BMW’s Plant Rosslyn Firing on All Cylinders to Keep Up With X3 Demand

Despite being on offer for several weeks now, the all-new G45 X3 has officially been launched in South Africa and BMW has provided an exclusive tour of its retooled Plant Rosslyn facility that produces and exports this popular SUV. 

Image: BMW

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When BMW says this is a popular model it continues to demonstrate the shift in consumer preference for high-riding SUVs. Depending on the market, the X3 has become BMW’s most commonly sold staple and since production commenced in October 2024, the new BMW X3 has been met with overwhelming demand from South African customers, with all available stock either sold or on order. Of this undisclosed figure, around 10% of sales comprise the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) BMW X3 30e xDrive, underscoring a growing interest in electrified vehicles and BMW’s leadership in the ‘New Energy Vehicles’ segment. The popularity of the X3 30e xDrive has driven a 45% surge in monthly retail rates of PHEVs too.

Image: BMW

The increased demand has prompted BMW Group Plant Rosslyn to reintroduce a third production shift while expanding its assembly line to include internal combustion engine (ICE) variants.

“The new BMW X3 embodies our commitment to both innovation and customer choice,” said Ernst Kohlmeyer, General Manager of Quality at BMW Group South Africa. “Producing both PHEV and ICE models on the same line showcases the flexibility and adaptability of Plant Rosslyn, allowing us to respond effectively to global market needs.”

Related: Review: BMW X3 30e xDrive

As part of BMW’s strategic electrification roadmap, the new BMW X3 plays a crucial role in the brand’s global operations. The reintroduction of a three-shift system on 8 January 2025 enables the plant to meet rising demand, with a projected output of 110 units per shift. “These production milestones are the result of years of planning and investment,” added Anuk Maharaj, Project Lead for the new BMW X3 at Plant Rosslyn. “We take immense pride in bringing the new BMW X3 to life here, ensuring job security and contributing to the South African economy.”

Rosslyn

Image: BMW

BMW Group Plant Rosslyn has already commenced production of the BMW X3 20 petrol and 20d diesel variants (January 2025), with the BMW X3 40d xDrive set to follow in May 2025. Significantly, both the BMW X3 30e xDrive and the BMW X3 40d xDrive will be exclusively built at Plant Rosslyn for global markets.

Related: Review: MG Cyberster 77 kWh Dual Motor AWD

This expansion follows a R4.2 billion investment in the electrification and digitisation of Plant Rosslyn, reaffirming BMW Group’s dedication to transformation, skills development, and future-proofing its local production facility.

Looking for your next new and used vehicle? Search here with CARmag!

The post BMW’s Plant Rosslyn Firing on All Cylinders to Keep Up With X3 Demand appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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