The luxury automaker building 216 cars per day in South Africa

BMW produced an incredible 79,000 cars at its factory in South Africa in 2026, working out to approximately 216 units per day.

The luxury carmaker recently outlined its performance results for 2025, and the strategic direction it has planned for the year ahead.

One of the key takeaways from the report is that local production remains a cornerstone of BMW Group South Africa’s operation.

The company has a production facility in Rosslyn on the outskirts of Pretoria, which has been producing cars for over 50 years.

While the site used to produce the iconic 3 Series sedan, BMW elected to switch production over to the X3 in 2018 to capitalise on the growing demand for SUVs.

Rosslyn ended production of the third-generation X3 in 2024 to make way for the new fourth-gen units, which are now sold in South Africa and exported to key markets in Europe and North America.

The factory runs 24 hours a day on a three-shift cycle, ensuring that it is able to keep up with global demand for the popular X3.

“The plant’s 2025 performance reflects both operational discipline and long-term investment. Operating at this scale, while maintaining quality and efficiency, speaks to the capability, resilience and commitment of our Rosslyn team,” said Danny Bester, Director of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn.

“Our focus remains on building a future-ready plant that can continue to serve global markets with confidence, underpinned by skills development and sustained investment in South Africa.”

Rosslyn is the only BMW factory that assembles the plug-in hybrid version of the X3, cementing its importance to the carmaker’s global supply chain.

While South African manufacturers have been negatively impacted by the trade war brought about by the United States’ new tariffs on imported goods, BMW Group South Africa managed to find a solution by securing Canada as an export market.

In August 2025, BMW SA CEO Peter van Binsbergen revealed that North America has never been a big market for Rosslyn.

BMW already has an X3 in the US, which used to supply the Canadian market as well.

However, the trade war soured relations between the two countries, making Canada more open to the idea of importing from other markets.

“Because of the punitive tariffs between the US and Canada, Canada has now asked us to produce vehicles for them,” Van Binsbergen said.

“We never sold [X3s] to Canada before because they got them from the States, but they’re going to be delivered from South Africa in the future.”

New competition

BMW noted that South Africa’s automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, and that legacy brands are facing increased competition from new entrants

The luxury carmaker acknowledged that these new brands, which primarily hail from India and China, are gaining popularity due to a growing consumer focus on affordability.

However, BMW stressed the value of its long-term investment in South Africa, which has established its own manufacturing capability, a strong dealer and service network, and a proven ownership proposition.

It stated that it will continue to differentiate itself from newer Chinese brands through strong resale value, comprehensive after-sales support and a customer-centric ownership experience.

“Our 2025 performance reflects consistency across the business, from record segment leadership and strong production at Plant Rosslyn to award-winning products, distinctive design initiatives and recognised people practices,” said Van Binsbergen.

“Together, these elements position BMW Group South Africa to compete effectively while continuing to invest in South Africa’s future.”

Looking ahead, the company plans to launch the new iX3 in South Africa in 2026 – the first model in its Neue Klasse vehicle series.

The iX3 will arrive in the third quarter of the year, adding to the company’s growing catalogue of new-energy vehicles.

“With a resilient manufacturing base, a highly recognised product portfolio, strong people foundations and a clear innovation roadmap, BMW Group South Africa is well positioned to navigate an increasingly complex market while continuing to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s automotive sector and broader economy.”