Earlier this week, in my capacity as MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, I undertook a site visit to the BMW Group Plant in the Rosslyn Industrial Area. The purpose of the visit was to have productive engagements with the BMW Group to get a better understanding of their operations and how the City can support them as part of our efforts to create a business conducive environment in Tshwane.
The BMW Group has invested more than R3 billion in its plant and infrastructure based in the Rosslyn Industrial Area to produce the next-generation BMW X3. The group has also invested an additional R3 billion in suppliers, launch costs and the training of workers.
The BMW Group has also invested R160 billion into line speed enhancement which allowed the plant the flexibility to increase its maximum production capacity and the potential to produce up to 76 000 vehicle units annually.
The group has exported more than one million vehicles since 1994. It first produced the BMW X3 in April 2018 and to date over 300 000 BMW X3 units have been produced.
During my site visit, the BMW Group highlighted some challenges related to service delivery they experience, which include power outages following load-shedding. They further expressed concerns with the quality of the roads leading to the plant entrance.
Having noted these concerns, I assured the group that the maintenance and refurbishment of critical infrastructure is at the top of our list of priorities as the multiparty coalition government.
The City remains committed to creating a conducive business environment where the automotive industry can grow further.