BMW to build first plug-in hybrid vehicles in SA from 2024

Aligning with the 50th-anniversary celebrations of BMW Plant Rosslyn, the automaker has just announced that it will be investing R4,2 billion into the facility to become the first producer of plug-in hybrids in South Africa with the next-generation X3.

BMW

Image: BMW

The next generation of the X3 will be produced with a plug-in hybrid derivative from 2024 on and the firm intends on ensuring Rosslyn, the first production plant established outside of Germany remains with the evolving times and becomes a contributor to growing demand for the NEV model. Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG who also chairs the Board of Management for BMW Group South Africa announced this momentous stride for the local automotive sector today, the 28th of June 2023.

Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag. 

“From 2024, we will produce the X3 in South Africa as a plug-in hybrid and export it to the world. To this end, the BMW Group is investing R4,2 billion in the site over five years.” – Dr Milan Nedeljković

Related: BMW 50 Years Icon celebrations kick off in Rosslyn

The plant is of significance to the South African automotive sphere, employing more than 20 000 people directly and indirectly. In its 50-year history, Plant Rosslyn has the locally produced stamp indelibly imprinted on over 1,6 million vehicles which have been exported and sold to over 40 countries worldwide, including 14 African markets.

Image: BMW

This includes the long history comprising the BMW 1800 SA, 2000 SA, 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series before it evolved as a key producer of the X3 which contributes as the backbone of sales for the Bavarian brand.

Related: Special Edition a possibility for Plant Rosslyn anniversary

In addition to the major investment, Nedeljković further added that the South African youth would benefit from the BMW Group with a donation of R30 million towards the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This project will target thousands of primary and secondary school learners locally and improve their knowledge in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

Related: Take a peek inside BMW’s Plant Rosslyn production facility

“For 50 years, BMW Group South Africa has been practising sustainable development through social investment, particularly in education. We are honoured to have UNICEF’s support as we in spite and mould a new generation of leaders that will continue the BMW Group;s success story in Sotuh AFrica for the next 50 years” – Nedeljković.

Browse over 26 000 new or used cars here with CARmag. 

The post BMW to build first plug-in hybrid vehicles in SA from 2024 appeared first on CAR Magazine.


The Car Guide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Topical tips on buying used – Chapter 1

Image
Buying a used car can be harrowing, whether privately or from a dealer. Here are some tips, as well as some things to watch out for. Beware of low mileages, especially on smaller or cheaper cars. It is always possible that the odometer has been turned back. Some things to bear in mind are:- diesels are often bought because they the driver needs to undertake long trips without consuming vast amounts of fuel. This could be a sales rep, or someone travelling large distances to work, lots of lengthy trip for family holidays, etc. So, usually higher mileages than normal. An expensive or luxury car may not see much time on the road, but very seldom a “workhorse”. This makes the executive cars likely to have a lot more life left than the overworked and abused hatchback. These also spend most of their life in a home garage or undercover parking lot at work. Related: Someone paid more for a mint BMW 325iS Evo 2 than a used M4 A vehicle without any service history is a serious disadvantage
Read more

Like Lego? Then the R8-engined Rhino RR01 Kit Car From Lithuania is For You

Image
The Rhino RR01 is presented as an affordable Audi R8-engined supercar that’s both street-legal and geared for the track, here’s all you need to know about the new model.  Image: Rhino Looking for your next sportscar? Find it here with CARmag.  This groundbreaking vehicle is the inaugural supercar hailing from the Baltic state of Lithuania, born and crafted in Kaunas, 100 km away from the capital city of Vilnius. Surprisingly, it was conceived by yacht engineers who had minimal experience in the automotive world by painstakingly developing the car from scratch. All monocoque design, chassis, bodywork, interior, and electronics were done by themselves. While the prototype borrowed the engine from an ‘Audi R8’, the ‘Kit Car’ model offers the freedom to install various engines, allowing drivers to experience the thrill of a racing car on both roads and tracks. Image: Rhino Lithuania has contributed individual components to major car manufacturers, but until now, the country had ne
Read more

Could this teased Lancia sports car be a reborn Stratos?

Image
Lancia recently teased a coupe-looking model, waiting to be unveiled in their Multiverse. Could this then, signify the return of a historic moniker like the Stratos to the struggling automaker? Image: Lancia #MakeLanciaGreatAgain – a social media phrase that has been making the rounds for the better part of a decade. World Rally Championship titles, Formula 1 single-seat winners and some other gems in between. The Italian automaker litters dates in history and motorsport, with some truly revolutionary ideas and models that aided their bid to become one of the most successful motorsport manufacturers of all time. But that is all in the past. Lancia now contends sole markets with a platform-shared model but there have been ambitious plans under Stellantis ownership to kick-start the automaker and make them great again… words that delight so many enthusiasts and aficionados. Related: Automobili Amos debut Martini Racing Livery Lancia Delta and Safarista What better way to do this th
Read more