Yesterday, I had the honour of representing the City of Tshwane during the 50th anniversary celebration of the BMW Group Plant in Rosslyn. Also present during the event was the Deputy President of the country, the honourable Paul Mashatile, Dr Milan Nedeljkovi, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG for Production and Chairman of the Board of Management for BMW, and Peter van Binsbergen, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group South Africa.
Dr Nedeljkovi revealed the plant’s electrification plans yesterday when he said: “From 2024, we will produce the BMW X3 in South Africa as a plug-in hybrid and export it to the rest of the world.” To accomplish this, the BMW Group will invest R4,2 billion in the plant over a five-year period.
The BMW Group is demonstrating its commitment to South Africa that has been forged over five decades on our shores by making this investment in electrification and digitalisation. More than 23 000 individuals who are directly and indirectly employed at BMW Group South Africa’s facilities and across its supply chain will have stable futures, as will BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. It also highlights the BMW Group’s crucial commitment to the South African automotive industry’s transition to a green economy.
According to reports, the Rosslyn Plant is one of more than 30 locations that make up the global BMW Group Production Network. This plant has manufactured more than 1,6 million vehicles, including some historical models that are exclusive to South Africa, and sold vehicles to about 40 nations throughout the world, including 14 African countries. This reflects well on Tshwane and the City is delighted to be part of BMW South Africa’s success story.
Nedeljkovi also highlighted the BMW Group’s collaboration with UNICEF, which will provide primary and secondary students in South Africa with expertise in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Nothing as a government makes us happier than a corporation working with us to improve the lives of future leaders.
Given that the automotive industry underpins Tshwane’s economy and significantly boosts the GDP and employment in Tshwane, our coalition government is thrilled about this development.