One-millionth BMW 3 Series Sedan produced at BMW South Africa’s Rosslyn Plant

BMW South Africa today announced the production of its one-millionth BMW 3 Series Sedan at its manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria.

The one-millionth BMW 3 Series Sedan rolled off the assembly line at plant Rosslyn earlier today. The anniversary celebration formed part of a special visit by Chairman of BMW South Africa and member of the Management Board of BMW AG responsible for production, Harald Krüger.

“Globalisation has been an inherent part of our corporate strategy for more than four decades. Established in 1973, plant Rosslyn is BMW Group‘s first foreign plant and represents a cornerstone of our global production network with presently 30 sites in 14 countries. To this day, the South African production site remains a vivid example of a successful market entry through local production,” said Krüger.

Since its inception, and even before the establishment of a dedicated international automobile industry, BMW South Africa has been exporting cars internationally. The company was also the first South African car maker to adjust its entire production configuration to begin an export programme in 1994, ahead of the announcement of the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP), which is now the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP).

In 2014, BMW 3 Series Sedan exports from Plant Rosslyn increased by over 17% which clearly solidified BMW South Africa’s position as the country’s leading exporter of premium vehicles and components as well as a significant contributor to the South African economy.

BMW South Africa directly and indirectly employs over 43,000 people (3,737 associates at the plant and at the national sales organisation, 3,780 dealer staff and more than 36,000 first-tier supplier employees). In 2014, more than 2,967 workers at the Rosslyn Plant built 68,771 BMW 3 Series Sedans for the local and export markets. Since 2010, Plant Rosslyn has been producing the BMW 3 Series Sedans with all-wheel drive (xDrive).

“With a high demand for all-wheel drive vehicles in markets like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) region, huge potential for export numbers to increase exists. In addition, production of the xDrive models requires skilled and highly trained production workers, which Plant Rosslyn has proven it has,” said Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group South Africa.

In February 2015, CAR Magazine, South Africa’s leading male-interest and motoring magazine, awarded the BMW 3 Series Sedan the “Best Compact Executive Sedan” in their annual Top 12 Best Buys Awards. This is the third consecutive time that the BMW 3 Series Sedan has won this award.

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The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2014, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.118 million cars and 123,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Internet: www.bmw.co.za

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWSouthAfrica

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMW_SA   

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWSouthAfrica

If you have any queries regarding this press release, please contact:

BMW South Africa’s Group Communications Division:

Mr Diederik Reitsma

General Manager: Group Communications

BMW Group South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27-12-522-2525

Mobile: +27-71-666-2525

Email: diederik.reitsma@bmw.co.za

OR 

Mr Edward Makwana

Manager: Group Automotive Communications

BMW Group South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27-12-522-2227

Mobile: +27-83-717-3184

Email: edward.makwana@bmw.co.za