End of an era: Last BMW X3 rolls off Rosslyn production line
The third-generation BMW X3 has been a cornerstone of BMW’s SUV lineup since its debut in 2018. Manufactured at the BMW Group Plant in Rosslyn since 2018 for both local and international markets, the X3 has played an important role in the brand’s product portfolio.
BMW has recently announced the conclusion of the third-generation X3’s production as the Rosslyn plant transitions to manufacturing the fourth-generation model, codenamed G45. This week, the final third-generation X3 rolled off the production line, marking a total of 403,114 units produced since 2018.
This milestone was celebrated by BMW’s organisation members of management and employees. The last X3, painted in a Carbon Black exterior shade, will be shipped to a customer in Germany.
As for the new X3, which is set to start production in October, the BMW Group SA invested R4.2 billion in 2023 to equip the plant with the necessary equipment to build the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant as part of the brand’s iFactory master plan for future production. The Rosslyn plant will be the world's only facility to build the X3 PHEV.
This move will continue the successful production of the X3 in South Africa, as well as help secure the plant's future for the next 50 years. It also supports jobs for over 20,000 people who work directly or indirectly for BMW Group SA and its supply chain. Recently, employees have been trained for new roles in a program focused on electric vehicles.
“The continuation of the BMW X3 story in SA demonstrates the BMW Group’s commitment to South Africa, its people, and communities after 50 years of operation. It follows the sales success of a model that has been a clear segment leader,” says Dr. Niklas Fichtmueller, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn Director.
BMW Group Plant Rosslyn made the BMW 3 Series for 35 years, from 1983 to 2018. During this period, it built over 1 million cars, with production numbers increasing with each new model.
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