Plant Rosslyn reintroduced a third production shift and expanded its production line to include internal combustion engine (ICE) variants of the BMW X3 for global export.
History.
2020s.
2025
1 / 5
2025
BMW SA certified as a Top Employer for the third consecutive year.
2 / 5
2024
Plant Rosslyn transitioned from producing the third-generation BMW X3 to the fourth-generation model, specifically the plug-in hybrid variant, for both the South African and global markets. The third-generation X3 production ended in August, with a total of 403,114 units produced. The fourth-generation X3 PHEV production began in October.
3 / 5
2023
Plant Rosslyn celebrated its 50th anniversary, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the BMW Group Global Production Network. As the first BMW Group plant built outside of Germany, Plant Rosslyn has been a vital part of BMW Group's South African operations and has evolved significantly over the years.
4 / 5
2020
President Cyril Ramaphosa and German Chancellor Angela Merkel attended the official handover of five BMW i3s to aid the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in South Africa.
The donation underlined BMW Group South Africa's long-term commitment to South Africa and to the upliftment of its people.
5 / 5
- 2025
- 2025
- 2024
- 2023
- 2020
2010s.
2018
Plant Rosslyn opened a new R73m Training Academy.
1 / 5
2018
Plant Rosslyn started production of the third-generation BMW X3.
2 / 5
2018
After 35 years, the last BMW 3 series Sedan rolled off the production line. A total of 1,191,604 BMW 3 series vehicles were produced since 1983.
3 / 5
2015
BMW Group South Africa signed a power purchasing agreement with energy company Bio2Watt (Pty) Ltd, to generate major percentage of Plant Rosslyn's energy requirement from renewable sources.
4 / 5
2015
Plant Rosslyn was awarded the J.D. Power Platinum Plant Quality Award.
5 / 5
- 2018
- 2018
- 2018
- 2015
- 2015
2000s.
2007
An occupational Health clinic was opened an Plant Rosslyn.
1 / 2
2002
Plant Rosslyn received the highly prestigious J.D. Power Gold Quality Award.
2 / 2
- 2007
- 2002
1990s.
1999
The BMW Vehicle Distribution Centre opened adjacent to Plant Rosslyn.
1 / 3
1996
BMW Group invested R1 billion towards upgrading the Plant Rosslyn production facility.
2 / 3
1994
Plant Rosslyn achieved ISO 9002 certification.
3 / 3
- 1999
- 1996
- 1994
1980s.
1989
Plant Rosslyn Early Learning Centre was formally opened.
1 / 4
1987
Plant Rosslyn produced its last BMW 7 Series (745i).
2 / 4
1986
BMW Group South Africa opened ist head office in Midrand.
3 / 4
1983
Plant Rosslyn began exporting components to Germany.
4 / 4
- 1989
- 1987
- 1986
- 1983
1970s.
1978
BMW Group South Africa opened its first Training academy. Development and empowerment of workers for the automotive and manufacturing sectors has been a focus ever since.
Even in this pre-democracy era, the company was ahead of the times in training learners irrespective of their ethnic background.
1 / 4
1974
Production of the BMW 5 series commenced at Plant Rosslyn.
2 / 4
1973
To modernise the BMW 1800 SA and BMW 200 SA, Plant Rosslyn updated these models with a new front end incorporating the iconic BMW kidney grille and round headlights, as well as new rear lights and bumpers. The interior was also upgraded, and the suspension was improved. The facelifted models were renamed the BMW 1804 and BMW 2004.
3 / 4
1973
BMW AG acquired full shareholding and established BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, which 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 Completely Knocked Down (CKD) vehicle assembly plant to a world-class plant producing highly customised vehicles for customers globally.
4 / 4
- 1978
- 1974
- 1973
- 1973
Page Overview: History