COLUMBIA --- Gov. Mark Sanford said Monday that he's courting BMW to consolidate all North American sales and marketing operations at its South Carolina manufacturing facility.
The latest pitch came a couple of weeks ago on a fast-paced, four-day economic recruitment trip that included a stop in Germany with BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer.
Mr. Sanford said he asked Mr. Reithofer, "Why wouldn't it make sense to consolidate North American operations at one spot rather than two?"
BMW Manufacturing spokesman Bobby Hitt said Mr. Sanford joins a line of South Carolina governors making the same pitch during the past 15 years.
"Every governor, including Carroll Campbell, has made the same suggestion," Mr. Hitt said. "I'm not aware of anyone packing any boxes yet."
Mr. Hitt didn't know how many jobs could be involved if that decision were made.
But Mr. Hitt says it's a tough sell. BMW of North America has its headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Mercedes Benz USA is a couple of miles away in Montvale, N.J. Mr. Hitt notes they and other automakers want to stay close to New York City.
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