GridCars appointed as BMW Group South Africa’s Charge Point Operator.

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa, in line with its expanded electromobility offering in the country, announces the appointment of established service provider GridCars as its official Charge Point Operator, effective 1 September 2020.

The responses from existing BMW i3 drivers were considered when the new three-year agreement with GridCars was decided. An enhanced customer experience and access to Gridcar’s extensive network were instrumental in securing the deal. There will, however, be a defined sign-up process for BMW Group customers who register on the GridCars portal with their new (or existing) RFID ChargeNow cards. Customers will be able to use one card for access across both networks, yet still enjoy free access to BMW or MINI-branded public charging stations.

Other features that BMW Group South Africa customers might enjoy include the ability to actively manage charge sessions using Gridcar’s web-based app, real-time information on charge point availability and, at a later stage, a customer rewards programme.

This announcement comes as BMW Group South Africa prepares for the market introduction of the first fully electric MINI, the MINI Cooper SE, from October 2020.

Tim Abbott, Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “As a very exciting MINI model is added to further expand the BMW Group’s leading position in electrification, we now have an opportunity to also act on our loyal BMW i customers’ advice.

“In future, customers who drive either a BMW or MINI electric vehicle will benefit from a simplified charging process and the increased efficiencies that spring from our renewed partnership with GridCars.”

“GridCars is looking forward to engaging with BMW Group South Africa’s customers to add value to their charging experience, using the extended charging network now available across the country,” said Winstone Jordaan, GridCars Managing Director. “The launch of the electric MINI is exciting and it will be a valuable addition to the broader electric vehicle offering in South Africa.”

-Ends-

For media queries, please contact BMW Group South Africa’s Communications Division as follows:

Hailey Philander

Specialist: Group Product Communications

BMW Group South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Mobile: +27-71-666-2070

Tel: +27-12-522-2070

E-mail: hailey.philander@bmw.co.za

Or

Winstone Jordaan

Managing Director

GridCars (PTY) Ltd

Mobile: 083 284 7747

Office: 011 675 1114

Email: winstone@GridCars.net

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 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.

BMW Group websites:

www.bmwgroup.com

www.bmw.co.za

www.bmwmotorrad.co.za

www.mini.co.za

www.bmwdrivertraining.co.za

Social Media Pages:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup (BMW South Africa, BMW Motorrad SA, MINI South Africa)

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup (@BMW_SA, @BMWMotorradSA and @MINISouthAfrica)

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview (BMWSouthAfrica, BMWMotorradSA and MINISouthAfrica)

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup (bmwsouthafrica, bmwmotorradsa and mini_southafrica

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

About GridCars

Since its establishment in 2009, GridCars has become renowned as an independent authority on Electric Vehicle Charging Service Equipment (EVSE) and Charging Station Infrastructure and Management Systems. GridCars was also a founding member of the Electric Vehicle Industry Association. 

In September 2017 GridCars became part of JSE listed company Alviva Holdings Ltd, when its subsidiary, Solareff (Pty) Ltd, acquired a 75% stake in GridCars. Having already successfully constructed South Africa’s first national charging highway – the Powerway –GridCars continues to play a leading role in building charging infrastructure across the country and developing the eMobility industry in South Africa through engagement with vehicle manufacturers and various other stakeholders.

Website: http://www.GridCars.co.za

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GridCars

Twitter: www.twitter.com/@GridCars