BMW Group South Africa (BMW SA) has announced the appointment of Dr Niklas Fichtmüller as the director of its assembly plant in Rosslyn, in Tshwane, effective this month.

Fichtmüller succeeds Johan Mouton, who has retired after 42 years with the German car maker.

Fichtmüller joined BMW in 1995 and has held various executive positions within the group’s production network. 

He was the vice-president of total vehicle, quality and plant projects at two German facilities, namely Regensburg and Dingolfing.

Dingolfing is the manufacturer’s largest vehicle production site in Europe. The plant produces a range of cars, including the electric BMW iX.

Fichtmüller holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Munich, and a doctorate in production technology.

“It is a privilege to take on the role of director at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, [which was BMW’s] first plant outside of Germany,” says Fichtmüller.

“This is a critical facility within the BMW group production network, having produced 1.6-million vehicles to date, including BMW vehicles unique to South Africa.”

“My experience at different production facilities within the BMW group has been tied together by a common thread of sustainability and efficiency – both strategically and throughout our value chain,” adds Fichtmüller.

“I look forward to steering this state-of-the-art production facility alongside passionate people with great spirit, and supporting key projects that uphold our sustainability goals.”

“I am pleased to welcome Dr Fichtmüller to his new role at plant Rosslyn,” notes BMW SA CEO Peter van Binsbergen.

“Dr Fichtmüller brings a vast portfolio and proven track record of excellence, particularly in production, and we look forward to the continued success of BMW group plant Rosslyn.

"I am confident that he will support our strategy for the future direction of plants and production technologies as we navigate the transformation to e-mobility.”