McLaren’s connection with the U.S. goes back decades and can be traced to its racing roots in the Can-Am series of the 1960s, where it dominated American circuits. Subsequently, the iconic 241 mph McLaren F1 that came in the 1990s, currently valued at $20+ million, became a prized collector’s item among American enthusiasts, including the likes of Jay Leno, who owns a pristine black example.
However, it wasn’t until the MP4-12C launch in 2011 that McLaren Automotive officially established its U.S. dealer network. Since then, the company has built a loyal stateside following through models like the 720S, Artura, and more exclusive nameplates like the Senna and the P1, led by former McLaren design boss Frank Stephenson.
That momentum hasn’t slowed, and in 2024, McLaren sold approximately 1,270 cars in the U.S. a 16 percent increase over the previous year. McLaren is one of only two exotic brands to have witnessed a rise in U.S. registrations, according to S&P Global Mobility. That growing footprint is exactly why McLaren is committing more. The British supercarmaker has now announced plans for a new state-of-the-art 50,000-square-foot Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) in Baltimore, Maryland, set to open in late 2026.
“McLaren, The Americas is committed to expanding our infrastructure and continued investment in the largest global market for our high-performance luxury supercars. The new McLaren VPC will enable us to fully check and sign off every single car, install local accessory packs, and bring full paint protection film installation directly on site,” Nicolas Brown, President, McLaren, The Americas
Being developed by Tradepoint Atlantic, the upcoming center will sit on a four-acre parcel at Sparrows Point, and Volkswagen of America also has a prence nearby. Once home to Bethlehem Steel, this site will soon inspect, accessorize, and protect every U.S.-bound McLaren, before continuing onto its 26-strong U.S. dealer network.
Backed by a $10.5 million investment, this facility will create at least 20 skilled jobs across areas like paint protection, vehicle logistics, technical inspection, and management by 2028. Additionally, Baltimore County has committed $100,000 in economic development incentives to support the project.
“We are thrilled to welcome McLaren to the Great State of Maryland. Today, we mark the latest chapter in our work to grow our state’s economy by building out high-tech manufacturing in every corner of the state. This new facility at Tradepoint Atlantic in the Port of Baltimore will turbocharge Maryland’s economic engine, and is a vivid example of how we can create new opportunities by uplifting international partnerships and attracting foreign investment.”
Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore
This investment comes at a crucial moment. Back in April 2025, tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on imported cars and spare parts shook the global auto industry. But by early 2025, those duties had grown to a steep 25 percent tariffs on U.K.-made vehicles and components under Section 232. British automakers, including McLaren, were forced to pause shipments.
But the tide turned in June 2025, when the U.S. and U.K. signed an Economic Prosperity Agreement that slashed tariffs on the first 100,000 U.K.-built vehicles per year, down from 27.5 percent to 10 percent. More recently, similar trade agreements were reached with Japan and the EU, just this Sunday, and while not everyone in Detroit was pleased with the outcome, the trend does show a growing number of foreign automakers committing to the United States. Audi and Volvo have already committed to scaling up U.S. manufacturing. McLaren, while smaller in scale but no less ambitious, is now the latest to act with this new VPC will mark one of its most significant physical footprints in America to date.
With international trade conditions stabilizing and amidst growing American demand, McLaren is preparing to better position itself to match higher volumes with better service, lower cost, and tighter quality control. Sure, against brands like Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, McLaren remains relatively boutique.
But with nearly 40 percent of its sales coming from the United States, this new East Coast facility, near the port of Baltimore, complements McLaren’s broader retail momentum and is in line with our earlier report on the brand’s reinvention strategy. With over $100 million invested by its U.S. network over the past several years, including the world’s largest McLaren showroom and service center set to open soon in Orlando, McLaren is staking its claim as a key player in the luxury domestic performance car market.
Source: McLaren, Maryland Gov.
