BMW of North America, LLC. today opened its new $100 million addition to its Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey US headquarters. The expansion is BMW Group's largest investment in the U.S. since the inception of its U.S. subsidiary in 1975, apart from the plant in Spartanburg, S.C.

The new buildings will be home to BMW Group's national Training Center, Eastern Sales Region and U.S. Engineering operations. The facilities will help the company to develop advanced technology and the highest level of professional training for a premium customer experience. 1,000 people will be working on the expanded BMW of North America Campus.

"These new facilities represent BMW's long-term commitment to America, to New Jersey and the region from where we draw our talented work force," said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corp. "They are part of BMW's growing footprint in the U.S., a demonstration of our increasing commitment to and presence in this great country."

Overall, BMW Group will invest $1billion in the U.S. by 2012 to retain its position in the world's largest vehicle market. With total sales of more than 336,000 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles in 2007, BMW Group has enjoyed 16 years of consecutive growth in America.

"The investments are a clear sign of our strong belief in the potential of the U.S. market. We know that we have to invest in the world's biggest market if we want to be successful on a worldwide scale," said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales and Marketing. "The long term market outlook for the U.S. is positive – even though the country is navigating through a soft economy today. The U.S. will remain by far the leading premium vehicle market in terms of size and impact and we are well prepared to be part of the growth."

Apart from the investment in New Jersey, the company recently announced plans to expand production of its South Carolina plant by 50 percent by 2012. $750 million will be invested and 500 additional jobs created at the factory. BMW of North America also announced to build two new regional parts distribution centers to better serve the increasing numbers of BMW and MINI vehicles on U.S. roads. Total investment for these facilities including inventory will be $170 million.