The highly anticipated fourth-generation BMW X3 manufactured in South Africa affirms the BMW Group’s commitment to electrification. Delivered also with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the global best-seller embarks on a new era. The BMW X3 30e xDrive will be produced at the iconic BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for worldwide export. Last year, BMW Group South Africa announced the BMW Group’s R4.2 investment in the electrification and digitalisation of the plant. The infrastructural upgrade represents the largest in the plant’s history. It secures BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s future as well as the livelihoods of over 20,000 direct and indirect employees, reflecting the organisation’s long-term commitment to the upliftment of South Africa and its people.
A thrilling drive to the future of electromobility.
The fourth generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in the premium mid-range vehicle segment will be produced at the BMW Group Plants Spartanburg (USA), Shenyang (China) and Rosslyn. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is the only market set to manufacture the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version for export to an expanding group of electric vehicle customers worldwide.
The success of BMW is founded on its long-term thinking and responsible action. Evidenced in its lead position in electromobility, the BMW Group has already delivered globally more than two million electrified vehicles to customers, including more than one million battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In 2023, the BMW brand remained the South African BEV market leader for the year with 57.2% of the BEV premium segment. And in 2024, the BMW Group will have a BEV option in almost all its main segments.
Plant Director at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, Dr Niklas Fichtmueller commented, “We were excited to announce the production of the next-generation BMW X3, and we remain thrilled by the expected debut and start of production later on this year. This vehicle ensures that BMW Group South Africa is positioned to be a major player in the South African premium car market and underscores the BMW Group’s role as a key player in the local automotive industry’s move towards a green economy.”
“I must also commend the efforts of all employees who have had a hand in an already iconic production for the future,” Dr Fichtmueller proudly ended.
Made in South Africa for the world for the future.
BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s rich 50-year history makes it a vital component of the BMW Group’s global production network. It has an indelible mark in local automotive production, manufacturing over 1.6 million vehicles which have been exported globally. BMW Group South Africa continues to play a critical role in the BMW Group’s global operations and its commitment to the long-term development of South Africa.
BMW Group South Africa is an integral part of the growing global success story of BMW X models. The new BMW X3 is another icon produced in South Africa for the world. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s iconic production portfolio of the past five decades includes the BMW 1800 SA and 2000 SA, and the BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series vehicles. BMW 3 Series was manufactured at Plant Rosslyn from 1983 until 2018 before transitioning to the production of the best-selling BMW X3.
BMW Group South Africa CEO, Peter van Binsbergen said, “With just over 50 years of history, BMW Group South Africa has become an intrinsic part of the social fibre of South Africa, and a pioneer of corporate sustainability within the BMW Group. We are a leading example of creating shared value through innovative sustainability practices – our products and production, and corporate social investment – our people and the communities in which we operate.”
“We are excited for the production of the fourth-generation BMW X3, as it signals another era of passion and innovation. And we will continue to honour our commitment to both people and planet with an increased range of electrified – fully electric and plug-in hybrid – vehicles,” van Binsbergen continued.
