BMW to work with Mercedes-Benz to ship vehicles

• Source: Global Times
• [11:59 December 14 2009]
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BMW and Mini have signed a five-year deal to let Mercedes-Benz USA handle their shipments of cars going to the US through the port of Baltimore.

From March 1, 2010, the two brands will use the Mercedes-Benz vehicle preparation center to inspect and repair all pre-delivered vehicles.

Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America, said he expected about 50,000 vehicles destined for the central region, which includes Chicago, will be prepared by Mercedes-Benz. "Logistically, we will save a reasonable amount of money," O'Donnell said.

He said once the deal is implemented, the two brands could have a similar arrangement at other car processing centers.

Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, said there were other opportunities for cooperation between the two German automakers.

In 2009, the Baltimore vehicle process center handled 70,000 Mercedes-Benz and Smart vehicles, about 43 percent of its annual import volume.

Agencies and Shi Jierui contributed to this story