BMW has achieved remarkable success with the launch of the next-generation X3 in 2024, so much so that it has introduced a third shift to its South African factory where the popular SUV is built.
The facility is located in Rosslyn, Gauteng, and first started pumping out vehicles all the way back in 1973.
It was initially responsible for production of the BMW 325 and the 2000 SA of the time, but switched over to the iconic 3 Series a decade after opening its doors.
It went on to produce a staggering 1,191,604 examples of the 3 Series in the 35 years it occupied the assembly line, but due to dwindling demand for sedans on the global stage, it was time for the Rosslyn facility to take another step forward.
Come 2018, the factory switched over to building the venerable X3 SUV, reaching an impressive milestone of 300,000 units built by March 2023, and 403,000 units by September 2024.
The new X3 arrives
In mid-2023, BMW grabbed headlines when it announced a massive R4.2-billion investment into its production plant in preparation for the next-generation X3, which would be assembled in South Africa both for the local market and for export to over 40 countries worldwide.
The multi-billion-rand injection was necessary for the enhanced technologies of the evolved SUV, which includes a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain for the very first time.
Just over a year later, in October 2024, the next-gen X3 entered production and proved to be an instant hit.
Thus far, all available stock has either been sold or is on order, BMW proudly announced.
Impressively, approximately 10% of sales thus far were for the PHEV X3 30e derivative, which BMW says highlights the growing interest in electrified vehicles in the country.
“The BMW X3 30e xDrive has driven a remarkable 45% increase in the monthly retail rate of PHEVs, demonstrating its significant market impact,” the company said.
The demand has been so strong, BMW had to reintroduce a third shift to the production cycle as well as expand its production lines to also include internal combustion engine (ICE) models.
Starting January 2025, it’s now building the X3 20 petrol and 20d diesel variants, with the X3 40d xDrive to be added in May.
Significantly, both the 30e PHEV and the 40d will be exclusively produced at the Rosslyn plant for global markets.
“The production of the BMW X3, including PHEV and ICE variants, secures jobs not only at BMW Group South Africa but also within its supply chain and retail network across the country,” said the company.
“This new development reaffirms the BMW Group’s confidence in BMW Group Plant Rosslyn and its employees, positioning the plant for continued success in the evolving automotive landscape.”
The images below, provided by BMW, show the production line of the next-gen X3 in action.
BMW X3 Rosslyn Factory
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