BMW underlines its commitment to SA, but flags missed opportunity
BMW South Africa (SA) remains 100% committed to production in South Africa, says MD Bodo Donauer.
He confirms that the local arm of the German manufacturer missed out on an opportunity to possibly produce a second model at its Rosslyn plant, in Pretoria, owing to the recent labour turmoil in the South African automotive industry.
He says BMW SA felt obliged to raise a red flag when this happened, as it is, as “a corporate citizen committed to South Africa”, concerned that the country’s global competitiveness is facing a potential threat.
BMW SA produces the 3-Series for the local and export markets.
Donauer notes that BMW SA remains dedicated to continued production of the 3-Series in South Africa, but that it is important that all stakeholders find solutions, “so as not to miss out on opportunities in years to come. If we [find solutions], the future of the South African auto- motive industry will be great”.
i-Family Coming To SA
Meanwhile, BMW SA will intro- duce the i3 city car and the i8 sports car in South Africa in 2014, confirms communications and public affairs GM Guy Kilfoil.
The i3 electric vehicle is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, and weighs less than 1 200 kg.
Kilfoil says more than 1 000 South Africans have already expressed an interest in the i3.
The BMW i8 hybrid is “a new- generation sports car”.
“It’s no longer a concept, but a series model,” says Kilfoil.
The i8 can speed up from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. Fuel consumption is stated as 2.5 ℓ/100 km.
Kilfoil says BMW plans to capture significant market share in the electro-mobility market, while also ensuring it does so profitably.
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