Production at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn dates from 1968 when Praetor Monteerders began assembling automobiles. These cars utilised BMW engines and drivetrains fitted to Hans Glas sheet metal pressed and shipped from Dingolfing in Germany. In 1973, BMW AG acquired full shareholding and established BMW Group South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
BMW Group Plant Rosslyn became the BMW Group’s first manufacturing facility outside of Germany. The BMW Group has since been a major investor in South Africa and its people, with the plant shifting from a limited vehicle-production plant that assembled vehicles with a few customisation possibilities for the local market, to a world-class plant producing highly customised cars for customers globally.
The iconic plant produced the third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation BMW 3 series for the world. In 2018, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn integrated seamlessly into the BMW X family, boasting state-of-the-art production capabilities. To date, more than 400,000 BMW X3s have been produced in the plant. This success story is not only confined locally – over 96% of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s output of the third generation of the BMW X3 was exported to 40+ global markets, including Sub-Saharan Africa. The BMW X3’s journey in the country is testament to BMW Group South Africa’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
In 2023, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn celebrated 50 years of its existence. Behind the plant’s success lies a workforce of more than 2,500 associates, and over 49,000 individuals whose livelihoods are directly tied to BMW Group South Africa's operations. To mark the jubilee, the BMW Group announced an investment of R4.2 billion (over 200 million €) in the electrification of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, where the next-generation BMW X3 started production for global export in 2024.
On 28 August 2024, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn ended the production of the third-generation BMW X3, totaling the number of BMW X3 cars built to 403,114 units. That milestone marked a graceful conclusion in the organisation’s production history and signified the continuation of the BMW X3 success story in South Africa. Following worldwide demand, the fourth-generation BMW X3 plays a significant role in the BMW Group’s strategic electrification roadmap.
On 1 October 2024, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn began manufacturing the new model for global export and is the only facility in its global production network to build the BMW X3 as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). 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.
Preparing BMW Group Plant Rosslyn to manufacture the electrified BMW X3 future-proofs the facility in the global production network. The plant’s modular production technique, which allows multiple models and drivetrains to be built in a single production line, supports the manufacturing of both electrified and internal combustion engine vehicles.
The production of the BMW X3 PHEV in Rosslyn secures jobs not only within BMW Group South Africa, but also throughout its national supply chain and retail network. BMW Group South Africa’s commitment to transformation and skills development is exemplified by the plant-wide training programme implemented at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for the new model’s production.
With BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s transition to electromobility in 2024, over 300 of its associates have undergone specialised training for the production of the next-generation BMW X3 PHEV. BMW Group South Africa is dedicated to empowerment through skills development, including technical training, leadership development programmes, and career advancement opportunities. Beyond its own employees, BMW Group South Africa invests in young people at all developmental stages, from the BMW Early Learning Centre at the plant to their progression through student and early career years.
