BMW i3
Photo by: Duane Daws
BMW South Africa (SA) remained 100% committed to production in South Africa, said MD Bodo Donauer on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, he confirmed that the local arm of the German manufacturer had 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 said BMW SA felt obliged to raise a red flag when this happened, as it was, as “a corporate citizen committed to South Africa”, concerned that the country’s global competitiveness was facing a potential threat.
BMW SA produced the 3 Series for the local and export markets.
Donauer noted that BMW SA remained dedicated to continue production of the 3 Series in South Africa, but that it was important that all stakeholders found solutions, “so as not to miss out on opportunities in years to come. If we [find solutions], the future of the South African automotive industry will be great”.
i-FAMILY COMING TO SA
BMW SA would introduce the i3 city car and the i8 sports car in South Africa in 2014, confirmed communications and public affairs GM Guy Kilfoil.
The i3 electric vehicle is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 in 7.2 seconds, and weighs less than 1 200 kg.
Kilfoil said more than 1 000 South Africans had already expressed an interest in the i3.
The BMW i8 hybrid was “a new generation sports car”.
“It’s no longer a concept, but a series model,” said Kilfoil.
The i8 could speed up from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. Fuel consumption was stated as 2.5 l/100 km.
Kilfoil said BMW planned to capture significant market share in the electro-mobility market, while also ensuring it did so profitably.