, click here.
South Carolina
Download 2023 Economic Impact Report
South Carolina Economic Impact
Last year, international automakers created 76,647 local jobs in the Palmetto State, directly employing 15,420 South Carolinians. The state is home to BMW Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and a new Volvo Car USA plant. The South Carolina state economic impact report highlights this and other examples of the economic growth occurring across South Carolina thanks to international automakers.
Production
485,291
vehicles produced in 2022
100%
total auto production
$6.2B
purchased from U.S. suppliers
Sales
151
international nameplate dealerships
111,469
new vehicles registered in 2022
58%
market share of vehicles sold
Green Sales
*Retail and fleet sales CY2022 for Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Ferrari, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Karma, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Scion, smart, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo Cars. Source: Experian Information Solutions, Inc.
Employment
76,647 total jobs generated in South Carolina
15,420 direct employment
8,432 dealership jobs
52,789 other indirect employment
$5.5 billion total employee compensation
$715 million dealership employee compensation
$4.8 billion in direct and other indirect employee compensation
Revenue
The operations and related activities of international automakers and auto dealers in the U.S. contributed $11 billion (3.7%) to South Carolina Gross State Product (GSP) in 2022.
International Automakers’ Vehicles Made in South Carolina

BMW X3 PHEV*

BMW X5 PHEV*

BMW XM PHEV*

Volvo S60 PHEV

Volvo S60 Sedan*

Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo**

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo**

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger**

BMW X3*

BMW X4*

BMW X5*

BMW X6*

BMW X7*
International Automakers Facilities
Manufacturing |
Location | State |
---|---|---|
Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC | Ladson | SC |
Volvo Car U.S. Operations | Ridgeville | SC |
BMW Manufacturing Corp, LLC | Greer | SC |
BMW Manufacturing Corp, LLC | Woodruff | SC |
BMW Manufacturing Corp, LLC | Florence | SC |
R&D |
Location | State |
---|---|---|
BMW Group Information Technology Research Center | Greenville | SC |
Sales/Training/Zone Office |
Location | State |
---|---|---|
Volvo Car Manufacturing Training Center | Ridgeville | SC |
Volvo Car University | Ridgeville | SC |
Volvo South Carolina Technical Center | Ridgeville | SC |
BMW North America Training Center | Greer | SC |
Parts Center |
Location | State |
---|---|---|
Nissan Parts Distribution Center | Greenville | SC |
BMW of North America Continental Distribution Center | Spartanburg | SC |
Other |
Location | State |
---|---|---|
Mercedes-Benz USA Marshalling Yard | Ladson | SC |
BMW Performance Center | Greer | SC |
Volvo Car US Operations | Summerville | SC |
Programs and Partnerships
Workforce Development |
Location | State |
---|---|---|
BMW Manufacturing Co.: BMW Scholars Program | Greer | SC |
BMW Manufacturing Co.: BMW Management Development Program | Greer | SC |
BMW Manufacturing Co.: Road to Production Management | Greer | SC |
BMW Manufacturing Co.: Equipment Services Associate Development Program | Greer | SC |
BMW Manufacturing Co.: BMW PACE Program | Greer | SC |
BMW of North America, LLC: The BMW Automotive Service Technician Education Program (STEP) | Greer | SC |
BMW of North America, LLC and BMW Retail Centers: BMW Group University | Greer | SC |
Apprenticeship Carolina | Columbia | SC |
Trident Technical Community College | North Charleston | SC |
Maintenance Apprenticeship Program | Ridgeville | SC |