TSHWANE – BMW South Africa has started local production of the plug-in hybrid version of its X3 model at the Rosslyn plant, marking a new phase in the country’s shift towards green mobility.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking during the official launch on Thursday, described the move as a key step in advancing low-carbon industrial growth and strengthening South Africa’s position in the global automotive industry.
Rosslyn is BMW’s oldest facility outside Germany and has been operating since 1973. The President said the addition of hybrid production to its existing range of internal combustion and hybrid vehicles reflected the company’s confidence in the country.
He noted that the automotive sector contributes around 4.9% to South Africa’s GDP, sustains over 115,000 direct jobs and supports more than 500,000 across the value chain.
The launch comes as government rolls out policy reforms to support the electric vehicle (EV) market, including the recently released EV White Paper and incentives under the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP).
Ramaphosa said BMW’s decision to assemble the plug-in hybrid X3 locally aligns with broader national goals to cut carbon emissions, grow exports, and develop local manufacturing capacity for future mobility technologies such as battery and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The President pointed to the country’s vast mineral wealth as a competitive advantage, noting that plans are underway to offer incentives for battery cell production, component manufacturing, research and development, and mineral beneficiation.
He also acknowledged BMW’s investment in youth development through its training academy, which produces 300 apprentices each year, and its support of over 3,500 youth placements through the Youth Employment Service (YES).
BMW’s local IT Hub, which employs more than 2,000 professionals, and its partnership with UNICEF to deliver digital skills training, were also mentioned as examples of how the company is investing in long-term skills development.
Ramaphosa urged BMW to expand local supplier development, deepen localisation, and continue investing in the country’s green industrialisation drive.
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