GREENVILLE -- Developer Cliff Rosen says Clemson hired him to develop the International Center for Automotive Research, but BMW forced him out.

Rosen says that "interference" cost him millions.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court Friday, Rosen said Clemson came to him in 2001, and by January 2002, he had already agreed to buy this property from Hollingsworth Funds.

Rosen said officials took him around the world introducing him as the ICAR developer, even talked about giving him an honorary doctorate from the school.

But in 2003, new Gov. Mark Sanford insisted he was still committed to the project, but needed time to review the deal.

From that point on, Rosen says BMW used its influence in business and government to "get Rosen out."

For example, the suit alleges, BMW threatened to move its entire research operation, including its information technology center, to Tennessee if Rosen stayed on the project.

It further alleges BMW met with the Sanford administration, specifically with Sanford and Commerce Secretary Bob Faith, to "get Rosen out of the picture."

Rosen said Clemson abandoned its relationship with him because of the "influence, instigation and coercion of BMW."

WYFF news 4’s Gordon Dill said that the lawsuit spells out at least $79 million in specific losses, in addition to the loss of the Clemson and ICAR brands on this development.

Rosen is asking for a jury trial.

A BMW spokeswoman said that the lawsuit was without merit, and the company will fight it vigorously.

Previous Stories:

• October 9, 2003: International Center For Automotive Research Plan Moves Forward
• August 21, 2003: Auto Research Park: Done Deal Or Still In Works?
• August 21, 2003: State: Auto Research Park Deal Near Completion
• May 23, 2003: Rosen: I-CAR Is Open For Business
• May 16, 2003: State Threatens To Pull Plug On I-CAR Road
• May 14, 2003: Sanford, Greenville Disagree On I-CAR Road
• March 6, 2003: Sanford: Auto Park Must Be Good Deal For State
• February 20, 2003: Sanford Offers Support For Auto-Research Park
• December 6, 2002: Auto Research Park Could Create 20,000 Jobs
• August 24, 2002: Millions OK'd For Automotive Research Park