President Cyril Ramaphosa recently shared a heartfelt moment as he looked back on his journey with BMW – from driving his first car, a BMW, to now being chauffeured in one. Speaking at the launch event at the Rosslyn plant, he applauded BMW’s bold move to locally produce the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Themed “BMW Group South Africa: Leading Today, Enabling Tomorrow”, the event not only highlighted a new chapter in automotive manufacturing but also celebrated the brand’s deep connection to the local community.
BMW’s Local Legacy: More Than Just a Brand
The Rosslyn plant holds a unique place in BMW’s global map. Built way back in 1973, this facility was the first outside Germany. Over the years, it’s become more than just a production hub—it’s a symbol of trust, skills, and kasi-level commitment to excellence.
In his speech, Ramaphosa jokingly said,
“I don’t know what they will call me because my first car was a BMW… and now I’m driven in one. So BMW has never left me.”
“I don’t know what they will call me because my first car was a BMW… and now I’m driven in one. So BMW has never left me.”
This moment drew smiles from the crowd, but it also underlined how deeply the brand has been a part of the local story.
Driving Change with Youth Empowerment and Skills Development
One of the standout elements of the event was BMW’s commitment to youth development. Ramaphosa gave a big thumbs-up to the brand’s training academy, which produces 300 apprentices each year and has trained over 2,000 artisans since 1978.
He also highlighted BMW’s IT Hub in Tshwane that employs more than 2,000 professionals, including local software engineers and digital specialists. This is a bold step forward in making sure local youth aren’t left behind in the 4IR movement.
And with BMW teaming up with UNICEF to teach coding and robotics in schools, the brand is definitely putting its money where its mouth is.
A Shift to Green Mobility – A Key Milestone
The new plug-in hybrid BMW X3 is more than just a car — it’s a glimpse into the future of mobility. Ramaphosa emphasized that the country is perfectly positioned to lead in green vehicle production, especially as global demand for battery electric vehicles, hybrids, and even hydrogen mobility grows.
He praised BMW’s investment, saying it shows clear faith in the local manufacturing talent and infrastructure.
“As the transition gathers momentum, our land is ready to be a key player in future mobility,” he said.
“As the transition gathers momentum, our land is ready to be a key player in future mobility,” he said.
Supporting the Green Transition with Clear Policy
Ramaphosa also made it clear that government is on board with creating the right environment for automotive innovation. With strong policy tools like the Automotive Production and Development Programme and the Electric Vehicle White Paper, companies like BMW are getting the kind of support needed to invest, grow, and stay competitive.
Driving Economic Growth and Global Reach
With the automotive sector contributing about 4.9% to GDP and supporting over 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs, it’s clear the industry isn’t just about cars — it’s about livelihoods.
BMW’s expansion solidifies the region’s reputation as a global vehicle export hub, with major markets including the US, UK, and the EU.
Celebrating Local Pride with Global Impact
Ramaphosa closed his speech by acknowledging BMW’s commitment to transformation — from empowering young women and developing black industrialists to investing in future managers through leadership programmes.
He called BMW a brand with its roots in Bavaria, but its heart in Mzansi, and welcomed its continuous role in inclusive economic growth and job creation.
Conclusion
The BMW X3 plug-in hybrid project is not just a vehicle launch. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when international brands invest in local potential, talent, and innovation. From youth empowerment to green mobility and digital upskilling, this is a story that reflects local pride and future promise.
FAQs
Q1: What is the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid?
The BMW X3 PHEV is a hybrid electric vehicle that combines traditional fuel with electric power, offering better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Q2: Why is the Rosslyn plant important?
The Rosslyn plant was BMW’s first production facility outside Germany and has been a central part of its global operations since 1973.
Q3: How is BMW supporting local youth?
Through its training academy, coding education initiatives, and partnerships like the Youth Employment Service, BMW is investing in upskilling thousands of young people.
Q4: What does BMW’s investment mean for the economy?
It supports local job creation, boosts exports, enhances skills development, and strengthens the region’s role in the global green mobility shift.
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