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BMW to announce location of new plant in Mexico in July

Volkswagen manufactures in Mexico. Soon Audi will as well, and Mercedes-Benz is said to be working on a deal to assemble some of its cars at a Nissan plant in Mexico too. That leaves BMW out of the mix of German automakers building cars South of the Border, but that may soon be rectified, as well.
According to Automotive News, the Bavarian automaker is preparing to announce the site of its first Mexican assembly plant as soon as July, now just two months away. BMW already builds cars for North American consumption at its plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but has reportedly been keen to capitalize on cheaper labor and the benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement to supply vehicles to the United States and Canada especially.
When BMW does announce the site of the plant - reportedly narrowed down to either Hidalgo or San Luis Potosi - it is tipped to work its way up to 100,000 vehicles per year at the new location, potentially to include the 3 Series as well as smaller, front-drive models, including Minis.

NHTSA gives okay for three automakers to skirt tire-related recalls

BMW, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz are all going to avoid small recalls, after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued petitions for "findings of inconsequential noncompliance" to the three manufacturers, according to Tire Business. Basically, the petitions allow the brands to avoid recalls for some very, very minor issues.
BMW had tire placards on 364 X6 M CUVs that stated the car could only handle four passengers, when in reality it had room for three in the back. Actual plausibility of fitting three real humans in the slope-roofed Bimmer aside, the Munich-based manufacturer argued it was inconsequential, as the placards were correct regardless of the number of passengers.
Honda's case focused on 212 2011 and 2012 Acura TSX sedans equipped with 18-inch wheels. The TPMS systems on these cars were set for 17-inch wheels, rather than the larger hoops, but even with the lower settings, the tires maintain adequate load capacity.

BMW increases i3 price by $1,075 for 2015

The BMW i3 did well in its first year on the market, selling 6,02 units in the US and 16,052 units worldwide. For 2015, it gets total price increase of $1,075, partially reflecting new standard equipment that was formerly an option and a bump in its destination cost. The 2014 starting price of $41,350 becomes $42,400 for 2015, an extra $1,050, and the destination increase of $25 to $950 makes the out-the-door price $43,350. The range-extended model goes up by the same amount, from $45,200 last year to $46,250 this year. After destination, it's $47,200 out the door. For 2015, DC Fast Charging is included, no longer a $700 option, thanks to the expansion of the fast-charging network through a collaboration between BMW, Volkswagen and Chargepoint. Beyond that, satellite radio and heated seats migrate to the standard features list. We have a feeling none of this will hurt the plug-in car's sales momentum this year. Featured Gallery 2014 BMW i3: First Drive View 33 Photos News Source: Green Car ReportsImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Sebastian Blanco / AOL Green BMW Car Buying Hatchback Electric Hybrid