Spartanburg Residents React to Trump’s Controversial Remarks on Auto Manufacturing
Spartanburg, SC
Former President Donald Trump stirred controversy during a speech at the Economic Club of Chicago on Tuesday. He criticized foreign automakers, claiming they are “getting away with murder” by assembling vehicles in South Carolina using components made in Germany. His remarks sparked a considerable backlash from business leaders and local citizens alike.
Trump emphasized that the assembly of cars is a simple task, likening it to a child’s play. “They say, ‘Oh yes, we’re building cars.’ They don’t build cars. They take ’em out of a box and assemble ’em. We could have our child do it,” he stated. While he did not name specific companies, Spartanburg is home to two notable German automakers: BMW and Mercedes-Benz Vans.
Current Landscape of Auto Manufacturing
In Spartanburg County, BMW operates a substantial facility that assembles vehicles. The plant, which opened in 1992, has a footprint of 8 million square feet and boasts numerous advanced operations, including three body shops and two assembly halls. The company has invested over $13 billion in the facility, creating around 11,000 jobs and producing approximately 1,500 vehicles daily.
Mercedes-Benz, operating in Ladson, produces Sprinter vans and has also contributed significantly to the local economy since its establishment. The plant employs about 1,700 workers and expanded its operations in 2017, underlining the importance of these facilities in the region.
Expert Reactions
The reaction to Trump’s comments was swift. Prominent figures like businessman Mark Cuban criticized Trump’s understanding of modern manufacturing processes. Cuban remarked, “He still thinks it’s 1965. It’s obvious he has no idea what it takes to manufacture any advanced product, car or otherwise.”
Betsy Teter, a former business reporter and founder of Hub City Writers Project, added further clarity to the discussion. She emphasized that almost every automotive plant, whether foreign or domestic, operates on an assembly model, where parts are sourced from various suppliers. “It is a ridiculous statement that this is a job for children. Has he never been in a factory?” she questioned.
BMW’s Response
Nathalie Bauters, head of Corporate Communications at BMW, defended the complexity and sophistication of the manufacturing process at the Spartanburg plant. She pointed out that its operations generate a total economic impact of $26.7 billion for South Carolina and support nearly 43,000 jobs with $3.1 billion in wages and salaries. “Our BMW X models are some of the most complex vehicles in the world,” she stated, highlighting the high level of skill required to produce these cars.
Furthermore, Bauters noted that BMW Spartanburg has been one of the largest automotive exporters by value in the United States, with an export value of $10.1 billion, showing that American-made products from South Carolina are in demand globally.
Historical Context
The criticism from Trump was noted in a broader context as well. Reports suggested that he previously expressed ambitions to pursue German automakers, specifically mentioning the desire to see fewer Mercedes-Benz vehicles on New York’s Fifth Avenue. This backdrop adds layers to the discourse around automotive manufacturing in America, particularly in regions heavily reliant on foreign investments.
As the debate continues, local voices are standing firm in advocating for the significance of the automotive industry in Spartanburg and beyond. The combined efforts of BMW and Mercedes-Benz not only contribute to the local economy but also showcase the capabilities and intricacies of modern manufacturing in the United States.
