BMW North America marks its 50th anniversary and unveils a new U.S. headquarters building.
**BMW of North America Celebrates 50 Years and Unveils New Headquarters**
Fifty years ago, BMW of North America began operations in the United States, marking the start of a journey that would see the company grow from a single importer to a full-fledged manufacturing and marketing powerhouse. On June 13, 2025, the company celebrated this significant milestone with the inauguration of a new headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, at 200 BMW Drive.
The new headquarters, reimagined as part of a consolidated and realigned campus focusing on connection and community, is designed to encourage focus, collaboration, and success. The open-plan layout allows daylight to flow across the floor, while higher ceilings and exposed structures create a modern and inviting workspace.
The design also incorporates energy-efficient angled LED lighting, saturated graphics, dimensional wood elements, and jewel-tone accents, reflecting BMW's commitment to innovation and style. Over 25 significant works of art, including pieces by Alfred Jensen and Alex Katz, are on display throughout the renovated building, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the space.
Since its establishment on March 15, 1975, when BMW of North America took over from the Hoffman Motor Corporation, the company has undergone numerous transformations. In 1988, its headquarters moved from Montvale to Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, where all operations—including development, design, training, marketing, and sales—were consolidated.
In September 1994, the first BMW car rolled off the production line at BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This plant has since become the BMW Group's largest worldwide manufacturing facility, producing millions of vehicles, including the X series SUVs (X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM).
The company's product portfolio expanded over the past five decades to include BMW Motorrad, MINI, and Rolls-Royce. MINI USA was established in 2002, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC followed in 2003. The BMW Group's network in the U.S. includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.
BMW of North America's activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually. The company's sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.
As BMW of North America looks to the future, its new headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, serves as a testament to the company's achievements over the past five decades and a symbol of its commitment to continued growth and success.
**Summary Table:**
| Year / Date | Event | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | March 15, 1975 | BMW of North America formed, takeover of Hoffman Motor Corp, first headquarters in NJ | | 1988 | HQ relocated from Montvale to Woodcliff Lake, NJ | | Sept 8, 1994 | First car produced at BMW Manufacturing, Spartanburg, SC | | Fall 1999 / 2000 | BMW Performance Center opened for customer driving experiences | | 2003 | Rolls-Royce NA distribution begins | | June 13, 2025 | 50th anniversary and opening of new HQ at 200 BMW Drive, Woodcliff Lake, NJ |
- The company's success in the manufacturing and marketing sector propelled BMW of North America to become a key player in the automotive industry.
- In addition to its automotive endeavors, BMW's business portfolio expanded to include BMW Motorrad, MINI, and Rolls-Royce, reflecting its involvement in the retail sector.
- The BMW Group's strategic collaborations extend beyond the automotive industry, with Designworks in California and the technology office in Silicon Valley, showcasing the company's engagement with technology and finance.
- BMW of North America's extensive network of retailers and dealers throughout the United States significantly contributes to the retail, finance, and transportation sectors, supporting over 120,000 jobs and contributing more than $43.3 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
