BMW Group South Africa’s (BMW SA’s) Rosslyn plant, in Tshwane, has started production of the fourth-generation BMW X3, following a R4.2-billion investment.

It is the only facility in the BMW global production network to build the X3 as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV).

The Rosslyn plant in August ended assembly of the third-generation X3, bringing the number of X3s built at the plant at that date to 403 114 units.

“We have finally arrived at the start of production of the next-generation BMW X3,” says BMW SA plant director Dr Niklas Fichtmüller.

“We have eagerly awaited and prepared for this, and I am thrilled that we can begin this next chapter of the successful BMW X3 story here in South Africa.”

The German luxury car maker says the fourth-generation X3 plays a significant role in its electrification roadmap.

“Its production comes at a critical time to showcase the South African plant’s capabilities and commitment to delivering on the allocated volume and quality in a three-shift operation.”

BMW also regards production of the new model as “a significant step to future-proof [the Rosslyn plant] in the global BMW group production network”.

“The plant’s modular production technique, which allows multiple models and drivetrains to be built in a single production line, means that it will be able to manufacture electrified, as well as internal combustion engine, vehicles, on a single line.”

BMW says it follows a technology-open approach and will be systematically pursuing electrifying its entire lineup to offer different drive variants “in line with customer demand”.

The company also notes that its five-year-long investment into the Rosslyn plant “demonstrates its commitment to accelerating the transition to sustainable electric mobility globally”.

BMW has already delivered more than two-million electrified vehicles to customers around the world, including more than one-million battery electric vehicles.

In South Africa, the market offering has been expanded to include full-electric and hybrid options across all model segments.

* Within the South African automotive landscape, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Ford and BMW will, or have already started, hybrid vehicle production.