On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa joined BMW executives at the Rosslyn plant in Tshwane to launch the BMW X3 Plug-In Hybrid, South Africa’s first locally produced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The moment was hailed as a landmark in the country’s clean mobility ambitions and automotive transformation.
With the global auto industry shifting rapidly toward greener technologies, the launch of this hybrid model puts South Africa on the map as both a manufacturer and a consumer of next-generation vehicles.
The BMW X3 PHEV is set to roll out to local and international markets, offering a sustainable driving option that blends electric efficiency with the power of traditional engines.
South Africa takes a bold step into green mobility
The new BMW X3 Plug-In Hybrid combines a high-performance petrol engine with an electric motor, allowing drivers to reduce emissions without sacrificing performance.
The vehicle launch comes at a time when South Africa is scaling up efforts to reduce transport-related carbon emissions and attract investment in electric vehicle (EV) technologies.
Speaking at the launch, President Ramaphosa praised BMW’s leadership and reaffirmed government support for cleaner automotive solutions.
“This is not just a vehicle—it’s a statement that South Africa is ready to compete globally in green innovation,” he said.
BMW South Africa’s CEO, Peter van Binsbergen, highlighted that the X3 PHEV is not only built for the world but also built by South Africans for a more sustainable future.
The vehicle results from a R4.2 billion investment in the company’s Rosslyn facility, representing a bold shift toward eco-conscious engineering.
Hybrid production spurs jobs, exports, innovation
The launch of the X3 Plug-In Hybrid also strengthens South Africa’s export footprint. The Rosslyn plant will produce the hybrid model for both domestic and global markets, including Europe and the United States—regions where hybrid and electric vehicle demand is growing rapidly.
BMW’s investment is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, especially in technical and engineering fields. The company also operates a youth training academy that equips local talent with the skills needed for future automotive technologies.
Industry experts see the hybrid launch as a vote of confidence in South Africa’s ability to compete in a changing global auto market. It also complements the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s broader Electric Vehicle White Paper, which outlines a roadmap for growing local EV manufacturing and infrastructure.
Driving toward a cleaner, smarter future
Launching the BMW X3 Plug-In Hybrid is a turning point in South Africa’s green transition. As the first locally launched plug-in hybrid, the X3 sets the tone for future models and signals a shift in how South Africans think about mobility, energy, and innovation.
With government backing, strong industrial capacity, and increasing public awareness of climate issues, South Africa is accelerating its journey to a cleaner, smarter transport future.
