BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is set to start producing the X3 40d xDrive model in May 2025 following a R4.2 billion investment in the electrification and digitisation of the production facility.

This comes after the plant started producing the BMW X3 20 petrol and 20d diesel variants last month, after having previously launched BMW X3 30e xDrive.

Significantly, both the BMW X3 30e xDrive and the BMW X3 40d xDrive will be exclusively produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for global markets, reinforcing the BMW Group’s ‘technology openness’ philosophy, offering customers powertrain options that best suit their individual needs.

Ernst Kohlmeyer, general manager of quality at BMW Group South Africa, said the new BMW X3 has strongly resonated with South African customers since its start of production in October 2024.

Kohlmeyer said approximately 10% of sales were for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) BMW X3 30e xDrive model, underscoring growing interest in electrified vehicles and reinforcing BMW’s leadership in the ‘New Energy Vehicles’ segment.

Kohlmeyer said these achievements coincided with BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s reintroduction of a third production shift and expansion of its production line to include internal combustion engine (ICE) variants.

“Producing both PHEV and ICE models on the same line demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of Plant Rosslyn, enabling us to effectively respond to global market demands,” he said.

Driven by worldwide demand, the new BMW X3 plays a crucial role in the BMW Group’s strategic electrification roadmap. Its production launch is timely, showcasing BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s capabilities and commitment to delivering on allocated volume and quality in a three-shift operation, reintroduced on 8 January 2025, to meet growing demand.

The plant is projected to produce an average of 110 units per shift, and a comprehensive plant-wide training programme ensured the workforce was fully prepared for the new model’s production.

Anuk Maharaj, project lead for the new BMW X3 at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, said the production of the BMW X3, including PHEV and ICE variants, secured jobs not only at BMW Group South Africa but also within its supply chain and retail network across the country.

“These production milestones represent the culmination of years of planning and investment in Plant Rosslyn,” Maharaj said.

“We are immensely proud to see the new BMW X3 come to life here, securing jobs and contributing to the South African economy.”

BUSINESS REPORT