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The BMW Group has announced a R4.2 billion investment in the electrification of its South African plant in Rosslyn to produce the next generation BMW X3, which will be a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
The German company made the announcement on Thursday as part of ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations, saying production will begin in 2024.
The Chairperson of the Board of Management for BMW Group South Africa, Dr Milan Nedeljkovic, said the investment announcement further underlines the company's commitment to South Africa forged over five decades.
"This secures the future of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, as well as the livelihoods of more than 20,000 people directly and indirectly employed at BMW Group South Africa’s facilities and within its supply chain," he said.
Nedeljkovic said it also underscores "the BMW Group’s role as a key player in the South African automotive industry’s move towards a green economy."
"In addition, more than 300 BMW Group Plant Rosslyn associates will receive specialised training to support the production of the next-generation BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle."
The BMW Group South Africa also announced a R30 million donation to support a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)* programme.
The parties said they would "embark on a joint effort targeted at thousands of South African primary and secondary school learners to extend and deepen their knowledge in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM)."
