BMW has announced a move of production of some of its engines from the UK to Africa , to avoid potential disruption in a no - deal Brexit . The engines are sent to be assembled into cars at BMW 's South Africa plant , which makes vehicles that are sold in the UK . These engines were previously made at BMW 's West Midlands plant , which employs 800 people . It made the decision to ensure that cars assembled in South Africa – which manufactures for the EU markets – comply with trade rules, avoiding steep tariffs. The factory 's output has remained the same , as engines it makes are now sent to BMW 's South Carolina plant , but the shift reflects anxieties in the automotive industry about potential tariffs and supply - chain disruption in a no - deal economy .
BMW has announced a move of production of some of its engines from the UK to Africa , to avoid potential disruption in a no - deal Brexit . The engines are sent to be assembled into cars at BMW 's South Africa plant , which makes vehicles that are sold in the UK . These engines were previously made at BMW 's West Midlands plant , which employs 800 people . The factory 's output has remained the same , as engines it makes are now sent to BMW 's South Carolina plant , but the shift reflects anxieties in the automotive industry about potential tariffs and supply - chain disruption in a no - deal economy .