BMW Group Chooses its “South Africa Plant” as Global Hub to Manufacture New X3 Model

BMW Group has today announced its plans to produce the new X3 model at its South African plant starting in 2024. The company will invest 4.2 billion rands (over 200 million euros) to electrify its facility in Rosslyn, marking a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly production.

Speaking during an event to mark its silver jubilee, Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG Board Member for Production in South Africa, stated, “From 2024, we will manufacture the BMW X3 as a plug-in hybrid for global export in South Africa. An investment of 4.2 billion rands (over 200 million euros) will ready Plant Rosslyn for electromobility.”

The investment in the Rosslyn plant will not only focus on upgrading the manufacturing infrastructure but also involve specialised training for over 300 employees. This initiative aims to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to support the production of hybrid vehicles and meet the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions.

Plant Rosslyn holds a significant position within BMW Group’s global production network as the company’s first foreign facility. Over the years, it has played a vital role in manufacturing various BMW models, including the popular BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series. Since 2018, the plant has been producing the best-selling BMW X3, which has gained immense popularity worldwide.

Furthermore, BMW Group is dedicated to improving sustainability and efficiency throughout the South African facility. In the past, the company made strategic investments in Plant Rosslyn’s value chain. In October 2015, BMW Group partnered with Bio2Watt to purchase electricity generated from biomass at a plant in Bronkhorstspruit, providing approximately 30% of the Rosslyn plant’s energy demand. The company plans to expand this partnership to ensure the plant’s power requirements are fully catered for.

Notably, BMW Group emphasises its role as a responsible corporate citizen and has also announced a generous donation of over 1.5 million euros to UNICEF. In a press release, the company said the funds will be used to support young people in South Africa. In collaboration with UNICEF, it aims to implement a program focused on teaching science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) to thousands of children and young individuals across the country.