Midrand. Youth Month is more than a commemoration of our history – it is a celebration of the young people shaping South Africa’s future. BMW Group South Africa believes investing in youth through skills development, education and meaningful opportunities is essential to building a resilient and prosperous nation.

“South African youth are intelligent, determined and deeply passionate about making a meaningful impact,” says Tebogo Ramagoshi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at BMW Group South Africa. “When young people are given access to opportunities in fields such as engineering, visual arts, automotive technology and science, they don't just transform their own futures. They create pathways for others to follow and contribute to the growth and prosperity of their communities.”

Earlier this month, BMW Group South Africa hosted its Fifth Annual Youth Day Event at Soshanguve Engineering School of Specialisation in Gauteng. The event was attended by 1,200 learners and educators, as well as BMW Group South Africa employees, who participated in a range of interactive, career-focused experiences.

Learners were also given the opportunity to engage with representatives from the University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, Tshwane University of Technology, North West University, Tshwane North College, Nzalo Careers, UNISA, and the Automotive Industry Development Centre.

The Youth Day Event and BMW Group South Africa’s partnership with Soshanguve Engineering School of Specialisation embody the group’s efforts to support and empower young South Africans and drive socioeconomic transformation. These efforts include the group’s flagship initiative, the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, which provides unemployed youth with a 12-month quality work experience across sectors within the group’s own operations.

Since 2022, BMW has created over 3,500 work experiences and also committed an additional 1,000 youth jobs in South Africa at the beginning of 2026. With the 2026 cohort, 102 individuals are gaining valuable job experience across BMW Group South Africa's four business entities. This initiative supports graduates entering the workplace, builds talent pipelines, and advances a technology-driven future.

In 2025, BMW Group South Africa launched the STEM for Youth Mentorship Programme in partnership with UNICEF South Africa. An expansion of the ‘BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today’ partnership, which provides learners from disadvantaged schools in Pretoria North with access to resources, mentorship, and guidance within key industry fields. The programme aims to reach 50,000 young people between ages 15 and 21 nationwide, with 1,000 learners undergoing mentoring and job shadowing within 50 companies.

“With every young person that participates in our CSR initiatives, we make a positive impact on their lives as well as their families and surrounding communities. Critically, this is a not a means to just impart knowledge. It’s a means to ignite the spark of innovation, so we can empower and inspire change in the next generation of professionals,” Ramagoshi adds.

The recent Youth Day Event in Soshanguve, along with other programmes such as YES and STEM for Youth Mentorship Programme, are made possible through the power of collaboration, with each partner playing a vital role in turning this shared vision into reality.

Guided by a commitment to bring about change through partnership, BMW Group South Africa celebrates Youth Month and invites young people to explore build new skill sets, pursue careers in key industry fields, and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation.

END

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

E-Mail: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life. 

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

Pretoria. BMW Group South Africa is celebrating 20 years of the BMW IT Hub, a milestone that recognises two decades of investing in South African people, skills and digital capability. Established in 2006 as a specialised support unit, the hub is one of four business entities in South Africa and has transformed into a cornerstone of the BMW Group’s global digital ecosystem. Today, it stands as the largest BMW IT Hub outside of Germany, powered by more than 2,500 technology professionals managing everything from production line data to customer-facing platforms across more than 130 BMW locations worldwide.

A major player in the South African economy

This growth has fundamentally changed the IT Hub’s role within the local economy. Over the past years, it has created more than 2,000 new jobs through continued expansion, and in 2026, the hub is projected to contribute more than R4 billion to South Africa’s economy. As South Africa positions itself as a source of globally relevant technology talent, the BMW IT Hub continues to play a strategic role. It demonstrates what is possible when business, education and long‑term commitment to people come together.

Reflecting on this journey, Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, noted: “This 20-year milestone is a testament to the world-class talent we have right here in South Africa. The hub has evolved from a support centre into a global innovation powerhouse, and as we lean further into AI and data-driven mobility, our Pretoria team will be at the very heart of BMW Group’s digital future.”

Adding to this sentiment, Thorsten Achenbach, Director of the BMW IT Hub remarked: "This milestone reflects our commitment to transforming local potential into global innovation, ensuring South Africa remains a key architect of the BMW Group’s digital journey."

More than just code: A focus on talent

Beyond the balance sheets, the IT Hub has dedicated the last two decades to closing the digital skills gap. Coinciding with Youth Month, the facility is emphasising its outreach programmes and university partnerships, which have reached more than 40,000 individuals through mentorship and career exposure. The hub continues to invest in these initiatives to broaden digital access and connect young South Africans, including 134 Graduate Tech Academy (GTA) participants in 2026, with high-growth career pathways in media and technology.

The BMW IT Hub South Africa celebrates its 20th anniversary with strengthened partnerships across leading academic institutions, including the University of Pretoria and the University of Stellenbosch. Last year, on 15 and 16 October 2025, the inaugural University of Stellenbosch Colloquium showcased research and services developed by students participating in joint projects with the BMW IT Hub. In 2026, coinciding with this milestone anniversary, the Colloquium, in collaboration with the BMW IT Hub, is hosting a week-long innovation programme for students from different South African universities. This initiative aims to empower top students with hands-on skills and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, further cementing BMW Group’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and industry innovation.

Celebrating the milestone

To celebrate these achievements, BMW Group South Africa hosted an anniversary event at the IT Hub in Menlyn, Pretoria, bringing together government officials, industry and media partners, and academia. The proceedings were honoured by the presence of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, underscoring the strong partnership between BMW Group South Africa and the provincial government in advancing digital skills and innovation. Some students from the Graduate Tech Academy were also in attendance, including members of the cohort of 134 students onboarded in January 2026, showcasing the future of the hub. The day included live showcases of South African-developed AI innovations, guided tours of the hub’s state-of-the-art facilities and a fireside discussion focused on the next generation of tech talent. The event served as both a reflection on 20 years of success and a commitment to continued investment in the region.

Twenty years after opening its doors in Pretoria, the BMW IT Hub South Africa continues to play an important role in the BMW Group’s global digital ecosystem. As the BMW Group accelerates its digital transformation, the BMW IT Hub remains firmly focused on the future. It continues to nurture talent, embrace new technologies and contribute to the Group’s global success.

END

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa, in collaboration with BMW Group headquarters in Munich and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), is advancing local awareness and participation for the Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH) 2026, a global initiative that supports grassroots organisations driving social inclusion, intercultural dialogue and sustainable community development.

The Intercultural Innovation Hub represents the very best of what global collaboration can achieve when it is rooted in local impact. In South Africa, we have seen first-hand how this programme enables organisations to strengthen their capabilities, expand their reach and deepen their impact within communities.

The IIH is a long-standing partnership between the BMW Group and UNAOC. Each year, the programme identifies and supports outstanding non-profit organisations through a comprehensive package that includes financial grants, capacity-building, strategic mentorship from BMW Group experts, and access to international networks and visibility.

For the 2026 cycle, BMW Group South Africa is focused on increasing local participation by ensuring that organisations with strong community impact are aware of and able to access the opportunity. The initiative is particularly relevant in the South African context, where community-led solutions continue to play a critical role in addressing complex social challenges.

A strong example of the programme’s impact is Oasis Place, Reach for Your Dreams” a Cape Town-based organisation and previous IIH recipient, using street football to prevent youth from engaging in violent and criminal activities.

With more than 25 years of impact, Oasis Place “Reach for your Dreams” delivers holistic programmes for life-skills development, rehabilitation and reintegration. The organisation further uplifts youth by instilling them with values inherent to sports, such as team spirit, fair play, respect, and conflict management. The programme encourages participants to join street football events where social development life-skills are taught through the art of sport.

Involving people from different cultures and backgrounds, the aim of the initiative is to prevent youth from engaging in violent and criminal activities by supporting their reintegration into society and empowering them to lead positive and self-sufficient lives. Oasis further uplifts young people by instilling them with values inherent to sports, such as team spirit, fair play, respect, and conflict management.

Before the organisation was with the IIH programme, they had a reach of less than 421 participants but after the IIH programme they were able to double their impact and had a reach of more than 1 400 participants. To date, Its initiatives have reached approximately 3,495 participants across school, community and structured sports programmes, creating safe spaces and pathways for young people.

Reflecting on the impact of the IIH programme, Clifford Martinus, Founder of Oasis Place, says:

“The support we received through the Intercultural Innovation Hub has been transformative. It strengthened our capacity, expanded our reach and connected us to a global network that continues to open doors. More importantly, it reaffirmed that community-led solutions, when supported, can create real and lasting change.”

Beyond financial support, the IIH provides organisations with access to global expertise and networks, enabling them to scale sustainably and strengthen their long-term impact. For Oasis Place,Reach for Your Dream” this has translated into increased visibility, international collaboration opportunities and the ability to further develop programmes that directly serve communities.

The 2026 IIH cycle comes at a significant time, with South Africa continuing to position itself as a key market within the BMW Group’s global footprint and a hub for impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives. The local campaign will focus on telling authentic South African stories, showcasing real impact and encouraging more organisations to apply.

Applications for the Intercultural Innovation Hub 2026 are currently open. BMW Group South Africa encourages all eligible non-profit organisations working in social cohesion, youth development and community upliftment to apply and become part of a global network committed to building more inclusive and resilient societies.

• Entry deadline: 15 April 2026, 17:00 hrs EDT (New York)
• Entry portal:  www.interculturalinnovation.org/application-process
• Eligibility requirements:  www.interculturalinnovation.org/the-project/who-can-apply

ENDS

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa hosted its annual Retailer of the Year Awards at the Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff in Johannesburg, celebrating the achievements of its national retail network and recognising the retailers who continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences across the country.

Held under the theme “A New Dimension”, the event highlighted the important role of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad retailers in strengthening the brands’ leadership position in the premium automotive segment while navigating an evolving and increasingly competitive market.

Opening the evening, Peter van Binsbergen, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group South Africa, acknowledged the contribution of the retailer network to the company’s continued success.

“Our retail partners bring our strategy to life every day in showrooms and workshops across South Africa. They are the face of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad and the driving force behind the premium experiences our customers expect from our brands,” said van Binsbergen.

Based on 2026 Naamsa data, BMW South Africa achieved its highest-ever growth in the premium segment, holding a 46% market share. The locally produced BMW X3 remains a key contributor to this success. Manufactured at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn and exported to markets around the world, the BMW X3 continues to demonstrate the strength of South African manufacturing within BMW Group’s global production network.

At the same time, BMW Group continues to accelerate its transition toward sustainable mobility. Electrified vehicles remain a strategic priority, with BMW Group South Africa maintaining a leading position in the premium battery electric vehicle segment.

“As the automotive landscape evolves, our strategy remains clear,” said van Binsbergen. “We do not compete purely on price. We compete on engineering excellence, brand heritage, customer trust and exceptional retail experiences. Our retailers play a critical role in building the relationships that turn customers into lifelong fans of our brands.”

Recognising the importance of these relationships, BMW Group South Africa introduced a new award category at this year’s awards: the CEOs Award, which for this year focused in on turning customers into fans. The award celebrates individuals, teams or organisations that go beyond expectations to create memorable customer experiences that strengthen brand loyalty.

The inaugural recognition was awarded to the Gauteng Chapter of BMW Car Clubs Africa in acknowledgement of their long-standing contribution to the BMW enthusiast community and their role in bringing together passionate owners and fans of the brand.

The awards programme itself also saw an important update in 2025 with the introduction of the Best Retailer in Focus Models Award. This new category combines the previous high-performance BMW M and luxury awards into a single recognition, highlighting the importance of BMW’s high-performance and focus models within the product portfolio.

Retailer performance in this category is measured across the year, recognising results above target in both BMW M and luxury sales.

The winners of the 2025 Retailer of the Year Awards are as follows:

Retailer of the Year:

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Stellenbosch (small-medium), MINI Midrand, BMW Motorrad Montana

Best Retailer in Sales:

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Constantia (small-medium), MINI Cape Town City (large), BMW Motorrad East Rand

Best Retailer in Focus Model:

BMW Durban South

Financial Services Retailers of the Year:

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Durban City (small-medium), MINI Constantia, BMW Motorrad Mbombela

Best Retailer in Customer Support:

BMW Pinetown (large), BMW Richards Bay (small-medium), MINI Midrand, BMW Motorrad Stellenbosch

Best Retailer in Corporate Social Responsibility:

SMG

The annual Retailer of the Year Awards remain a cornerstone of BMW Group South Africa’s recognition programme, celebrating excellence across sales, customer experience and operational performance within the retailer network.

“As we look to the future, the automotive industry will continue to transform,” concluded van Binsbergen. “Electrification will accelerate, customer expectations will evolve and competition will intensify. But together with our retail partners, we will continue to explore new opportunities and strengthen BMW Group South Africa’s position in the premium segment.”

Munich / Berlin. The partnership between the BMW Group and ESMT Berlin enters its fifth year. In 2026, the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship will once again support future leaders who want to actively shape digital transformation. The fellowships are available for ESMT’s Full-time MBA and MSc programmes as well as the Global Online MBA.

For the upcoming academic year, eight fellowships will be awarded:

• two fellowships for the Full-time MBA (January 2027 intake)
• two fellowships for the MSc programmes (September 2026 intake)
• four fellowships for the Global Online MBA (October 2026 intake)

The initiative reflects the shared ambition of the BMW Group and ESMT Berlin to identify promising talent and prepare responsible leaders who drive positive change in business and society.

“We are proud to be entering the fifth year of our partnership with ESMT. Especially now, we need leaders who take responsibility and use technology and digitalisation to shape the future. Responsible leadership is deeply rooted at BMW – for us, responsibility means seeking solutions to societal challenges and bringing our people with us on that journey,” says Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for People and Real Estate, and Labour Relations Director. 

The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship is aimed at candidates with a strong STEM background who want to complement their technical expertise with a management education. The programme combines technological know-how with leadership and business skills, preparing participants to take on responsibility in digital innovation and actively shape the future of the mobility ecosystem.

The BMW Group employs more than 10,000 IT and software experts worldwide and operates a global network of IT hubs in Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, the United States, and South Africa. Reflecting this footprint, the 2026 Change Maker Fellowships are open to applicants from countries with BMW Group IT hubs.

ESMT President Jörg Rocholl says, “We thank BMW Group for its sustained partnership in advancing this initiative. Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are changing the capabilities required in leadership roles. The Change Maker Fellowship brings together technological backgrounds and management education to prepare participants for responsibility in this evolving environment.”

Who can apply?

The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship is open to candidates with a strong quantitative or technology-focused background. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field or have current work experience in areas such as computer science, IT, automation, or digitalisation. They must also meet the admission requirements of the respective ESMT programme.

Applications are open exclusively to citizens or permanent residents of the following countries: Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, the United States, and South Africa. Individuals with recognised refugee status in Germany are also eligible.

For the Full-time MBA and MSc programmes, applicants must not be older than 30 on September 1, 2026.

What inspires your digital future?

As part of the application process, candidates will be asked to answer the following question: “The BMW Group actively shapes the future of mobility: what aspect of a digital future fascinates you most, and why?”

More information about the fellowship and the application process is available here.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa Corporate Communications 

Angela Konert Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

ESMT Press contact

Lennart Richter

Press Spokesperson

Phone: +49 160 552 139 3

lennart.richter@esmt.org

About ESMT Berlin

ESMT Berlin is a leading global business school with its campus in the heart of Berlin. Founded by 25 global companies, ESMT offers master, MBA, and PhD programs, as well as executive education on its campus in Berlin, in locations around the world, online, and in online blended format. Focusing on leadership, innovation, and analytics, its diverse faculty publishes outstanding research in top academic journals. Additionally, the international business school provides an interdisciplinary platform for discourse between politics, business, and academia. ESMT is a non-profit private institution of higher education with the right to grant PhDs and is accredited by AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, and ZEvA. It is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all its activities and communities. esmt.berlin

The BMW Group

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life. 

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

Munich. With the new BMW i3, the BMW Group is reaffirming its holistic approach to product sustainability – shining a light on a relevant dimension of product development that has been less visible up until now: health and well-being in the passenger compartment. To address this aspect of vehicle development, interior air quality, material selection and olfactory perception are systematically studied and evaluated at the company’s own odour laboratory.

Holistic product sustainability as a guiding principle.
The BMW Group considers sustainability throughout a vehicle's entire lifecycle – from raw material extraction through the supply chain and production all the way to the use phase and recycling. This 360° approach combines product sustainability, technological innovation and long-term company success. Health and well-being are embedded into product development and systematically integrated into processes and standards.

Interior air quality and its impact on health.
Vehicle interior air quality is an important factor for health and well-being inside the vehicle. Emissions from materials, as well as influences such as temperature and humidity directly impact vehicle occupants. When selecting materials for the vehicle interior, the BMW Group therefore pays close attention to avoiding emissions that could be detrimental to health. For more than 25 years, the company has relied on its own testing methods to measure and evaluate emissions and scent profiles in the vehicle interior. The latest findings from toxicology, health and sensory research are continuously applied to in-house standards that the BMW Group also actively shares in international standardisation and specialised bodies.
The aim is to ensure the interior has a scent that is authentic, discreet and high-end, reinforcing the brand's premium promise. The use of artificial fragrances is deliberately avoided.

Scent as a subconscious dimension.
The BMW Group deliberately addresses on scent in the vehicle interior, as this has a significant influence on the occupants’ health and well-being.
Scents act directly on the limbic system, evoking emotions and memories, and contributing to the subjective feeling of safety. A pleasant and subtle scent is therefore part of the premium experience and an expression of the brand's aspirations.
By minimising harmful emissions and selecting high-quality materials, the BMW Group acknowledges its responsibility for the health of its customers. Managing scent is therefore part of a holistic approach to sustainability across the entire lifecycle.

Inside the BMW Group scent laboratory.
At the BMW Group scent laboratory, materials, components and complete vehicle interiors are tested under realistic conditions. The analysis relies on the integration of modern measurement technologies and the trained sensory evaluation of BMW Group experts. Humans remain central to this process. This approach ensures compliance with legal requirements and adherence to internal quality standards. Scent is viewed as part of a multi-sensory, holistic experience. What matters most is not the individual component, but the interaction of all materials in the vehicle interior, which determines the overall olfactory experience.

Health and well-being as elements of product sustainability.
The new BMW i3 embodies an aspiration that applies to the entire BMW Group brand portfolio: In addition to a consistent decarbonisation strategy throughout the vehicle lifecycle, the model relies on a high percentage of secondary materials and innovative material concepts for the interior.
“Health and well-being are an integral part of product sustainability for us. Environmental factors and a growing health awareness are changing how we perceive our living spaces – including our cars. Our customers expect products that are designed to take their health and well-being into account. That is why interior air quality is a key product feature in our holistic approach to sustainability,” according to Nils Hesse, Vice President Product Sustainability at the BMW Group.

Pretoria. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn has reached a significant production milestone with the completion of its 100,000th fourth-generation BMW X3, marking an important moment for the South African manufacturing facility and the people behind its success.

The milestone reflects the collective effort of associates across the plant and the broader ecosystem of suppliers, logistics partners and dealerships that support vehicle production. Together, these teams contribute to delivering vehicles that meet BMW Group’s global standards for quality and performance.

The 100,000th vehicle produced is a Fire Red BMW X3 plug-in hybrid destined for Australia. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is the only production facility globally manufacturing the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid for international markets, underscoring the plant’s strategic role within BMW Group’s global production network. Located north of Pretoria, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn continues to play an important role in South Africa’s automotive industry. Since the plant’s inception, more than 1.8 million vehicles have been produced at the facility, including the previous third-generation BMW X3.

Behind every vehicle produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is a team of people. Production associates, technicians, engineers and support teams work together across multiple production stages to ensure each vehicle meets the high standards expected by customers.

“Producing 100,000 fourth-generation BMW X3 vehicles is a significant milestone for BMW Group Plant Rosslyn and a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our associates,” said Danny Bester, Director of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. “Every vehicle that leaves this plant represents the skill, commitment and pride of the people who build it. It also reflects the trust that customers place in the BMW brand and in the quality delivered here in South Africa.”

The milestone also highlights the plant’s contribution to skills development and talent cultivation. Apprentices, trainees and graduate engineers gain hands-on experience in a real manufacturing environment, helping to develop the next generation of technical and engineering professionals in South Africa.

Each vehicle produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn moves through multiple production stations where associates focus on precision, teamwork and continuous improvement. For many employees, the milestone represents years of dedication and a shared commitment on the production floor.

While reaching this 100,000-vehicle milestone marks an important moment, work at the plant continues every day as teams remain focused on building vehicles with the same attention to quality, precision and care that defines the BMW brand.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications
Angela Konert
Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472
Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

  The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142,4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159.104  employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup

Munich / New York. Founded in 2011, the Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH) is a joint initiative by the BMW Group and the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), supported by Accenture. In 2026, the search is on again for projects worldwide that build inclusive societies and drive social change through intercultural innovation.

Global impact through social innovation

The Intercultural Innovation Hub is far more than a funding programme; it is a catalyst for growth and impact. Participating organisations receive hands-on mentoring and take part in an intensive capacity-building programme designed to strengthen and scale their strategies for addressing complex intercultural challenges.

Who is eligible to enter?

Non-profit organisations and social enterprises are eligible to take part. Focus areas include:

• Advancing gender equality
• Combatting xenophobia, hate speech and extremism
• Leveraging sport, art and culture as drivers of change
• Fostering inclusion of people with disabilities
• The responsible use of AI and new technologies to support these goals

Up to ten projects will be selected to receive funding and support.

What does the funding package include?

USD 20,000 in project funding to strengthen and expand initiatives.

A one-year capacity-building programme featuring international workshops, masterclasses and one-on-one mentoring from experts at Accenture, the UNAOC and the BMW Group.

Access to a global leadership platform and an international community dedicated to fostering inclusion and social cohesion worldwide.

Apply now!

Entry deadline: 15 April 2026, 17:00 hrs EDT (New York)

Entry portal: www.interculturalinnovation.org/application-process

Eligibility requirements: www.interculturalinnovation.org/the-project/who-can-apply

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Katharina Schalk, spokesperson, Corporate Citizenship

Email: katharina.schalk@bmwgroup.com

Tel: +49-151-601-51092

Milena Pighi, Head of Corporate Citizenship

Email: milena.pa.pighi@bmwgroup.com

Tel: +49-160-978-24316

Angela Konert, Head of Business Communications, BMW Group South Africa

Email: angela.konert@bmw.co.za

Tel: +27-716662472

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

Dana Podmolikova, Programme Management Specialist - Youth
Email: danap@unops.org  

Tel: +1 (212) 963-7149

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa today outlined its 2025 performance and strategic direction for the year ahead during its Start-of-Year Media Update, highlighting record premium segment leadership, strong local production and continued recognition across product excellence, people practices and corporate responsibility.

In 2025, the BMW brand achieved its highest-ever premium segment share locally, exceeding 46,15%, despite ongoing affordability pressures and intensifying competition in the South African automotive market (based on Naamsa data). This performance reflects the continued strength of BMW Group South Africa’s product portfolio, long-term customer value proposition and disciplined execution across the business.

Momentum was strong across all brands. MINI closed the year with a premium segment share of 5.67%. Combined, BMW and MINI captured 51.82% of the premium segment. Despite a challenging market, BMW Motorrad delivered a robust performance, maintaining a segment share above 39.3% (combined segment of >251cc).

Award-winning products, design leadership and portfolio strength

BMW Group South Africa’s strong commercial performance was reinforced by significant recognition across South Africa’s leading automotive awards programmes during 2025.

The locally produced BMW X3 was crowned South African Car of the Year, while also securing the Premium category award under the same programme. Further category wins included the BMW 5 Series Sedan in the Executive category, and the BMW M5, which claimed the Performance category, the Jurors’ Choice Award, and a third-place overall finish.

Additional recognition followed through the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Buys Awards 2025, where the BMW 7 Series was named Luxury Car of the Year, and the BMW X3 secured the Premium Midsize SAV category. At the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards 2025, BMW Group South Africa’s portfolio was again strongly represented, with wins including MINI Countryman S ALL4 in the Premium Crossover category and BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport in the Executive SUV category, among others.

Alongside awards recognition, 2025 also saw BMW Group South Africa place a deliberate spotlight on design, heritage and emotional brand connection through the introduction of BMW Homage Editions. These limited-edition models celebrated BMW’s design legacy while offering customers distinctive, locally relevant expressions of the brand’s identity.

This design focus was further reinforced through the BMW X3 20 Pure Design, which showcased a refined, pared-back aesthetic aligned with BMW’s global design language while resonating strongly with local customer preferences.

Local manufacturing anchoring global relevance

A cornerstone of BMW Group South Africa’s presence in South Africa remains BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, which produced more than 79,000 vehicles in 2025, supported by a full three-shift production schedule. This output reflects sustained global demand and the plant’s ability to maintain operational excellence amid supply-chain volatility and market uncertainty.

Danny Bester, Director of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, said: “The plant’s 2025 performance reflects both operational discipline and long-term investment. Operating at this scale, while maintaining quality and efficiency, speaks to the capability, resilience and commitment of our Rosslyn team. Our focus remains on building a future-ready plant that can continue to serve global markets with confidence, underpinned by skills development and sustained investment in South Africa.”

The plant’s strategic role has been further strengthened by the production of the fourth-generation BMW X3, which entered production in late 2024. BMW Plant Rosslyn produces BMW X3 ICE and PHEV models interchangeably on a single flexible production line. This allows efficient switching between variants to meet global market demand for both conventional and electrified vehicles.

Recognition for people, transformation and societal contribution

Alongside its commercial and operational performance, BMW Group South Africa received continued recognition in 2025 for its people practices and organisational culture. The company was re-certified as a Top Employer, reflecting progress in digital enablement, employee development, workplace flexibility and the effective translation of employee feedback into meaningful action.

Additional recognition through platforms such as SAGEA and GradStar further reinforced BMW Group South Africa’s standing as an employer of choice, particularly in relation to youth development, graduate employability and early-career talent support.

In parallel, BMW Group South Africa and BMW Group Financial Services achieved Level 1 B-BBEE status in 2025, underscoring the Group’s ongoing commitment to transformation, accessibility and meaningful economic participation.

Premium leadership in a market in transition

South Africa’s automotive landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with increased competition from new entrants and growing consumer focus on affordability. Against this backdrop, BMW Group South Africa’s sustained leadership reflects the value of long-term investment, established manufacturing capability, strong dealer and service networks, and a proven ownership proposition.

Beyond the point of sales, the Group continues to differentiate itself through strong resale values, comprehensive aftersales support and a customer-centric ownership experience designed to deliver value and peace of mind throughout the vehicle lifecycle, under the motto ‘Relax. We care”.

Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, said: “Our 2025 performance reflects consistency across the business, from record segment leadership and strong production at Plant Rosslyn to award-winning products, distinctive design initiatives and recognised people practices. Together, these elements position BMW Group South Africa to compete effectively while continuing to invest in South Africa’s future.”

Continued momentum into 2026 and beyond

Looking ahead, BMW Group South Africa reaffirmed its focus on disciplined growth, continued innovation and sustained investment in local operations, aligned with the BMW Group’s broader strategy.

A key milestone outlined during the engagement is the planned introduction of the BMW iX3 to the South African market, marking a new chapter in BMW’s design, digitalisation and electrification journey. The rollout will further strengthen BMW Group South Africa’s premium positioning while offering customers access to the next generation of BMW technology and design.

With a resilient manufacturing base, a highly recognised product portfolio, strong people foundations and a clear innovation roadmap, BMW Group South Africa is well positioned to navigate an increasingly complex market while continuing to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s automotive sector and broader economy.

As the world marks International Day of Education, BMW Group South Africa and UNICEF South Africa unite once more, not only to observe the day, but to highlight tangible, results-driven STEM programmes delivering real impact for South African youth. Aligned with the 2026 global theme, “Learning for Lasting Peace”, the partnership showcases the measurable outcomes of a long-term collaboration focused on closing South Africa’s critical STEM skills gap.

In 2026, the BMW Group South Africa and UNICEF South Africa partnership continues to demonstrate how sustained, structured investment in education can deliver real outcomes for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. At a time when youth unemployment and digital skills shortages remain pressing national challenges, access to practical, technology-enabled learning environments is essential.

Through the BRIDGE: Educating young people for tomorrow, today programme, BMW Group South Africa supports Coding and Robotics education, educator training and learner development that moves beyond theory into hands-on, real-world application. South Africa served as the pilot market for BRIDGE, establishing a scalable model that shows how private–public collaboration can strengthen education systems and prepare learners for participation in a digital economy.

Tangible impact delivered through BRIDGE since 2023 to date:

South Africa impact

• 704 educators trained in South Africa in 2025
• 1,191 South African schools reached in 2025
• Over 190,000 South African children and adolescents supported in 2025
• 33,379 South African learners engaged weekly in 2025
• 12 Coding and Robotics Hubs established across all nine provinces
• National Coding and Robotics competitions reaching 375 learners, promoting innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving

Global impact

• More than 10,000 educators trained globally since inception
• Over 2,900 schools reached worldwide
• More than 330,000 learners supported globally

In 2025, UNICEF and BMW Group South Africa launched KwaZulu-Natal’s first Coding and Robotics Hub at KwaZamokuhle Special School in Estcourt, equipping the school with state-of-the-art technology and learning facilities that serve as a centre of excellence in STEM education for learners, educators and the wider community. Established through the global BRIDGE partnership, the hub expands access to 21st-century skills for learners from marginalised and rural backgrounds, including those with special needs, reinforcing the principle that every child deserves an opportunity to learn, thrive and reach their full potential.

“Preparing young people for the future means giving them access to technology, skills and real learning environments, not just theory,” said Tebogo Ramagoshi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at BMW Group South Africa. “Our collaboration with UNICEF South Africa demonstrates how long-term partnerships can deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes that support young people’s pathways into future careers.”

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to build peaceful, inclusive societies,” said Mr Johannes Wedenig, UNICEF South Africa Representative. “By working with partners such as BMW Group South Africa, we are able to reach children and young people who are furthest from opportunity, ensuring they gain the skills, confidence and support they need to participate fully in society. This partnership reflects UNICEF’s commitment to achieving results for every child, especially the most disadvantaged.”

Beyond the classroom, the partnership includes the STEM for Youth Mentorship Programme, offering 100 learners hands-on exposure to STEM careers within BMW Group South Africa’s working environment, including the BMW IT Hub South Africa and BMW Group Plant Rosslyn Training Academy.

Our broader commitment to youth development is further reflected in its community investment initiatives. In 2025, approximately R8 million was raised for youth-focused projects through the auction of the limited BMW Homage editions, reinforcing the Group’s belief in combining innovation, heritage and social impact.

Through sustained collaboration, targeted STEM investment and measurable results, BMW Group South Africa continues to contribute to education initiatives that empower young people, strengthen communities and support inclusive, long-term economic progress. These efforts reflect a long-term approach to education. One that equips young people not only for work, but for participation, dignity and peaceful coexistence in a rapidly changing world, so that every child has a fair chance at a better future.

Midrand. BMW Financial Services South Africa marks a milestone for the books this year as the solutions provider celebrates its 35th anniversary.

Encapsulating three-and-a-half decades of industry excellence, the milestone is an opportunity for the company to reflect on its achievements and the impact it has had as a driver of financial activity and inclusion, customer-centric innovation and socio-economic transformation. The milestone also culminates in BMW Financial Services’ recent Level 1 B-BBEE status, an achievement that embodies the commitment to fostering transformation, empowering local stakeholders and investing in South Africa’s success.

“Achieving Level 1 B-BBEE signifies our commitment to the sustainable transformation of our company, its leadership and its business relationships, while also reflecting our dedication to inclusivity, empowerment, creating opportunities for all, and positively impacting the communities we serve. This achievement will not lead to complacency, though. Thank you to all who entrusted that we would rise from non-compliance in 2021, and to all who supported the journey with cold minds but hot hearts, making Nelson Mandela’s words ring true: ‘It is impossible until it is done.’” stated Stefan Schuett, CEO of BMW Financial Services South Africa.

Established in 1990 as a joint venture and renamed BMW Financial Services (Pty) Ltd in 1994, the division became an independent entity, setting out to be a customer enabler and serving as the gateway to the BMW brand by offering tailor-made financial solutions and services or BMW, MINI, Motorrad and other vehicles through ALPHERA Finance. In 1996, BMW Insurance was launched, empowering customers to customise their leasing and finance contracts with the extras that suited them, along with a new retail technology system for credit and debt collection that helped to streamline operations.

In 2000, BMW Financial Services was awarded a South African business financial rating of ‘AAA’ and an international rating of ‘BBB’, cementing its position as a market leader and heralding a series of service and product launches that would propel the division to new heights over the next decade. This included the launch of MINI Financial Services in 2002 and Flat Rate Insurance in 2012, the latter being an offering unique to the South African market.

The commitment to delivering a customer-centric value offering extends through the power of digital innovation. In 2020, BMW Financial Services went live with its digital sales platform, supported by the brand’s first Business Development Centre to support customers’ online journeys.

In 2022, the division established its first mobile presence via MyBMW App, integrating the MyAccount platform into the mobile app. It is currently piloting with the government’s electronic vehicle registration (eNATIS) platform. The trend of innovation continues in 2025 with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in customer support processes, helping to enhance both the customer experience and empower team members with state-of-the-art tools and resources.

Throughout its 35-year history, BMW Financial Services has also strived to be a responsible corporate citizen, with projects and initiatives that reflect a commitment to people and communities. In 2015, Care4Water, a global BMW Group Financial Services employee initiative, was launched to raise funds to provide clean water to people in need. Between 2016 and 2017, the division conducted a local Care4Water rollout by installing 700 water filters in the Northwest and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, providing up to 70,000 South Africans with access to clean water.

To mark the anniversary, the team came together in full force, volunteering their time to support an important environmental initiative in partnership with Greenpop. The day was about more than planting trees, it was about making a positive impact for future generations and reaffirming our shared commitment to sustainability. With energy and purpose, the BMW Financial Services team successfully planted over 350 trees in a single day, a true reflection of their dedication to creating a greener tomorrow.

Other social responsibility initiatives that the division has participated in span the entirety of South Africa, touching many lives and helping to uplift communities through interventions such as food and essential item donations, building refurbishments and community event sponsorships.

From 2022, BMW Financial Services proudly onboarded its first intake of participants as part of its involvement in the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme. To date, the division’s involvement has led to 240 work opportunities for young people. Along with the company achieving Level 1 B-BBEE status, the YES programme reflects the division’s long-held principles of promoting youth employment.

“Thirty-five years is indeed a significant span of time, and we have utilised it wisely and purposefully. As we celebrate this important milestone, BMW Financial Services reflects on our rich history and current achievements, which serve as the bedrock for our future endeavours. We are already envisioning the profound impact we can create over the next 35 years, a vision made possible by the unwavering dedication of our teams, the strength and integrity of our brand, and innovative ideas that prioritise our brands and the South African community. Together, we are committed to shaping a brighter future,” Stefan Schuett added.

ENDS

Johannesburg. Following the successful BMW Art Generation Vol. III experience at NIROX on 30 August, BMW Group South Africa is proud to serve as the Official Vehicle Partner of FNB Art Joburg, taking place from 4–7 September 2025. This partnership underscores BMW’s enduring commitment to the global arts landscape, building on five decades of the iconic BMW Art Car series and cultural initiatives.

Celebrating 50 Years of BMW Art Cars

Since its inception in 1975, the BMW Art Car Collection has featured works from some of the world’s most acclaimed artists, including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Esther Mahlangu, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, and Ólafur Elíasson.

In 1991, Esther Mahlangu became the first African artist, and the first woman, to design a BMW Art Car, a historic moment that merged African heritage with contemporary automotive design. Her contribution remains a living tribute to her cultural legacy and BMW’s global vision for innovation through art.

This milestone also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series, further highlighting BMW’s tradition of design, craftsmanship, and cultural expression.

Immersive Experience at FNB Art Joburg

BMW’s booth at the Sandton Convention Centre will transform into an immersive storytelling hub, celebrating five decades of the BMW Art Cars. Johannesburg takes its place on the global stage as part of the ever-expanding BMW Art Car World Tour, a journey that will span continents and continue well into 2026. Marking the 50th anniversary of this iconic series, the tour brings together a constellation of exhibitions across five continents, enriched by a vibrant array of events.

At the centre of the installation in Johannesburg are large format works by acclaimed automotive photographer René Staud, who has redefined the way the world sees cars through light and motion. His work traces the journey of the BMW Art Car Collection from the very first Art Car created by Alexander Calder in 1975 (BMW 3.0 CSL) to the most recent, the 20th Art Car by Julie Mehretu (BMW M Hybrid V8). “A photograph of an Art Car is not about chrome or color — it’s about the pleasure to turn speed into poetry,” says René Staud.

Among the 10 featured BMW Art Cars are:

• Roy Lichtenstein / BMW 320 Group 5
• Andy Warhol / BMW M1 Group 4
• Ernst Fuchs / BMW 635 CSi
• Michael Jagamara Nelson / BMW M3 Group A
• César Manrique / BMW 730i

These striking images capture not only the vehicles themselves but also the visionary energy of the artists behind them, positioning BMW’s booth as a gallery of movement, design, and innovation.

Complementing this presentation, BMW will also showcase the BMW Art Guide, alongside Jonathan Ball’s ‘To Paint is in My Heart’ — a richly illustrated exploration of Esther Mahlangu’s life and artistic journey. Together, these works invite visitors to experience the full scope of BMW’s cultural legacy, from archival innovation to contemporary vision.

“BMW is celebrating 50 years of the iconic BMW Art Car Collection in 2025, underscoring our longstanding commitment to merging art, design, and innovation. As both a mobility leader and a cultural partner, we continue to support the arts in South Africa and globally. Through events such as BMW Art Generation and collaborations like BMW Young Collectors Co. and Zeitz MOCCA, we are shaping the future of African art patronage while honouring our legacy” states Taz Ramphisa, General Manager: Customer and Brand, BMW South Africa.

Premium Guest Experiences

As Official Vehicle Partner, BMW will provide chauffeur-driven services for guests, delivering the hallmark BMW experience of comfort, precision, and seamless mobility.

Join Us at FNB Art Joburg

BMW invites art lovers, collectors, and cultural innovators to experience this unique convergence of art, design, and mobility. Visit BMW’s stand at FNB Art Joburg from 4–7 September and stay tuned for exciting announcements in 2026.

Event Details

• VIP Opening: 4 September 2025
• Public Days: 5–7 September 2025
• Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

BMW Group Cultural Engagement

Why Culture? Why not! Culture is knowledge, a sanctuary of beauty and depth, of meaning and peace. An inspiring escape. Tranquil at best, even unsettling sometimes. As corporate citizen, the BMW Group takes social responsibility seriously, as part of which it has been involved in hundreds of cultural initiatives worldwide for over half a century, both in the arts, music & sound, architecture as well as in design. As a long-term partner, creative freedom is key – and as essential for groundbreaking works as it is for major innovations within a business enterprise like ours.

iFurther information: www.bmwgroup.com/culture and www.bmwgroup.com/overview

Instagram: @BMWGroupCulture

#BMWGroupCulture

The BMW Group

 With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

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Estcourt/KwaZulu-Natal. Learners at KwaZamokuhle Special School in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, are stepping into the digital future thanks to the launch of a new Coding and Robotics Hub, established through the BRIDGE partnership between UNICEF and the BMW Group, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

The BRIDGE partnership is a global initiative that equips young people – particularly those from marginalized communities – with 21st-century skills. In South Africa, this partnership works with the DBE to set up Coding and Robotics Hubs in every province, thereby providing state-of-the-art technology for teaching, learning, and extracurricular activities.

These hubs, located in revamped classrooms in pilot schools and equipped with state-of-the-art advanced technology, serve as centres of excellence, advancing STEAMIE (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship) education for learners, educators, and the wider community. 

KwaZamokuhle Special School, established in 1988, caters to 220 learners with a range of special needs, including those with significant severe intellectual challenges and learners on the autism spectrum.  Despite being a lower-quintile rural school, it has earned recognition for outstanding academic performance, excelling in both the classroom and on the sportsfield.  

“Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a fast-changing world, regardless of where they are born or the challenges they face. By bringing technology and innovation to schools like KwaZamokuhle, we are ensuring that learners with special needs are included in South Africa’s digital future,” says Irfan Akhtar, UNICEF South Africa Deputy Representative. 

While this Hub is part of the global BRIDGE initiative, it is deeply local in its purpose. It exists because learners in remote places like Estcourt deserve equal parts of innovation, support, and opportunity. This is BRIDGE with a human face—powered by global backing but grounded in your community. And with a commitment stretching to 2030, it’s built to last.” Mbasa Kepe, BMW Group South Africa, Head of Government and External Affairs. 

The new hub, one of 12 in the country, reflects the collective vision of UNICEF, BMW Group and the DBE, emphasising inclusivity and resilience, while ensuring that all children and young people have the opportunity to learn, develop and grow their skills and knowledge.

Midrand. On August 30, 2025, The BMW Art Generation Vol. III returns to NIROX Sculpture Park with a bold and immersive program focused on celebration, dialogue, and the poetics of possibility. Presented by FNB Art Joburg in partnership with BMW Group South Africa, this third edition deepens its commitment to critical thought and cultural engagement.

This year’s theme, “A Tropology Between Image and Imagination,” explores the narrative power of creative practice. Artists and cultural thinkers come together to investigate how symbolism, gesture, and form serve as tools to reclaim histories and shape speculative futures. Through this lens, the festival underscores imagination as methodology, illuminating African presence in all its complexity and nuance.

Talks Programme

A curated talks programme anchors the day’s intellectual offering:

• Talk I | Image and Imagination
  This panel features acclaimed artists such as Zanele Muholi, examining how image-making becomes a means of resistance, self-authorship, and future-building. The conversation unpacks the frameworks through which artists interpret identity, presence, and cultural mythologies.
• Talk II | Existing, Performance & Being
  Featuring luminaries like Nicholas Hlobo, this conversation responds to Koyo Kouoh’s call for loving and emancipatory depictions of Black experiences. Artists reflect on how performance and representation intersect with history, grief, and joy.

These talks serve as key moments for reflection, offering audiences deeper insight into the artistic processes and lived experiences that shape contemporary art on the continent and beyond.

Music Performances

In addition to the talks and exhibitions, headline musical performances by Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and Msaki will bring rhythm and resonance to NIROX Sculpture Park. Their performances weave together heritage and contemporary sound, amplifying the festival’s celebration of African imagination and creativity.

Garden Affirmations

Audiences can also join Muneyi’s Garden Affirmations, an intimate reflective session in the park that blends music, poetry, and affirming dialogue within the natural surrounds of NIROX. This addition offers a grounding moment of connection and mindfulness during the day’s programme.

Community Workshop

The BMW Centre for Art Education will also host a workshop for the Kromdraai community, led by Liesl Hartman, Head of Education at Zeitz MOCAA. This initiative encourages hands-on creativity and fosters intergenerational exchange through artmaking.

Legacy & Vision

At its core, The BMW Art Generation is about legacy-building. Since 2020, BMW and FNB Art Joburg have cultivated a new wave of art patrons through the BMW Young Collectors Co., a community committed to collecting African art and investing in local cultural ecosystems.

Taz Ramphisa, General Manager: Customer and Brand for BMW Group South Africa, notes, “BMW is committed to creativity and innovation within the art world. Art Generation reflects our ongoing support for platforms that shape discourse, nurture talent, and enrich communities.”

Mandla Sibeko, Managing Director of FNB Art Joburg, adds, “Art is a language of meaning, memory, and transformation. Through Art Generation, we honour those who stretch the limits of imagination and visual storytelling.”

The event promises a day of deep engagement with art, imagination, and dialogue, continuing to shape the future of artistic expression on African soil.

Event and Ticket Info

Date: August 30, 2025

Venue: NIROX Sculpture Park

Tickets: R500 (includes access to talks, exhibitions, and all programming)

Book here: https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/bmw-art-generation       

Media inquiries: zaza@artjoburg.com

ENDS

Munich. The new BMW iX3 demonstrates the BMW Group's take on implementing a holistic approach to product sustainability across the entire life cycle. During product development, extensive measures were implemented throughout the supply chain, production and use phases, explicitly focused on conserving resources and reducing the model’s environmental footprint. As such, the Neue Klasse marks an important milestone toward achieving the company's 2030 and 2050 CO₂e targets.
 
CO₂e benefits achievable after only one year of use
The extensive decarbonisation measures in the supply chain results in an early break-even point: when charged with electricity from the European energy mix, the CO₂e footprint of the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive is lower than that of a comparable model with a combustion engine after about 21,500 kilometres (WLTP combined). When charged exclusively with electricity from renewable sources, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive beats the comparable ICE model after only 17,500 kilometres (WLTP combined), allowing customers to potentially achieve CO₂e benefits in as little as one year.

Decarbonisation in the supply chain
The key levers to reduce CO₂e emissions in the supply chain are the use of secondary materials and renewable energy, alongside product and process innovations. This combination of measures has led to a decrease of CO₂e emissions in the supply chain of 35% during product development.
The Gen6 battery cells of the BMW iX3 high-voltage storage system are made of 50% secondary cobalt, lithium, and nickel materials. In addition, renewable energies are harnessed in the anode and cathode materials and cell production. This is how CO₂e emissions per watt hour were reduced by 42% compared to the Gen5 cell of the previous model.

The BMW Group is increasingly focused on the use of innovative and secondary materials in other components as well. 
For instance, 30% of the secondary raw material  used for the engine compartment cover and the storage compartment under the front hatch is recycled maritime plastic. This post-consumer material consists of old fishing nets and ropes, preventing these materials from potentially being dumped in the ocean.
Secondary aluminum accounts for 80% of the wheel carriers and swivel bearings as well as 70% of the cast aluminum wheels.

‘Design for Circularity’: consistent implementation in the Neue Klasse 
The BMW Group applied the ‘Design for Circularity’ approach consistently in developing the BMW iX3. The approach builds on the concepts of secondary first (the prioritised use of secondary materials), strategic material selection and disassembly optimisation. As a result, secondary materials account for one third of all material used in the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive.
One example of implementing these three concepts is the Econeer seat cover, available in the interior trim Essential, whose fabric, adhesive and fleece are all made from PET. This mono-material choice increases recyclability. Moreover, the textile yarn used consists entirely of recycled PET as well.
Other components whose development followed the ‘Design for Circularity’ approach include the centre console, instrument panel and interior floor trim.

Significantly improved efficiency in the use phase    
BMW EfficientDynamics involves consistently identifying and harnessing efficiency potential in all vehicle subsystems. Applying this approach, the energy consumption of the new BMW iX3 is 20% lower than in the predecessor model (WLTP combined).
This significant improvement is primarily based on optimised aerodynamic properties, reduced rolling resistance and on-board power consumption as well as the drive’s unparalleled combination of efficiency and dynamics. 

Sustainability-centric production at BMW Group’s Debrecen plant
Designed and built according to the BMW iFactory principles, the new BMW Group plant in Debrecen, Hungary, is fully focused on efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability. It is the first BMW Group vehicle factory that is operated and produces vehicles without using fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, under normal operating conditions.
The only energy source to power operations at the site is electricity. According to current planning, up to 25% of the plant's annual electricity needs can be covered by the photovoltaic system located on the premises. The remaining electricity is obtained from other renewable energy sources. Surplus solar energy is stored in a heat storage unit and used to heat the paint shop ovens as needed.
Only 0.1 tons of CO₂e are emitted in the production of a BMW iX3 car, about two thirds below production at other BMW Group plants.

The BMW Group’s sustainability targets
The BMW Group's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and to achieving Net Zero by 2050 or earlier is an integral part of the comprehensive 360° sustainability approach incorporated in the corporate strategy. The company is pursuing ambitious, scientifically derived CO₂e targets for the coming years. For instance, the BMW Group intends to reduce its CO₂e emissions by at least 40 million tons in 2030 (baseline: 2019).

Publicly accessible, TÜV-verified Product Carbon Footprint 
For years, the BMW Group has released its vehicle footprint, which includes a greenhouse gas report for its vehicles verified by Germany’s TÜV Technical Inspection Association. The report for the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive can be downloaded here and is also available in the My BMW app. It offers increased transparency regarding raw materials used and CO₂e emissions over the entire vehicle lifecycle.

^{All information regarding the BMW iX3 50 xDrive’s mileage, energy consumption, range, energy content, dimensions, weights, share of secondary raw materials/recycled materials and other technical data and derivations thereof are provisional as of the start of production in November 2025.}

^{All model variants, equipment levels, technical data, fuel consumption and emission data mentioned correspond to the range offered in the German car market, provided the respective model is available there. Deviations in other markets are possible. Dimensions refer to the base model available in Germany; depending on wheel and tyre size as well as optional equipment selected, dimensions may vary depending on the specific configuration.}

^{Power consumption and range data were measured in accordance with the mandatory WLTP procedures and comply with the German Passenger Car Energy Consumption Labelling Ordinance (EnVKV). For more information, see www.bmw.de}  

^{The BMW Group}

^{With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.}

^{In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.}

^{The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.}

^{www.bmwgroup.com 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup
X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup} 

Soshanguve, Tshwane. A new chapter in youth development and community upliftment officially began on 25 July in Soshanguve, as BMW Group South Africa proudly handed over state-of-the-art facilities at Lethabong School of Specialisation (SOS) in Maths, Science & ICT. This latest phase in a series of continuous refurbishments and modern infrastructure underscores the company’s enduring commitment to creating a brighter future for South African youth through sustained investment in educational development.
The pivotal event was attended by Ilka Horstmeier, Labour Relations Director and Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for People and Real Estate, and Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa. They were joined by a distinguished assembly of guests, including the members from the Department of Basic Education; UNICEF South Africa and various local municipality representatives. 

A collective commitment to future generations. 
The extensive enhancements at Lethabong SOS include a new school auditorium, two advanced IT centres housing a total of 40 workstations, and a fully equipped kitchen. These vital infrastructure investments are a tangible expression of BMW Group South Africa’s impact-driven approach to corporate social responsibility, demonstrating that the company builds more than just cars – it builds futures. The newly introduced auditorium provides matriculants with a dedicated, conducive space for examinations for the first time, ensuring uninterrupted learning for all grades. Additionally, the modern kitchen serves learners with healthy meals and improves the overall learning environment.

Lethabong SOS emerged as the optimal choice, not only serving as a feeder school from Ntsha-Peu Primary School but also representing a community poised for this dedicated support. 

A vision unveiled.
During the event, both Ilka Horstmeier and Peter van Binsbergen addressed the learners, school leadership, and attendees, articulating the vision behind BMW Group South Africa’s investment. The day also featured a walkabout, allowing guests to experience firsthand the significant additions to Lethabong SOS that will deliver a fully modernised campus experience, complete with cutting-edge learning spaces and foundational amenities crucial for contemporary education. Additionally, Ilka Horstmeier engaged with school principal Maphefo Malope and the learners, gaining meaningful insights into the daily realities and aspirations of the school community.

Empowering through partnership: The BRIDGE way. 
This initiative is a cornerstone of BMW Group South Africa’s ‘BRIDGE: Educating Young People for Tomorrow, Today’ partnership with UNICEF South Africa. This collaboration aligns with UNICEF’s global ambition to reach children and young people through educational programmes worldwide, including learning in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths), a vision championed by the company’s leadership.

“Investing in education is investing in the very fabric of society. Facilities like those at Lethabong SOS create environments where young minds can truly flourish, where potential can be meticulously nurtured,” states Ilka Horstmeier. “Our work here in South Africa, as part of our broader engagements across the nation, reflects the BMW Group’s fundamental belief in empowering communities and enabling the next generation to shape their own success stories.”

The partnership with UNICEF at Lethabong SOS also unlocks unique learning avenues for students through innovative coding and robotics programmes, equipping educators with essential skills to deliver advanced curricula. This hub will extend its reach to neighbouring schools, operating as an essential resource centre in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education and UNICEF South Africa.

This country-wide programme was initiated in 2023 and provides young learners from disadvantaged schools with unparalleled access to mentorship, inspiration, and guidance within the dynamic fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By immersing these pupils in real-world STEM environments across BMW Group South Africa’s business units the programme aims to ignite a passion for innovation and cultivates the skills essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Building a legacy of progress.
Van Binsbergen affirmed the company’s strategic vision: “Our commitment to South Africa transcends traditional business models. The transformation at Lethabong SOS is a powerful reflection of our collective conviction that sustained investment in education and infrastructure development is paramount for national progress. It solidifies BMW Group South Africa’s leadership in responsible business practices and social transformation, inspiring assurance for a thriving tomorrow.”

This handover marks a significant step in BMW Group South Africa’s ongoing journey to support human potential and build robust educational foundations within the communities it serves.

Rosslyn, Tshwane. BMW Group South Africa marked a notable milestone, hosting key national leadership, including the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by the Premier of Gauteng Province, Panyaza Lesufi, at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn on Thursday, 24 July.

The landmark visit, which saw the participation of Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of BMW South Africa and Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production, and Ilka Horstmeier, Labour Relations Director and Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for People and Real Estate, as part of their broader engagements in South Africa, highlighted the strong and active partnership between the BMW Group and the South African government in advancing industrial growth and economic empowerment.

“The achievements at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, especially its path towards record production volumes and its crucial role in our global BMW X3 production, are a source of great pride”, comments Milan Nedeljković. “Our significant investment in electrification here demonstrates our long-term belief in South Africa as a key manufacturing hub within our global network, driving innovation, skills and sustainable growth for the region.”

Showcasing local excellence and commitment. 

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to spotlight BMW Group South Africa’s recent successes and plans. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is set to achieve its highest annual production volume in 52 years, reflecting strong global demand and the BMW Group’s confidence in local manufacturing capabilities. This performance is underpinned by continuous investment, notably the R4.2 billion allocated for the electrification of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. The locally produced BMW X3 recently earned critical acclaim, winning the Old Mutual Insure 2025 South African Car of the Year and the Premium category awards, highlighting its strength and market appeal. BMW Group South Africa’s strong Q2 performance indicates its leadership in the premium segment, with customer demand and its electrification strategy continuing to drive production of the new BMW X3 at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. To date, Plant Rosslyn is the only plant that produces the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for the entire world; a fact that the team of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn takes pride in.

Advancing South Africa’s automotive sector, together.

The engagement at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn served as a pivotal platform to reinforce the company’s position as a trusted corporate citizen and contributor to national progress. During the visit, President Ramaphosa interacted with the plant assembly staff on the production line, gaining firsthand insight into daily operations, and later addressed several hundred production staff, acknowledging their dedication. Discussions during the visit highlighted BMW Group South Africa’s industry leadership, showcasing its role as a premium automotive manufacturer through innovative and sustainable practices, and emphasising its substantial investment in South Africa’s economic development.

The dialogue focused on the tangible benefits of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, specifically its role in advancing job creation, driving essential skills development, and facilitating technology transfer within the local market. A reflection of its ongoing dedication to national transformation, BMW Group South Africa  and BMW Group Financial Services South Africa both achieved Level 1 B-BBEE status in the 2024 audit, highlighting the companies’ drive towards an inclusive and equitable workplace, and reflecting continuous, focused efforts and collaboration. Crucially, the visit has strengthened public and private sector relations, deepening BMW Group South Africa’s partnership with the local government and aligning its strategic goals with the President’s vision for industrial growth, economic empowerment and sustainable mobility.

“This engagement at Plant Rosslyn reaffirms the great partnership between the BMW Group and South Africa”, states Daniel Bester, Director of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. “Our plant continues to be a beacon of manufacturing excellence, setting new production records and driving innovation. We remain committed to contributing to South Africa’s economic growth, actively working towards a shared, prosperous future.”

Beyond manufacturing, BMW Group South Africa’s partnership with the Youth Employment Services (YES) programme continues to create meaningful work opportunities for young South Africans, equipping them with practical experience. The company has generated over 3,500 youth work experiences since 2022. The 2025 cohort at BMW South Africa includes 86 talented individuals gaining invaluable experience across the four business entities.

Creating confidence for a shared future.

The successful gathering at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn solidifies BMW Group South Africa’s industrial leadership and its function as an integral collaborator in South Africa’s economic growth and enduring prosperity. A key pillar supporting this confidence is the company’s highly adaptive and capable manufacturing workforce. The advanced requirements for producing the new BMW X3 at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn have driven significant advancements in employee technical skills and expertise. This continuous development of local capabilities not only upholds manufacturing excellence but also reinforces South Africa’s strategic importance within the global automotive industry.

Munich / Berlin. Now in its fourth year, the successful partnership between BMW Group and ESMT Berlin continues to evolve. The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowships, launched in 2022, are being extended in 2025 to include ESMT’s full-time MBA and MSc programs alongside the Global Online MBA and will focus on shaping leadership for a digital future.

For the upcoming academic year, eight fellowships will be offered:

• two fellowships for the Full-time MBA programme (January 2026 intake)
• two fellowships for the MSc programmes (October 2025 intake) and
• four fellowships for the Global Online MBA programme (October 2025 intake).

This expansion marks an important shift in the collaboration between the BMW Group and ESMT. By investing in students across the business school’s degree programs, the BMW Group will support a broader and more diverse group of future leaders with strong backgrounds in mathematics and technology. These individuals will be uniquely positioned to drive positive change in business and society by bringing innovative thinking to real-world challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for People and Real Estate, and Labor Relations Director emphasized the importance of this commitment. She said, "We are delighted to partner with ESMT to foster the next generation of Change Makers. Bold innovations require bold individuals. Through our commitment to additional ESMT programs, we are investing in future leaders."

Applicants must have an academic or professional background in mathematics or technology-related fields and be citizens or permanent residents of Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, China, USA or South Africa or hold refugee status in Germany. MSc and full-time MBA applicants must also be aged 30 or younger on September 1, 2025.

When applying for the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowships, candidates will be asked to answer the following question: the BMW Group seeks to actively shape the future of mobility; what aspect of a digital future fascinates you the most and why?

In total, the BMW Group currently employs around 10,000 people worldwide in IT & software development. It has been pooling the company's IT expertise in IT and software hubs worldwide since 2008. In addition to the locations in Germany, South Africa, the USA, Portugal and China, there are now two more in Romania and India. The hubs have their own distinctive tech culture and a high degree of autonomy, making them attractive places to work for regional talent pools. For this reason, BMW Group is offering the 2025 Change Maker Fellowships with a focus on digitalization to select countries of its BMW Group IT-Hub network.

ESMT President Jörg Rocholl commented, “The Change Maker Fellowships continue to deepen our shared mission with BMW Group: to foster tech-savvy leaders capable of driving meaningful, global change.”

Since their inception, the Change Maker Fellowships have emerged as a strategic initiative positioned at the crossroads of societal responsibility and global talent development. They reflect BMW Group and ESMT’s shared commitment to unlocking potential and guiding individuals toward meaningful, high-impact careers.

More information on the fellowship and the application process may be found here

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Press Contact ESMT Berlin

Lennart Richter

Press Spokesperson

Email: lennart.richter@esmt.org

Telephone: +49-160-5521-393

Rosslyn, Pretoria. As South Africa navigates the complexities of a rapidly evolving global economy, UNICEF South Africa and BMW Group South Africa are taking decisive action to equip the nation’s youth with the critical skills needed for future success. Launched on 1 April, the STEM for Youth Mentorship Programme marks a significant expansion of their ongoing ‘BRIDGE: Educating Young People for Tomorrow, Today’ partnership, demonstrating a tangible commitment to supporting the next generation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) leaders.

Empowering future STEM leaders through real-world experience.

This initiative provides young learners from disadvantaged schools in Pretoria North with unparalleled access to mentorship, inspiration, and guidance within the dynamic fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By immersing these pupils in real-world STEM environments across BMW Group South Africa’s business units, including the Midrand campus, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn and the BMW IT Hub South Africa, the programme aims to ignite a passion for innovation and cultivate the 21st-century skills essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the future.

A call to collaborative action for youth skilling.

Recognising the urgent need for joint efforts to address youth skilling in South Africa, the programme serves as a powerful call to action for other corporate entities to actively engage in similar mentorship initiatives. Aligned with the B20 Employment and Education Taskforce’s advocacy for public-private partnerships, this initiative exemplifies the transformative impact of businesses working alongside policy leaders to create meaningful employment opportunities for all. The overall aim is to reach 50,000 young people between 15 and 21 years old nationally. Within this, 1,000 learners, from throughout the country, will undergo mentoring/job shadowing with 50 companies. 

UNICEF South Africa’s vision for unlocking youth potential through collaboration.

Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative adds, “UNICEF is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. This STEM Mentorship Programme, in partnership with BMW Group South Africa, reflects the power of collaboration in unlocking the potential of young learners. By providing them with access to real-world experiences and mentorship, we are equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century. We invite other organisations to join us in this mission, creating a ripple effect of positive change across the nation.”

BMW Group South Africa’s commitment to investing in South Africa’s youth. 

“At BMW Group South Africa, we believe in investing in the potential of our youth,” says Daniel Bester, Director of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. “This programme is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about igniting a spark of innovation, particularly in technical fields. It empowers these young minds to become the engineers who will contribute to the future of industries like manufacturing in South Africa and beyond.”

Building an inclusive and prosperous future through STEM skills.

The STEM for Youth Mentorship Programme will run across BMW Group South Africa’s business units in 2025, offering learners invaluable hands-on experience and direct interaction with industry professionals. It is designed to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for South Africa.

Rosslyn, Pretoria. BMW Group South Africa hosted media this week at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for the national media launch of the new BMW X3. The event, which will have a second media rotation from 19–20 February, provided a firsthand look at the state-of-the-art facility, the production process, and the plant’s significant local footprint.

Since its start of production in October 2024, the new BMW X3 has strongly resonated with South African customers, with all available stock sold or on order. Impressively, approximately 10% of sales are for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) BMW X3 30e xDrive model, underscoring growing interest in electrified vehicles and reinforcing BMW’s leadership in the ‘New Energy Vehicles’ segment. The BMW X3 30e xDrive has driven a remarkable 45% increase in the monthly retail rate of PHEVs, demonstrating its significant market impact.

These achievements coincide with BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s reintroduction of a third production shift and expansion of its production line to include internal combustion engine (ICE) variants. “The new BMW X3 embodies our commitment to both innovation and customer choice,” said Ernst Kohlmeyer, General Manager of Quality at BMW Group South Africa. “Producing both PHEV and ICE models on the same line demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of Plant Rosslyn, enabling us to effectively respond to global market demands.”

Driven by worldwide demand, the new BMW X3 plays a crucial role in the BMW Group’s strategic electrification roadmap. Its production launch is timely, showcasing BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s capabilities and commitment to delivering on allocated volume and quality in a three-shift operation, reintroduced on 8 January 2025, to meet growing demand. The plant is projected to produce an average of 110 units per shift.

“These production milestones represent the culmination of years of planning and investment in Plant Rosslyn,” added Anuk Maharaj, Project Lead for the new BMW X3 at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. “We are immensely proud to see the new BMW X3 come to life here, securing jobs and contributing to the South African economy.”

In addition to the previously launched BMW X3 30e xDrive, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn will now also produce the BMW X3 20 petrol and 20d diesel variants, (started in January 2025), followed by the BMW X3 40d xDrive in May 2025. Significantly, both the BMW X3 30e xDrive and the BMW X3 40d xDrive will be exclusively produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for global markets. This strategic move reinforces the BMW Group’s ‘technology openness’ philosophy, offering customers powertrain options that best suit their individual needs.

This expansion follows a R4.2 billion investment in the electrification and digitisation of the production facility, demonstrating the BMW Group’s commitment to transformation, skills development, and future-proofing the Rosslyn plant within its global production network. A comprehensive plant-wide training programme ensured the workforce was fully prepared for the new model’s production.

The production of the BMW X3, including PHEV and ICE variants, secures jobs not only at BMW Group South Africa but also within its supply chain and retail network across the country. This new development reaffirms the BMW Group’s confidence in BMW Group Plant Rosslyn and its employees, positioning the plant for continued success in the evolving automotive landscape.

Menlyn, Pretoria. On 13 December, BMW Group South Africa hosted the German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the BMW IT Hub. The visit underscores the growing importance of South Africa as a global technology hub and highlights the impact of the BMW IT Hub on local youth empowerment and skills development.

The German Federal President’s visit to the BMW IT Hub, during his official visit to South Africa, symbolises the close partnership between Germany and South Africa. As both nations celebrate significant milestones – Germany’s 35 years of reunification and South Africa’s 30 years of democracy – the BMW IT Hub stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.

A shared vision for the future.

Walter Mertl, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Finance and Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, welcomed Federal President Steinmeier and Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, to the BMW IT Hub.

“We are honoured to welcome Federal President Steinmeier and Minister Tau to the BMW IT Hub,” said Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa. “This visit reaffirms the hub’s role in driving digital transformation and fostering a skilled workforce in South Africa. By investing in young talent and leveraging advanced technologies, we are contributing to the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.”

Federal President Steinmeier had the opportunity to meet young IT professionals who develop cutting-edge technologies, including eye-tracking – a sophisticated technology that analyses eye movements to better understand user preferences and thus improve software useability. The hub’s work on developing data-driven digital twin for high-voltage batteries represents a significant step forward in the automotive industry, ensuring quality and efficiency.

Thorsten Achenbach, Director of the BMW IT Hub, commented: “The hub is more than just an IT centre; it is a platform for innovation and social impact. We are committed to empowering the next generation of IT professionals and driving sustainable growth in South Africa.”

BMW Group South Africa also hosted a high-level business delegation including executives based in Germany and South Africa who were given a tour of the hub. The meeting recognised South Africa’s thriving tech ecosystem, and the importance of the BMW IT Hub in providing IT solutions for the BMW Group globally. 

Empowering South Africa’s youth. 

The BMW IT Hub, a strategic pillar of BMW Group South Africa, is committed to nurturing young South African talent. Through initiatives such as the Graduate Tech Academy and partnerships with organisations such as Harambee, the hub empowers young people with critical IT skills, to enable them to contribute to the nation’s growing digital economy.

As one of the fastest-growing business units within the BMW Group, the BMW IT Hub has emerged as a global centre of excellence for IT services, expanding greatly since 2014. With a workforce of over 2,500 talented individuals, the hub is shaping the future of South Africa’s digital landscape.

A bright future for South Africa’s tech industry.

As South Africa and Germany continue to strengthen their bilateral relations, the German Federal President’s visit reaffirms the nation’s potential to address global challenges by leveraging technology. Both countries share a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. The BMW IT Hub is a symbol of this shared vision, continuously demonstrating its ability to shape the future of the automotive industry and beyond.

END

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup

Midrand. Dr Esther Mahlangu’s acclaimed retrospective exhibition, ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective,’ is set to captivate Johannesburg audiences at the Wits Art Museum (WAM). Following its successful run at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town, this landmark exhibition, supported by BMW Group South Africa, WAM, and the National Arts Council, will open its doors to the public on 20 November 2024.

Curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, the retrospective offers a profound exploration of the life and artistic practice of Dr Mahlangu, a national treasure and global icon. It chronicles her remarkable journey, from her humble beginnings in a small village in Mpumalanga to her international recognition as one of the most influential artists of her time. In a comprehensive collection of archival materials spanning five decades, the exhibition celebrates Dr Mahlangu’s significant contributions to and lasting impact on contemporary art.

“Dr Mahlangu is a living symbol of triumph over adversity. As one of the first South African and female African artists to achieve global recognition, her warm personality and ability to inspire creativity have established her as a matriarch and mentor in contemporary art,” says exhibition curator Nontobeko Ntombela. “Her artistic approach continues to inspire younger generations and emphasises Africa’s rightful place at the centre of the art world.”

Craig Mark, Director of The Melrose Gallery, shared Ntombela’s sentiments, noting, “Few South African artists have had the chance to present a retrospective of this scale. We hope this exhibition can pave the way for a global tour, creating opportunities for other South African artists to access these long-restricted museum spaces.”

Dr Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, a milestone in the history of both art and automotive design, is a highlight of the retrospective exhibition. Created in 1991, this iconic vehicle marked a historic moment as her work became the first by a woman and an African artist to be included in the prestigious BMW Art Car Collection. Its return to Gauteng after over three decades allows local audiences a unique opportunity to experience this world-renowned masterpiece.

“Dr Mahlangu’s extraordinary legacy is a testament to her pioneering spirit. Our longstanding relationship with her, culminating in the return of the BMW 525i Art Car, is a celebration of her artistic brilliance and our joint effort to push the boundaries of creativity,” says Thilosh Moodally, Director of Government Affairs and Communications at BMW Group South Africa. “I am proud to say that we have a long and rich history of supporting the arts and culture and remain committed to using our platform to promote innovation.”  

The WAM retrospective invites audiences from Tshwane, Mpumalanga, and surrounding areas to immerse themselves in the iconic world of Dr Mahlangu. This special regional tribute honours her deep connections to both Gauteng and Mpumalanga. “Wits Art Museum is honoured to host this retrospective, showcasing the remarkable scope and vision in Dr Mahlangu’s work,” says Julia Charlton, WAM Senior Curator.

Bettina Korek, CEO, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of the Serpentine Galleries hailed Dr Mahlangu as “one of the most important artists of her time” at the unveiling of her large 9m x 5m mural as the opening event for the VIP Programme for Frieze London in October. The artwork is titled ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabuntu’ and translates from isiNdebele to ‘I am because you are’, emphasising human kindness, connection and community. This is her first public mural in the United Kingdom, painted over sixteen wooden panels.

'Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective’ will be on exhibition at WAM from 20 November 2024 until 17 April 2025. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.

If you have any questions, please contact:

The Melrose Gallery (through Alkemi Collective)

Sindi Phenya

Client Service Manager – Alkemi Collective

Phone: +27 83 789 2553

Email: sindi@alkemi.global

WAM

Angelique Bougaard

Education Curator – WAM

Angelique.Bougaard@wits.ac.za

BMW Group South Africa

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

END

About Dr Esther Mahlangu

Dr Esther Nostokana Nagiyana Nikwambi Mahlangu is a celebrated South African contemporary artist known for her innovative work that pushes boundaries beyond the traditional mural. Widely recognised as one of the most influential artists across generations, Dr Mahlangu began her artistic journey at the age of ten under the guidance of her grandmother and mother, learning the traditional techniques of isiNdebele mural painting. Her contemporary works, which span a wide variety of non-traditional surfaces, found objects, and automobiles, build upon this rich tradition.

Dr Mahlangu’s participation in the exhibition Magiciens de la Terre (1989) in Paris shot her to fame, marking the launch of her transition from a communal practice into her own agency as a contemporary artist. Shortly thereafter, in 1991, she became the first woman artist and African to paint a BMW Art Car. Dr Mahlangu has exhibited in over 20 countries, sometimes with multiple solo shows in at least seventeen different cities.

She has painted murals across eight different countries and participated in residency programmes with institutions like Project Row Houses (2005), L’Associazione Culturale Colonos (2009), and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (2014). Some of her more significant engagements include Documenta IX (1992), the 5th Biennale of Contemporary Art (2000), the 1st Malindi Biennale (2006), and the 3rd Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art (2009). Dr Mahlangu's collaborations with the BMW Group span decades, including the 1991 BMW 525i Art Car, the Electric AI Canvas at Art Basel 2023 (which featured AI-generated animations based on her designs projected onto a BMW i5), and the 2024 BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, a one-of-a-kind vehicle combining colour-change technology developed by BMW. Dr Mahlangu has also worked on projects with fashion brands like Comme des Garçons (1991), and shoe companies Melissa (2009) and EYTYS (2015). In 2016, she created the Belvedere (RED) bottle design, which helped fund a campaign against HIV/AIDS. Dr Mahlangu's works are represented in over 27 public institutions’ collections, and her work is also held in private collections around the world. She continues her artistic career to this day. Dr Mahlangu is the recipient of numerous honorary doctorates for her contribution to art.

For more information, please visit Esther Mahlangu’s website, or connect with her on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/esthermahlanguart

Instagram: www.instagram.com/esthermahlanguart

About Nontobeko Ntombela (the exhibition curator) 

Nontobeko Ntombela is a lecturer in the Department of Curatorial, Public, and Visual Cultures at the Wits School of Arts in Johannesburg. She holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Cape Town. Her research focuses on Modern and Contemporary South African art, with a particular interest in Black women artists. Ntombela began her career as a curator in 2002 and has worked at various institutions, including the BAT Centre, Durban University Art Gallery, and the Johannesburg Art Gallery, where she curated numerous exhibitions. After a decade of curatorial work, Ntombela took up an academic position at Wits, shifting her curatorial practice to centre more archival and research-driven historical projects. Some of her most recent notable curatorial projects include the ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective’ (2024) exhibition at Iziko South African National Galleries in Cape Town and Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, ‘When Rain Clouds Gather: South African Black Women Artists 1940–2000’ (2022-2023) at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, and ‘The Burden of Memory’ (2019) at multiple venues in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

About The Melrose Gallery 

The Melrose Gallery is a leading Pan African Contemporary gallery located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The gallery represents established and emerging artists whose voices speak to issues of significance to the continent of Africa on a global basis. They are passionate about ensuring that the elders who have made a valuable contribution to African Contemporary Art are recognised and continue to be heard. These inspiring stalwarts provide a stable foundation to an exciting young guard of artists who are swiftly emerging from the African Continent and Diaspora to establish themselves globally. The Melrose Gallery runs a curated programme of exhibitions, participates in respected art fairs, supports many artists in their participation at Biennales, and conceptualises and implements significant non-commercial exhibitions in association with leading museums.

For more information, please visit the Melrose Gallery website, or connect with them on social media:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/themelrosegallerysa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/themelrosegallery

Or send an email to: craig@themelrosegallery.com

About Wits Art Museum

Located in the heart of Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Wits Art Museum (WAM) is a university art museum that serves both academic and public audiences. With over 13,000 African artworks, WAM’s mission is to facilitate compelling encounters with African art for academics, students, and anyone who appreciates great art. The museum’s extensive collection includes historical and contemporary artworks, showcasing the rich diversity of Africa’s visual culture.

For more information, please visit WAM’s website, or connect with them on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WitsArtMuseum

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witsartmuseum_wam/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgEIZOT88sGGrA-_-Ug1jQ/featured

About the BMW Group

With its four brands – BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad – the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was €17.1 billion on revenues amounting to €155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

For more information, please visit the BMW Group’s website, or connect with them on social media:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup

About BMW Group Cultural Engagement

Why culture? Why not! Culture is knowledge, a sanctuary of beauty and depth, of meaning and peace. An inspiring escape. Tranquil at best, even unsettling sometimes. As a corporate citizen, the BMW Group takes social responsibility seriously, a part of which it has been involved in hundreds of cultural initiatives worldwide for over half a century, in the fields of contemporary art, music, and film as well as in design. As a long-term partner, creative freedom is key – and as essential for groundbreaking works as it is for major innovations within a business enterprise like ours.

Further information: www.bmwgroup.com/culture and www.bmwgroup.com/overview

Instagram: @BMWGroupCulture

#BMWGroupCulture 

Midrand. On 2 November 2024, The BMW Art Generation will return for its second edition at the Nirox Sculpture Park in Kromdraai, Krugersdorp. This year The BMW Art Generation will build on the momentum of its inaugural 2023 edition by fostering joy through connections and exchange while highlighting contemporary African art and lifestyle.

The BMW Art Generation’s Moments of Joy

A prime arts and lifestyle event, The BMW Art Generation will fulfil the questions and curiosities of art enthusiasts and academics parallel to offering them an intentionally engaging programme of art walkabouts in the park; studio visits; a live music line-up made to facilitate enjoyment, as well as food, wine and fashion offerings that demonstrate Africa as a destination for lifestyle excellence.

The day will kick off with an intergenerational conversation that looks at the medium of painting as a practice of liberation. Intergenerational, the conversation will be between formidable painters Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi and Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi. The conversation will be moderated by Janine Gaëlle Dieudji, curator of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.

Parallel to the discourse, guests can look forward to

• Food: Lara the Food Goddess, Lucky Bread, Jack Rabbit, Forest Gelato, Glory, Il Contadino, Soul Souvlaki
• Fashion: BOYDE; VIVIERS; NAO SERATI and UNI FORM by Luke Radloff
• Music: Kopano Jazz Collective, the South African Music Award nominated Kujenga and, as a headline, the multi-award-winning leading artist: Thandiswa Mazwai

“As part of our long-term dedication to art education, BMW will continue to play a pivotal role in promoting and fostering creativity and innovation for future generations. The BMW Art Generation is a testament to this vision, creating a platform for the exchange of knowledge between generations of artists, collectors, and cultural practitioners,” said Taz Ramphisa, General Manager: Customer and Brand, BMW Group South Africa.

Building a legacy of celebration, connection and exchange — The BMW Art Generation premise 

In 2020, BMW Group South Africa and FNB Art Joburg established the BMW Young Collectors Co. to develop a new generation of art enthusiasts that will collect African art on African soil. Through exclusive opportunities to meet and connect with leaders in contemporary African art that entry level collectors may not have access to, BMW Young Collectors Co. has built itself up to be one of the most coveted memberships.

A means for BMW South Africa and FNB Art Joburg to open the club’s programme to the public, with support from First National Bank, The BMW Art Generation will serve as a vibrant meeting place for the public to encounter celebrated, established and young artists, curators and academics from across the world. Together this collective has the opportunity to imagine, celebrate and protect the future of contemporary African art.

“Leaders in culture, BMW South Africa exemplifies why patronage is vital in sustaining art. We are privileged to benefit from their support, which not only enhances our initiatives but also strengthens the social fabric we need to foster a rich exchange. Through their investment, we are reminded that culture thrives when shared,” says FNB Art Joburg Managing Director, Mandla Sibeko.

An invitation to celebrate the joys art brings 

Building on the foundation that was established in the first edition, The BMW Art Generation Vol. 2 is a call to look towards joy through art and culture. Centered around a generative jouissance of intergenerational exchange, this edition acknowledges the weight of art to articulate things that cannot be put into words.

Tickets and event information 

Inclusive of live music, talks and full access to the Nirox Sculpture Park, tickets for The BMW Art Generation cost R400. To purchase tickets, visithttps://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/the-bmw-art-generation

NOTES TO EDITORS 

For the latest info on The BMW Art Generation, you can find us on Instagram by following @bmwartgeneration or BMW Young Collectors Co. on LinkedIn

For all press inquiries email: zaza@artjoburg.com

ENDS 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa proudly announces the launch of BMW – The Unique South African Story, a luxury coffee table book published by The Vantage Corporation. This 640-page hardback highlights the extraordinary 50-year journey of BMW in South Africa – the most comprehensive account of the organisation’s history.

BMW – The Unique South African Story narrates the establishment of the first production plant outside of Germany in Rosslyn, north-west of Pretoria. This well-researched compilation details the first and the iconic BMW models manufactured at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, such as the BMW 2000 SA and BMW 333i, along with the memorable launches of new BMW models. The complete history of BMW M Motorsport – its cars and drivers – is meticulously captured. Additionally, the Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors since BMW Group South Africa’s inception provide first-hand accounts of the iconic automotive brand in South Africa.

Author, Johann Venter said, “This book is a culmination of a lifelong passion for the BMW brand. This has led to me joining forces with one of the most ardent BMW enthusiasts I know to create something that truly reflects this heritage brand in South Africa.”  

The book also includes BMW Group South Africa’s extensive engagement in corporate social responsibility initiatives and cultural collaborations, highlighting a 50-year commitment to building a better future for South African communities. A visual treat, it further incorporates many never-before-seen images, clippings, and records from archives around the world. The book presents the visuals, captured as they were found, offering readers an authentic experience of automotive excellence intertwined with the spirit of both the company and the country.

“A dream that started over nine years ago has finally come to fruition. It is a true BMW Group South Africa encyclopaedia, giving the reader a complete background of the exclusive cars and great people that make BMW a distinctive brand in South Africa,” author, Marek Letowt, added.

50 Years an Icon.   

In 2023, BMW Group South Africa celebrated its 50th anniversary under the theme “50 Years an Icon”. The milestone occasion was marked by yearlong festivities that reiterated the company’s economic, social and cultural impacts in the automotive industry, the communities in which it operates and across South Africa. The revisitation of this jubilee during Heritage Month serves as an apt backdrop for the launch of this limited edition.

BMW Group South Africa CEO, Peter van Binsbergen commented, “We are proud to reflect on our company’s iconic history, particularly during a time that highlights South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Moreover, we are pleased to see it preserved in this detailed publication. This book launch is a beautiful mix of nostalgia, achievement, and corporate and community intrigue.”

Stefan Schuett, CEO of BMW Group Financial Services South Africa commented, “We must thank the authors of this unique offering for their commitment to honouring BMW Group South Africa’s legacy, and the publishers for preparing and managing this interpretation. We hope that all the BMW car owners and enthusiasts will enjoy it!” 

The collector’s coffee table book is available in two flagship editions: 2,000 standard edition copies and 333 limited edition, leather-bound and boxed copies. All processes involved in printing and binding were completed in South Africa.

To order a copy of  BMW – The Unique South African Story, visit: www.vantagefineautoart.co.za

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup

The Vantage Corporation

Motoring Content Creator

The Vantage Corporation comprises motoring enthusiasts sharing their passion by telling stories about rare and unusual classic and collectable cars from South Africa. Additionally, it provides interesting content to several motoring publications in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Automotive Art

The Vantage Corporation’s automotive art is for the discerning motoring enthusiast and collector looking for something extraordinary. At its automotive art studio, enthusiasts can indulge in owning an art piece of an automotive legend or creating their own.

Rosslyn, Pretoria. On 9 October 2024, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn unveiled a newly built logistics warehouse on its premises. The building will primarily store various parts for the new BMW X3 plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and ensure timely delivery of components to the assembly line for seamless production. As BMW Group Plant Rosslyn begins the start of production of the new model, the 5,200 m² logistics warehouse is uniquely designed and constructed to aid the process.

A modular approach was used to enable future expansions for efficient spaces and lean logistics in line with BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s long-term development plan. The building is equipped with translucent panels providing natural light into the building, individually dimmable smart LED lights, surveillance cameras with integrated artificial intelligence technology and weather resistant dock houses which maintain the integrity of parts delivered to the warehouse.

Sustainable building. 

In cementing BMW Group South Africa’s commitment to zero-waste-to-landfill, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn partnered with Envirolite – an eco-friendly building supplier – to transform some of its waste into sustainable and eco-friendly building bricks. Envirolite bricks consist of over 70% recycled material, including polystyrene waste generated from the plant. As a reflection of BMW Group South Africa’s principles of a circular economy, a total of 7,700 Envirolite bricks were used for the construction of the logistics warehouse.

The Envirolite brick has higher thermal insulation properties compared to a standard clay brick. This plays a key role in making the building more energy-efficient by helping to reduce the energy required for heating or cooling. The daytime energy requirements are achieved through solar photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure. The combination of the solar PV, energy-efficient lighting and Envirolite bricks contributes to the warehouse being one of the most sustainable buildings at BMW Group South Africa.

BMW Group Plant Rosslyn Director Dr Niklas Fichtmüller commented, “Sustainability is at the core of our strategy, and we endeavour to build better futures as we build products of the future. This new warehouse reflects our vision for this state-of-the-art facility, especially as we gear up to produce the new BMW X3 PHEV.”

Sustainable community development.

BMW Group South Africa is committed to community engagement and development as demonstrated in the building process of the new warehouse at its production facility. A total of 42 Rosslyn community labourers worked on the construction site including plasterers, bricklayers, painters and tilers. As the workers had not used the Envirolite brick type before, they were upskilled in its unique installation.

Head of Real Estate Management South Africa at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, Reshard Sayed commented, “Green principles were considered in the conceptualisation of the building from inception. For the BMW Group, conscious use of primary materials plays a key role in building a circular economy. After five months of LEAN construction, excluding rain delays, we are excited to hand over a logistics facility that is pivotal to the launch of the new BMW X3 model at our Rosslyn plant.” BMW Group Plant Rosslyn also aims to extend its new warehouse, citing the current construction as phase one of three phases.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://youtube.com/BMWGroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Midrand. On 3 October, BMW Group South Africa unveiled and handed over a house to Esther Mahlangu in honour of her artistic legacy. Held at the KwaNdebele homestead in Mpumalanga, the ceremony was attended by family, local dignitaries, and media. It highlighted the unique, long-standing relationship between the BMW Group and the globally acclaimed visual artist.

The vibrant modern Ndebele hut is a securer house for Mahlangu. It comprises two bedrooms and a full bathroom, kitchen and lounge areas, and two studio spaces that provide her a comfortable work area. BMW Group South Africa celebrated this significant event to honour Mahlangu’s incredible talent and demonstrate a shared history of ground-breaking collaboration and appreciation for her art that transcends borders.

In over 30 years of blending traditional Ndebele art with contemporary automotive design, the BMW Group has been a proud partner of Mahlangu. Through its global cultural engagement, the BMW Group has established over 100 long-term initiatives in the fields of modern and contemporary art, classical music, jazz, sound, architecture, and design.

Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa commented, “Ma Esther’s storied journey of tradition and innovation with the BMW Group has led us to this momentous occasion. The opening of the Esther Mahlangu House is a tribute to her innovative and disruptive spirit, iconic global resonance and status, and dedication to advancing the BMW Group brand. On behalf of BMW Group South Africa, I thank her for 33 years of redefining the automotive industry through culture.”

A long-standing relationship. 

As a much-loved cultural ambassador of the Ndebele nation, Mahlangu has made a valuable contribution to contemporary art for over seven decades. Her journey with the BMW Group began in 1991, when she became the first African and female artist commissioned by the organisation to create an Art Car. Transforming a BMW 525i sedan into a unique canvas by using traditional Ndebele-inspired designs, Mahlangu marked a pivotal moment in the art world.

Throughout her illustrious artistic career, Mahlangu has demonstrated remarkable versatility in her collaborations with the BMW Group, introducing her unique vision to a diverse range of projects. Her pioneering spirit and exceptional contributions to the art world have strengthened BMW Group South Africa’s cultural philosophy. 

BMW Group South Africa expressed its deep admiration and appreciation for Mahlangu’s social upliftment, particularly in her preservation of traditional Ndebele techniques and patterns as she mentors young artists. The techniques she teaches use fingers and hands or chicken feathers – the latter of which she employed in her design for her iconic BMW 525i Art Car. In a further show of great passion, she has trained people from her home village in Mabhoko in the KwaMhlanga district of Mpumalanga.

Mahlangu’s artistic process involves the use of natural and sustainable materials – a practice in alignment with the BMW Group’s core philosophy of sustainability. Her deep roots in Mthambothini, a Nkangala district in Mpumalanga, reflect her commitment to her community and reinforce her status as a living legend safeguarding the visual language and history of the Ndebele people.

Etched in art and automotive history.

Mahlangu’s international success serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through talent, commitment, and determination. She has received multiple commendations, including three honorary doctorates. Mahlangu’s artworks grace many of the world’s most esteemed museums as well as corporate and private collections.

Through this special partnership, BMW Group South Africa reaffirms its commitment to building a better future for children, communities, and the country. The Esther Mahlangu House stands as a symbol of this commitment, representing a shared appreciation for the transcendent impact of arts and culture.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://youtube.com/BMWGroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Rosslyn. BMW Group South Africa marks the dawn of a new era with the start of production of the next-generation BMW X3. Plant Rosslyn began manufacturing the new model for global export on 1 October 2024, and is the only facility in its global production network to build the BMW X3 as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV).

On 28 August 2024, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn ended the production of the third-generation BMW X3, totalling the number of BMW X3 cars built to 403,114 units. That milestone marked a graceful conclusion in the organisation’s production history and signified the continuation of the BMW X3 success story in South Africa. Following worldwide demand, the fourth-generation BMW X3 plays a significant role in the BMW Group’s strategic electrification roadmap. Its production comes at a critical time to showcase the South African plant’s capabilities and commitment to delivering on the allocated volume and quality in a three-shift operation. 

A world-class product for the future.

Gearing up BMW Group Plant Rosslyn to manufacture the electrified BMW X3 is a significant step to future-proof the facility in the global BMW Group production network. The plant’s modular production technique, which allows multiple models and drivetrains to be built in a single production line, means that it will be able to manufacture electrified as well as internal combustion engine vehicles on a single line.

The production of the BMW X3 PHEV in Rosslyn is not only securing jobs at BMW Group South Africa but also within its supply chain and retail network across the country. Thus, the new BMW X3 is creating an opportunity for over 50, 000 people in South Africa. With the BMW Group’s R4.2 billion investment in the electrification and digitisation of the production facility, BMW Group South Africa is committed to transformation and skills development. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn implemented a plant-wide training programme to produce the new model.

BMW Group South Africa Plant Director Dr Niklas Fichtmüller commented: “We have finally arrived at the start of production of the next-generation BMW X3. We have eagerly awaited and prepared for this, and I am thrilled that we can begin this next chapter of the successful BMW X3 story here in South Africa. Our teams have worked tirelessly and diligently to meet every milestone to this point. This moment encapsulates their commitment to providing a world-class product from South Africa for world.”

An electrifying era.

The BMW Group follows a technology-open approach and will be systematically pursuing its strategic goals by electrifying its lineup to offer different drive variants flexibly in line with customer demand. Its five-year-long investment into Plant Rosslyn demonstrates its commitment to accelerating the transition to sustainable electric mobility globally. Evidenced by its lead position in electromobility, the BMW Group has already delivered more than two million electrified vehicles to customers globally, including more than one million battery electric vehicles. In South Africa, the market offering has been expanded to include full-electric and plug-in hybrid options across all segments.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://youtube.com/BMWGroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa and BMW Group Financial Services South Africa have again been recognised by the Youth Employment Service (YES) as top job contributors at the YES ESG Awards 2024 – part of the ESG Africa Conference. Now in its second year, the awards ceremony was held on 1 October at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

The YES ESG Awards honour the organisation’s partners who significantly contribute to the alleviation of youth unemployment in South Africa with a certificate of recognition signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. BMW Group South Africa partnered with the YES programme in 2022, and alongside BMW Group Financial Services South Africa, has since created 2,261 work experiences across the business and its network, with a 31% absorption rate so far.

BMW Group South Africa CEO Peter van Binsbergen commented: “We are thrilled with the calibre of the YES participants that are working side-by-side with us at BMW South Africa. Not only are they gaining valuable work experience, but we are also benefitting by their contributions to our activities. A true win-win! I can recommend YES to any company considering it. Say YES to youth!”

BMW Group South Africa onboarded its 2024 YES4Youth cohort in a vibrant welcome event in April at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. The 12-month quality work experience for graduates, who have been placed across the business and in other sectors, continues successfully. By participating in the YES programme, BMW Group South Africa helps connect local youth to economic opportunity and dignity, to build a future that uplifts communities and drives the economy forward.

As the highest-impact private sector youth employment programme, YES4Youth has created over 90,000 work experiences, with over 2,000 private companies that have signed up. BMW Group South Africa is among five top job contributors who were awarded at this year’s ceremony, presented by YES CEO Ravi Naidoo, YES Board Co-Chair Colin Coleman, and JSE CEO and YES Board Member Leila Fourie. 

BMW Group Financial Services South Africa CEO Stefan Schuett remarked: “Thank you to YES4Youth and the YES ESG Awards for acknowledging our collective efforts. A part of BMW Group Financial Services South Africa’s vision is to upskill and uplift our youth, employees and countrymen. This way, we continue to foster economic growth and drive social development.”

BMW Group South Africa and YES4Youth are working towards the common goal of transforming young people’s lives by increasing youth employability. As a YES4Youth partner, the organisation empowers the youth to achieve self-sufficiency and become agents of change.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://youtube.com/BMWGroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Midrand. Following the successful run of “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective” at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town, Dr Esther Mahlangu’s major retrospective celebrating her life’s work will be moving to the Wits Art Museum (WAM) in Johannesburg in November 2024.

The exhibition features over 100 artworks loaned from international collections, including her BMW Art Car, painted mannequins, a TV, and a series of prints created by her in collaboration with Nelson Mandela. Through the presentation of archival material from her illustrious career spanning fifty decades, the retrospective charts her meteoric rise from humble beginnings to becoming an art world colossus and one of the most celebrated artists of our time.

The curator Nontobeko Ntombela explains that, “this retrospective offers a remarkable opportunity to experience Esther Mahlangu's artistic journey. Her work has had a profound impact on South African modern and contemporary art, and this exhibition is a testament of her incredible contribution.”

The foundations for Mahlangu’s artistic journey were laid by her grandmother and mother, who taught her the cultural practice of Ndebele wall painting and beadwork from the age of ten. Mahlangu worked in the communal cultural tradition of the Southern Ndebele community in decorating one’s home, at a time when the land was contested. Not only did the wall murals identify the Southern Ndebele community, but they also signalled resistance to white oppression laying claim to this contested land. Mahlangu’s story of perseverance and passion is encapsulated in the exhibition’s title, inspired by her realisation: “Then I knew I was good at painting.” 

In 1989, Mahlangu gained international recognition when she was invited to participate in the Magiciens de la Terre exhibition in Paris. Mahlangu was invited to travel to Paris to paint a replica of her home which generated much media and other international exposure. In 1991, she became the first African and the first woman to paint a BMW Art Car, joining the ranks of art legends like Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein.

Mahlangu is celebrated for her unique visual language, which has drawn inspiration from the Ndebele artistic practice. She has adapted, extended and transported these practices to develop her body of work. Described variously as a social justice activist, a Warholian entrepreneur, and a cultural ambassador, Mahlangu’s work is complex and layered, defying any simple interpretive narrative or Western art historical framework. One thing art critics unanimously agree on, however, is her virtuosic mastery of colour and form and her extraordinary ability to successfully navigate the ‘traditional’ and ‘contemporary’ worlds.

“Mahlangu is a living symbol of triumph against adversity. She is one of the first among South African artists, as well as among women artists, to become a global icon of the art world. Her affable demeanour and her ability to inspire creativity and delight in so many around the world, has earned her reputation as a matriarch and mentor of the contemporary art world,” says exhibition curator Nontobeko Ntombela. “Her approach to art has inspired generations of younger artists and reaffirms the call for Africa to take its rightful place at centre stage in the story of art.”

The Melrose Gallery Director – Craig Mark – echoed Ntombela’s sentiments, adding that, “very few South African artists have had the opportunity to present a retrospective like this one, and we hope to be able to take it even further with the potential of a global showing after the run at WAM which will hopefully lead to opportunities for other South African artists to be given access to these museum spaces which they have so long been denied.”

“The retrospective at WAM will open to the public on the 20th of November 2024, made possible thanks to the partnership and support provided by the National Arts Council and the BMW Group, without whom this retrospective wouldn’t have been possible,” says Mark.

The WAM showing provides an opportunity for audiences from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Tshwane and outlying areas to experience the iconic works of living art legend and national treasure Esther Mahlangu. Mahlangu lives in Mpumalanga, but she has spent a considerable amount of time in Tshwane and Johannesburg; the exhibition is an opportunity for audiences from this region to experience and celebrate this important milestone with her. “Wits Art Museum is honoured to host this retrospective, allowing visitors to experience the extraordinary scope and breadth of vision present in Mahlangu’s work,” said WAM spokesperson Julia Charlton, Senior Curator.

Accompanying the artworks, Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car makes its historic return to Gauteng for the first time in over 30 years. It is one of the highlights of the exhibition. Other highlights include a meticulously curated timeline of Esther Mahlangu’s practice and some of her earliest canvas works. 

“The BMW Group's commitment to this exhibition is a testament to our respect and admiration for Dr Esther Mahlangu's pioneering spirit and remarkable contribution to the world of art. This exhibition not only celebrates the incredible journey and legacy of Mam’ Esther but also symbolises a cherished collaboration that dates back over three decades. We are especially excited about the return of the BMW Art Car to Gauteng – a significant symbol of our shared history and appreciation for art that transcends boundaries”, says Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa.

In the lead up to the exhibition in Johannesburg, Mahlangu is set to be honoured in London by the Serpentine Gallery with the unveiling a large 9m x 5m mural as the opening event for Frieze London.

The artwork is titled ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabuntu’ and directly translates from Ndebele to ‘I am because you are’, emphasising a connectedness that exists between humans, communities and other living species. It will be presented in the garden at Serpentine North and be on view from 4 October 2024.

This is her first public mural in the UK, painted over sixteen wooden panels. The work depicts traditional Ndebele shapes and patterns outlined with a black border, having learned the art of Ndebele design from her mother and grandmother which is tradition amongst her nation.

Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective – will be on exhibition at WAM from the end of November, and the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm and admission is free.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The Melrose Gallery (through Alkemi Collective)

Shaun Demmer

Head of Client Service – Alkemi Collective

Phone: +27 82 776 9006

Email: shaun@alkemi.global

WAM

Angelique Bougaard

Education Curator – WAM

Angelique.Bougaard@wits.ac.za

ENDS

Editor’s Notes

About Dr Esther Mahlangu

Dr Esther Nostokana Nagiyana Nikwambi Mahlangu is a celebrated South African contemporary artist known for her innovative work that pushes boundaries beyond the traditional mural. Widely recognized as one of the most influential artists across generations, Mahlangu began her artistic journey at the age of ten under the guidance of her grandmother and mother, learning the traditional techniques of isiNdebele mural painting. Her contemporary works which span a wide variety of non-traditional surfaces, found objects and automobiles, build upon this rich tradition.

Mahlangu’s participation in the exhibition Magiciens de la Terre (1989) in Paris, shot her to fame, marking the launch of her transition from a communal practice into her own agency as a contemporary artist. Shortly thereafter, in 1991, she became the first woman artist and African to paint a BMW Art Car. Mahlangu has exhibited in over 20 countries, sometimes with multiple solo shows in at least seventeen different cities.

She has painted murals across eight different countries and participated in residency programs with institutions like Project Row Houses (2005), L’Associazione Culturale Colonos (2009) & Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (2014). Some of her more significant engagements include Documenta IX (1992), the 5th Biennale of Contemporary Art (2000), the 1st Malindi Biennale (2006), and the 3rd Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art (2009). Mahlangu's collaborations with BMW Group span decades, including the 1991 BMW 525i Art Car, the Electric AI Canvas at Art Basel 2023 (which featured AI-generated animations based on her designs projected onto a BMW i5), and the 2024 BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, a one-of-a-kind vehicle combining colour-change technology developed by BMW. Esther Mahlangu has also worked on projects with fashion brands like Comme des Garçons (1991), shoe companies Melissa (2009) and EYTYS (2015). In 2016, she created the Belvedere (RED) bottle design, which helped fund a campaign against HIV/AIDS. Mahlangu's works are represented in over 27 public institutions’ collections, and she has been collected by private individuals worldwide. She continues her artistic career to this day. Esther Mahlangu is the recipient of numerous honorary doctorates for her contribution to art.

www.esthermahlangu.com

www.facebook.com/esthermahlanguart

www.instagram.com/esthermahlanguart

About Nontobeko Ntombela (The Exhibition Curator)

Nontobeko Ntombela is a lecturer in the Department of Curatorial, Public, and Visual Cultures at the Wits School of Arts in Johannesburg. She holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Cape Town. Her research focuses on Modern and Contemporary South African art, with a particular interest in Black women artists. Ntombela began her career as a curator in 2002 and has worked at various institutions, including the BAT Centre, Durban University Art Gallery, and the Johannesburg Art Gallery, where she curated numerous exhibitions. After a decade of curatorial work, Ntombela took up an academic position at Wits, shifting her curatorial practice to centre more archival and research-driven historical projects. Some of her most recent notable curatorial projects include: “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective” (2024) exhibition at Iziko South African National Galleries in Cape Town and Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, "When Rain Clouds Gather: South African Black Women Artists 1940–2000" (2022-2023) at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, and "The Burden of Memory" (2019) at multiple venues in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

About The Melrose Gallery

The Melrose Gallery is a leading Pan African Contemporary gallery located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The gallery represents established and emerging artists whose voices speak to issues of significance to the Continent of Africa on a global basis. We are passionate about ensuring that the elders who have made a valuable contribution to African Contemporary Art are recognised and continue to be heard. These inspiring stalwarts provide a stable foundation to an exciting young guard of artists who are swiftly emerging from the African Continent and Diaspora to establish themselves globally. We run a curated programme of exhibitions, participate in respected art fairs, support many of our artists in their participation at Biennales and conceptualize and implement significant non-commercial exhibitions in association with leading museums.

www.themelrosegallery.com

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craig@themelrosegallery.com

About WAM

Located in the heart of Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Wits Art Museum is a university art museum that serves both academic and public audiences. With over 13,000 African artworks, WAM’s mission is to facilitate compelling encounters with African art for academics, students, and anyone who appreciates great art. The museum’s extensive collection includes historical and contemporary artworks, showcasing the rich diversity of Africa’s visual culture.

For more information, please visit WAM’s website, or connect with them on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/WitsArtMuseum

https://www.instagram.com/witsartmuseum_wam/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgEIZOT88sGGrA-_-Ug1jQ/featured

About The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

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About BMW Group Cultural Engagement

Why Culture? Why not! Culture is knowledge, a sanctuary of beauty and depth, of meaning and peace. An inspiring escape. Tranquil at best, even unsettling sometimes. As a corporate citizen, the BMW Group takes social responsibility seriously, as part of which it has been involved in hundreds of cultural initiatives worldwide for over half a century, in the fields of contemporary art, music and film as well as in design. As a long-term partner, creative freedom is key – and as essential for groundbreaking works as it is for major innovations within a business enterprise like ours.

Further information: www.bmwgroup.com/culture and www.bmwgroup.com/overview

Instagram: @BMWGroupCulture

#BMWGroupCulture

Munich/London. From October 9 to 13, Frieze London and Frieze Masters will return to London’s Regent’s Park. As one of Frieze’s long-term global partners since 2004, BMW will honor the artistic oeuvre of Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu, who was the first woman to create a BMW Art Car in 1991. Together with BMW, Serpentine will reveal “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” (“I am because you are”), a new site-specific mural by Mahlangu in the garden at Serpentine North. In celebration of cultural exchange and responding to Mahlangu’s work, renowned actor, collector and Talk Art host Russell Tovey will curate a selection of artworks from his private collection that will be displayed at Frieze London in the BMW Lounge. He chose pieces by female, queer and artists of colour in response to works by Mahlangu. The first interview publication with Esther Mahlangu, titled “Esther Mahlangu: To Paint is in My Heart”, published by Thames & Hudson, will be launched during Frieze week with co-editors Azu Nwagbogu and Hans Ulrich Obrist. 

Esther Mahlangu (b. 1935, South Africa) has been creating large-scale and site-specific works for over eight decades and is a pioneer of Pan-African contemporary art. She began painting at the age of ten, learning the traditional Ndebele techniques and visual language of covering houses in bold patterns from her mother and grandmother. Mahlangu uses natural pigments mixed with clay, soil and cow dung to paint directly on the exteriors of structures in her village. Rather than using stencils and tape to achieve lines and shapes, she paints by hand with chicken feathers and an array of different brushes. The artist also works with acrylic paints on canvas, which allows her to explore different scales and a broader colour palette.

In 1991, Esther Mahlangu designed the 12th BMW Art Car in the esteemed collection, based on a BMW 525i – becoming the first woman and African artist to do so. Since 1975, artists such as Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Jenny Holzer, Jeff Koons, Cao Fei, and John Baldessari have turned BMW race and series cars into works of art. Her BMW Art Car marked the beginning of a longstanding relationship between the BMW Group and Mahlangu, inspiring future collaborations.

BMW and Esther Mahlangu during Frieze London
“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, presented in the garden at Serpentine North in collaboration with the BMW Group and The Melrose Gallery, supported by Benjamin Milstein, is Esther Mahlangu’s first public mural in the UK. Painted over sixteen wooden panels, the work depicts traditional Ndebele shapes and patterns outlined with a black border. The title of the work translates directly from Ndebele as “I am because you are", emphasising the importance of communities and unity among humans and other living species.

“I am proud to present this monumental outdoor work at Serpentine in London. It is my wish that this painting brings much joy to those who see it in celebration and recognition of the interconnectedness that exists between our two nations and indeed all living beings”, comments the artist.

Bettina Korek, CEO, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director, Serpentine say: “Esther Mahlangu is is one of the most important artists of our time who continues to inspire emerging talents. Mahlangu is a polymath who brings art into society. This is a wonderful moment to celebrate Serpentine’s friendship with the artist and honour her work in the UK. We’re grateful to all our partners who have made this fantastic project possible and particularly BMW for their support, and we hope audiences will engage with the piece and the unique surroundings of The Royal Parks”. 

The work will be officially inaugurated at the traditional Serpentine breakfast on October 9 during Frieze London.

Various events at the BMW Lounge at Frieze London will celebrate the relationship with the artist. The lounge exhibition itself salutes Esther Mahlangu’s work, showcasing a selection of the collection of renowned actor, collector and Talk Art podcast host, Russell Tovey, for the first time at Frieze London. As an admirer of the artist’s colourful abstract paintings, he chose pieces by Etel Adnan, Math Bass, Matt Connors, Jadé Fadojutimi, Mary Heilman, Carmen Herrera and Hayley Tompkins in response to Esther Mahlangu’s works “Ndebele Abstract” and “Ndebele Abstract 2022”.  

“Esther’s geometric work inspires me deeply, the freedom that can be found within her paintings and her practice resonates throughout my collection. Geometric abstract art has been something that I’ve gravitated towards for many years. To live with these works has felt calming and has satisfied the curiosity and enthusiasm that I long for in an image. I am so excited to bring works from my own personal collection, that bring so much to me on a daily basis, into a rich conversation with Esther Mahlangu”, says Tovey. During a talk followed by a reception on October 10 at the BMW Lounge, Russell Tovey will explain his fascination with Mahlangu.

BMW is proud to enable the first interview publication with Esther Mahlangu. “Esther Mahlangu. To Paint is in My Heart” will be published by Thames & Hudson in autumn 2024 and exclusively pre-launched during Frieze London. The book explores the life and revolutionary art of Esther Mahlangu through a series of interviews between the artist and curators Hans Ulrich Obrist, Azu Nwagbogu and BMW’s head of cultural engagement, Thomas Girst as well as a foreword by Nontobeko Ntombela, curator of the Esther Mahlangu “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting” retrospective. In addition, the South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu provides an insight into the connection between Esther Mahlangu and Ndebele culture in relation to fashion as part of the book.

On October 9, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Azu Nwagbogu and Thomas Girst will talk about their collaboration for “Esther Mahlangu. To Paint is in My Heart” at the BMW Lounge and will sign copies the book which will be on sale on site.

The year marks a pinnacle in Esther Mahlangu’s career. Besides the manifold activities during Frieze London, a retrospective of her work is touring the world: “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”, which opened in February 2024 at the Iziko Museums of South Africa. The exhibition showcases Esther Mahlangu's more than 50-year career and her rise as a contemporary artist, a journey that has earned her global recognition. As part of the show, Mahlangu's BMW 525i Art Car returned to South Africa for the first time in over 30 years. The next stop on the global tour is at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, opening on November 19. Moreover, her works were part of the 2024 Venice Biennale main exhibition, “Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere”, curated by Adriano Pedrosa. And the latest in her remarkably versatile collaborations with the BMW Group premiered at Frieze L.A. this February: the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, featuring her artistic language and BMW's colour-change technology.

Frieze Music
Continuing their long-term collaboration, BMW and Frieze will once again partner to present Frieze Music in London. On October 10, contemporary Indie-Pop singer Arlo Parks will perform at the legendary KOKO Theatre in Camden. The 24-year-old artist’s most recent LP “My Soft Machine” made it into the Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of 2023. Her debut album “Collapsed in Sunbeams”, released in 2021, won Parks a Mercury Prize and critical acclaim, especially for her poetic and intelligent songwriting portraying the complex reality of her contemporaries.   

Exploring the intersection of music and the arts to spark inspiring dialogues, Frieze Music provides artists the opportunity to create a unique performance, highlighting their craft through song, inspiration and conversations with fellow artists. Launched during the inaugural Frieze Los Angeles in 2019, the joint initiative between BMW and Frieze has brought together a wide range of musicians, including Moses Sumney, Caroline Polachek, Nilüfer Yanya and Loyle Carner.

To visit the BMW Lounge, please note that entrance tickets or VIP accreditation for the VIP day on October 9 & 10 are required. Media can register for accreditation here.

BMW Lounge featuring Esther Mahlangu’s works in dialogue with the private collection of Russell Tovey
October 9-13
Frieze London
Regent’s Park

“Esther Mahlangu. To Paint is in My Heart” Book Launch
Wednesday, October 9, 3.30 – 4.00 pm
Followed by a Champagne Toast

Art Talk with Russell Tovey
Thursday, October 10, 3.00pm  

Media Accreditation and interview requests

Opening Hours
Wednesday, October 9: 11am to 7pm (invitation only)
Thursday, October 10: 11am to 7pm (invitation and preview ticket holders only 11am to 3pm, open to the public from 3pm)
Friday - Sunday, October 11-13: 11am to 7pm

The BMW Group's Cultural Engagement with exclusive updates and deeper insights into the global initiatives can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

Midrand. On 16 September, Sibusiso Thusi, Björn Sommer, Karin Kollross and Graham Darab received the 2024 BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility. The award ceremony, held in Munich, Germany, honoured employees worldwide who engage as volunteers by dedicating their time and expertise to social projects.

The four winners are actively involved with causes in South Africa, Germany and Bolivia. With passion and dedication, they empower the families of children with cancer, support disadvantaged youth, provide aid to street children and help individuals struggling with addiction by presenting them with new opportunities. Each winner received prize money of 10,000 Euros (± R196,400) for their project.

“The BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility is truly inspiring. It highlights the profound impact individual dedication can have and shows how commitment to others strengthens the entire community. Our associates are driving change by developing practical solutions to social problems. Their projects create a positive impact and serve as an invitation to everyone to step up and get involved,” says Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for People and Real Estate, and Labour Relations, who is also a patron of the award.

Sibusiso Thusi, who works in Human Resources Services at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, is the recipient of the Vera-und-Volker-Doppelfeld Award, which fosters commitment among young people. Thusi helps schoolchildren discover their talents and realise their professional dreams. As a mentor with the “Young Aspiring Thinkers” initiative, he works with public schools in economically disadvantaged areas to help children make up learning deficits, prepare them for internships and share insights into the world of work.

Achieving more together.

The BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility has been highly regarded within the company for many years, achieving an impact that extends far beyond simply recognising the individuals involved. Around 100 associates worldwide submitted entries for the BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility this year.

Behind each winning project is a team of dedicated helpers from the organisations themselves, who also receive recognition and appreciation through the award. Volunteers find their involvement in social and environmental causes deeply enriching, motivated by the desire to give back to the community. One of the winners described the experience of volunteering as grounding and inspiring gratitude.  

More 2024 award winners.

Björn Sommer, a Process and Digitalisation expert based in Munich, has a true pioneering spirit. He is developing a digital patient companion to support the families of children with cancer, aimed at improving their quality of life. Sommer’s project garnered the interest of a team of colleagues, and together, under the umbrella of the association “Initiative for Children with Cancer Munich”, they developed a digital platform that consolidates all information relating to their illness.

Karin Kollross, who works in Technology Materials and Process Analytics in Munich, is committed to helping street children in Cochabamba, Bolivia. She first experienced the plight of local children as a backpacker, later discovering the project “Emanuel Foundation – Children with a Future”. The initiative established a home for children whose mothers work in the neighbouring red-light district. Kollross is working to ensure the continued existence of this safe haven.

Graham Darab, MINI Brand Manager for the company’s branches in central Germany, helps people break the cycle of addiction. As a trained addiction counsellor, he leads a self-help group at the “Living without Addiction” association, where he helps people overcome addiction by maintaining a stable lifestyle and avoiding relapse. Darab also serves as one of the BMW Group’s addiction officers, undertaking important prevention efforts.

Social Drive strengthens social commitment.

Social responsibility is a significant part of the BMW Group’s core philosophy and has encouraged social commitment among its employees for many years. Alongside the BMW Group Award for Social Responsibility, the Social Drive initiative consolidates volunteer activities at the company. It allows employees to showcase their social causes, connect with each other and recruit new members. The platform provides an easy way for individuals or teams to learn about and participate in various projects.

BMW Group South Africa is committed to corporate social responsibility by building a more sustainable future for its people, communities and the industry. The voluntary involvement of employees makes an equally important contribution to the social responsibility of the BMW Group.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

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Cape Town. Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) and BMW Group South Africa are proud to launch the renaming of the Zeitz MOCAA Centre for Art Education to BMW Centre for Art Education at a media event on Wednesday, 11 September 2024. This follows a three-year partnership agreement between Zeitz MOCAA and its longstanding mobility partner in support of the museum’s curatorial and education programming.

Zeitz MOCAA is a groundbreaking Pan African and Pan Diasporic institution dedicated to promoting and preserving contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The museum’s vision is to produce and present cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions and art historical knowledge, enhance the careers of Africa’s most talented artists in the 21st century and beyond, strengthen its education programmes, and ensure access for all.

“A strategic priority that has remained central to the work of Zeitz MOCAA includes advancing accessibility through art education, facilitating art participation for youth and adults, teacher training, and advocacy with not-for-profit organisations and art education bodies,” says Koyo Kouoh, Zeitz MOCAA Executive Director & Chief Curator. “The work of the BMW Centre for Art Education speaks directly into one of the founding elements of the institution’s mission and vision, namely, to operate school and education programmes that enrich, inspire, and bring art and culture to both children and adults,” she adds.

Zeitz MOCAA’s BMW Centre for Art Education (CFAE) comprises a dedicated team of education specialists led by the dynamic Liesl Hartman who has been involved in formal and community-based visual art and design education for 30 years in her capacity as a teacher, facilitator, manager and writer. Hartman has taught children and adults of all ages in a variety of contexts and is best known in local art educational communities within Cape Town.

“Our aim is to become a thriving museum with thriving communities. This generous funding from BMW Group South Africa will support the vision of the CFAE by enabling us to continue making art accessible to a diverse audience of all ages through discussion, debate and active making, whether within the walls of the museum or beyond. The scope of our art education programming, which has grown exponentially since 2018, engages the museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions while collaborating with local and international organisations, institutions and schools that provide access to 21st-century African art practice,” says Liesl Hartman, Head of the BMW Centre for Art Education.

Since opening its doors to the public in 2017, Zeitz MOCAA has been keenly aligned with the initiatives of BMW Group South Africa including the BMW Young Collectors Co. established in 2019 as an initiative of FNB Art Joburg. To help fill an educational void in contemporary art collecting, the BMW Young Collectors Co. addresses the shortcomings of the country’s community of collectors. FNB Art Joburg noted that the traditional community of collectors would benefit from an injection of younger and more diverse members. Thus, the programme was started to empower South Africa’s future leaders and today’s preservers of culture. BMW Art Generation brings celebrated, established, and young artists, curators, and academics, from across the world together in conversation with collectors to imagine, celebrate and protect the future of contemporary African art.

“Arts and culture are essential to the BMW Group. The organisation has engaged in over 100 cultural collaborations around the world, with valuable partnerships created within the South African arts and culture landscape. South Africa’s heritage reflects a blend of unique local culture and diversity of influence that must be preserved – which is what these partnerships intend to do. Artistic and cultural activities present unique and inspiring ways to unlock the creative capabilities of a nation – allowing constant reinvention and innovation for an ever-changing social, economic and political environment,” says Peter van Binsbergen, Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group South Africa. “This partnership with Zeitz MOCAA and its Centre for Art Education foregrounds an ethos that fosters innovation, community and an Africa that will continue to set standards for the global contemporary art ecosystem, prioritising access through the transference of knowledge, from one generation to another,” he endorses.

The Zeitz MOCAA and BMW Group South Africa partnership will advance the institution’s vision and mission as an active agent that caters to and nurtures society through education programming surrounding contemporary art from Africa.

Zeitz MOCAA’s curatorial and education programming is generously supported by Gucci, Mellon Foundation, and BMW Group South Africa.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa 

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Zeitz MOCAA

Evaan Jason Ferreira

Email: evaanjason.ferreira@zeitzmocaa.museum

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

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About Zeitz MOCAA

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a public not-for-profit institution that collects, preserves, researches and exhibits contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora; conceives and hosts international exhibitions; develops supporting educational, discursive and enrichment programmes; encourages intercultural understanding; and strives towards access for all. The museum’s galleries feature rotating temporary exhibitions with dedicated spaces for the permanent collection. The institution also includes the BMW Centre for Art Education  (CFAE), and The Atelier, a museum residency programme for artists living and working in Cape Town. Zeitz MOCAA is situated at the Silo District, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, and is open Monday through Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5.30 pm. www.zeitzmocaa.museum

Soshanguve, Tshwane. On 13 June, BMW Group South Africa held its third annual Youth Day event at the recently transformed Lethabong Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation with a focus on automotive in Soshanguve, Tshwane. The celebration, which honoured Youth Month, hosted matriculants of Lethabong School of Specialisation and Soshanguve Automotive School of Specialisation – both of which share a partnership with the automotive brand, whose manufacturing plant is located nearby in Rosslyn.

Honouring the past and empowering the future.

In commemoration of the valiant spirit of the youth of the 1976 Soweto uprising, the event focused on empowering young people as a crucial aspect of sustainable development and building a resilient future. Under the 2024 Youth Month theme, “Actively advancing the socio-economic gains of our democracy,” the day comprised engaging activities, including a university expo aimed at educating and guiding the students through university or college and bursary application processes.

BMW Group South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to building a better future, particularly alongside its employees and in their communities. More than 70 employees across the four business units at BMW Group South Africa were in attendance, volunteering to prepare and serve nutritious meals to the students and staff and then supporting the learners with their tertiary applications. Symbolically, the company included a thrilling BMW driving experience among some of the day’s festivities, which sought to encourage learners to maintain their pursuit of excellence.

Mbasa Kepe, Manager of Government and External Affairs at BMW Group South Africa, commented, “Now a School of Specialisation, Lethabong marks a significant milestone in the journey of regional education towards providing varied and tailored learning opportunities to students. At BMW Group South Africa, we are especially proud of the developmental strides made in this partnership.”

Kepe continued, “As we reflect on the impact of the youth of 1976 this Youth Month, we also recognise the diligence of everyone involved in today’s event and beyond it, on this journey of socioeconomic gains for the students at these schools and youth in South Africa.”

Strengthening education and enabling opportunities.

In continued empowerment, BMW Group South Africa partnered with Lethabong School of Specialisation for its transformative project with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)*. “BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today” is a global partnership between BMW Group and UNICEF. In South Africa, it is set to redefine the landscape of education and skill-building for youth. It will create learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), as professions within these fields drive global economic growth. Since the inception of the programme last year, 570 educators from 6 provinces have been trained in coding and robotics, and 90 subject specialists from all provinces have been trained to support the educators at school level. An impressive 100 schools have benefitted from the coding and robotics training through these trained educators.  

BMW Group South Africa announced an additional initiative with UNICEF, the “STEM for Youth Mentorship Programme”. Young people at underprivileged schools will be identified and placed in this structured job-shadowing initiative in private and public companies. The corporate mentorship will provide the youth with exposure to the workplace and STEM-based careers in the hope of motivating them to aspire towards these. The company again called upon its employees to volunteer as mentors to provide job-shadowing opportunities for the next generation of potential STEM professionals.

"UNICEF is committed to building the skills of teachers to strengthen the quality and relevance of education so today’s learners can best transition into the ever-evolving world of work," said UNICEF South Africa Representative, Christine Muhigana.

“We are proud to partner with BMW Group South Africa to educate young people today, for tomorrow. A better future for learners is possible with innovative STEM education at its core to enhance learning and youth opportunities for every child and strive towards a fairer and better South Africa,” added Muhigana.

The Youth Day event successfully served as a touchpoint for the youth and reminded them of their power and potential to shape the future of South Africa and the world. Lethabong School of Specialisation Principal, Maphefo Malope, commented, “As the broader society celebrates this year’s Youth Month theme, today’s event at Lethabong demonstrated the importance of youth engagement in the socioeconomic progress achieved through 30 years of democracy. Thank you to BMW Group South Africa and UNICEF who heed the call to action for young people to be included in the ongoing betterment of our country. Thank you to all those involved in the success of today’s celebration and the empowerment of youth.”

*UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Midrand/ Munich/Berlin. ESMT Berlin and the BMW Group are partnering for the third time to offer BMW Group Change Maker Fellowships. The 10 full-tuition fellowships for the ESMT Global Online MBA will support ambitious young mathematics or technology professionals to accelerate positive and meaningful change from selected markets including South Africa.

The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship builds on the long-term partnership between ESMT and the BMW Group. After supporting displaced women from Ukraine and young professionals from Central and Eastern Europe, the 2024 edition will focus on digitalization to cultivate tech-savvy future leaders in key countries.

“We at the BMW Group are deeply committed to making positive changes in the world. We also recognize that a multilateral and decentralized approach must be taken to achieve this goal. Therefore, I am very delighted that we are partnering again with ESMT to support young professionals. It is our common goal to help them become the leaders we need to shape future individual mobility”, says Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Real Estate, and Labour Relations Director.

“The integration of technical and business knowledge is crucial to develop leaders capable of addressing the complex challenges of the future, thereby making a significant positive impact on their organizations and society,” adds Jörg Rocholl, President of ESMT. “I am delighted to continue our partnership with BMW Group. With their support, we are able to cultivate the next generation of change makers and innovators.”

The ESMT Global Online MBA is the first completely online program at the international business school. Decision-making, analytics, and innovation are at the core of the program. The innovative course design is modular and allows students to study at times that fit their schedules and at their own pace. Students may complete the program in 24 months or take up to five years. There is no physical attendance required, so students may participate from any location.

BMW Group Change Maker Fellowship application requirements include:

• ESMT Global Online MBA general application requirements
• Hold an undergraduate degree, or current employment, in mathematics and/or technology (e.g., computing, information technology, automation, digitalization)
• Be aged 30 or younger on September 1, 2024
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, or South Africa; those holding refugee status in Germany are also invited to apply.

When applying for the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowships, candidates will be asked to answer the following question: the BMW Group seeks to actively shape the future of mobility; what aspect of a digital future fascinates you the most and why?

In total, the BMW Group currently employs over 9,400 people worldwide in IT & software development. It has been pooling the company's IT expertise in IT and software hubs worldwide since 2018. In addition to the locations in Germany, South Africa, the USA, Portugal and China, there are now two more in Romania and India. The hubs have their own distinctive tech culture and a high degree of autonomy, making them attractive places to work for regional talent pools. This is why we are offering the 2024 Change Maker Fellowships with focus on digitalization to select countries of our BMW Group IT-Hub network.

More information on the fellowship and the application process may be found here.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

ESMT Berlin

Kim Matthies

PR Manager

Email: kim.matthies@esmt.org

Telephone: +49-151-1457-1830

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

iIn 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

About ESMT Berlin

ESMT Berlin is a leading global business school with its campus in the heart of Berlin. Founded by 25 global companies, ESMT offers master, MBA, and PhD programs, as well as executive education on its campus in Berlin, in locations around the world, online, and in online blended format. Focusing on leadership, innovation, and analytics, its diverse faculty publishes outstanding research in top academic journals. Additionally, the international business school provides an interdisciplinary platform for discourse between politics, business, and academia. ESMT is a non-profit private institution of higher education with the right to grant PhDs and is accredited by AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, and ZEvA. It is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all its activities and communities.

Rosslyn/Midrand. As part of an ongoing response to the youth unemployment crisis in South Africa, BMW Group South Africa is a proud partner of the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme. In an exciting welcome event at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn Training Academy on 7 May, the company onboarded its 2024 cohort.

The YES Programme connects South African youth to economic opportunity and dignity and, alongside BMW Group South Africa, helps build a future that works for all and drives the economy forward. As the highest impact private sector-led youth employment programme, it empowers businesses to create jobs for unemployed people. To date, it has created over 140,000 work experiences, with more than 1,700 corporates having joined the programme.

Education, training, and skills development 

The 12-month quality work experience for students who will be placed across the BMW Group South Africa business and in other sectors for 2024 got off to an optimistic start. Fittingly held at the Training Academy – a part of BMW Group South Africa’s vision to upskill and uplift people – the onboarding session highlighted education, training, and skills development at the heart of the company’s activities in South Africa.

The BMW Group Plant Rosslyn Training Academy uses innovative technology and digitalisation to focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application. It continues to provide skills development for existing BMW Group South Africa employees and managers. With the 2024 YES Programme intake, the company is again a leader in ensuring that training and skills development are aligned with global trends and industry needs.

YES journey to Class of 2024

Testament to the YES Programme’s significant impact and success, BMW Group South Africa and BMW Group Financial Services South Africa were recognised as a YES Top Ten Jobs Contributor for their continued commitment to job creation at the 2023 YES ESG awards – part of the ESG Africa Conference.

In the first year of the YES Programme, BMW Group South Africa created 510 work experiences across the nine provinces, placing youth within the organisation’s retailer network as well as in SMMEs and the ICT, education, and health fields. An impressive 95% of this group was black African students and 67% were black women.

BMW Group South Africa went on to create 961 work experiences across the nine provinces in the programme’s second year. Of this group, 74 internal placements and 887 external placements were made. The 2023 YES Programme concluded with 50% of internally placed youth absorbed into the company’s graduate programme. And, by the third year of the YES Programme, BMW Group South Africa had created 1,010 work experiences across the nine provinces with 129 internal placements and 881 external placements.

The future course for YES

Following the signing of the YES CEO pledge at the welcome event, Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa said, “We began a strong partnership with the YES Programme under our commitment to building a better future for our communities and country. I am proud of all the YES Programme students that we have welcomed and worked with so far – they have reinforced the notion that young people hold the key that unlocks great innovation. We look forward to integrating our new cohort across the business and in other sectors and are confident in these individuals’ valuable contributions. At BMW Group South Africa, we continue to say YES to youth!”

On the transformative initiative and partnership, YES CEO Ravi Naidoo said, “We have worked with leading businesses to provide quality work experiences for unemployed youth that drive the economy forward. Our partnership with an entity that builds more than just cars for another year, is aligned to our mission. We recognise the deep unemployment crisis in South Africa and understand the importance of youth participation in the economy. We give businesses the opportunity to embrace the innovative mindsets that young people possess, to build future-focused skills to thrive in our economy. I am proud of all our programme participants and look forward to what the year holds for the 2024 cohort.”    

ENDS 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa presented long-term collaborator Dr. Esther Mahlangu with the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural South African Creative Arts Awards (SACA). As a great honour bestowed upon the recipient, the award recognises Esther Mahlangu’s exceptional contributions and accomplishments over her 50-year career as a contemporary artist.

The new awards ceremony was held at Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, 30 March. Minister Zizi Kodwa of the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture announced the introduction of the all-encompassing awards celebration last year to recognise individuals who show outstanding artistic and technical achievements in the arts and culture sector.

A story of art and innovation.

Alongside the rest of the country, BMW Group South Africa celebrated Esther Mahlangu’s remarkable journey and legacy. And, more sentimentally, the award handover exemplified the valued partnership between the global automotive giant and the globally acclaimed visual artist that spans over 30 years.

In 1991, BMW Group selected Esther Mahlangu as the 12^th Art Car artist, making her the first African and the first woman commissioned to create a BMW Art Car. The distinctive design on the now-iconic BMW 525i Art Car resulted in a standout moment in the art world, with Esther Mahlangu lending her talent to groundbreaking industrial applications of future automotive designs. Her traditional Ndebele elements, synonymous with her style, feature in subsequent work with the BMW brand.

In retrospect.

Esther Mahlangu’s portfolio reflects bold and contemporary work that is a canvas for her cultural identity. The Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW Group South Africa proudly announced the commemorative exhibition, titled “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. Curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, the ongoing exhibition highlights Mahlangu's creative evolution across various media and objects. Central to the retrospective is the BMW 525i Art Car, which makes its return to South Africa after over three decades abroad, where it graced other exhibitions.

The retrospective is a comprehensive overview of Esther Mahlangu’s contribution to the art world and offers insight into the unique intersection of tradition, culture, and modernity. The artist’s impact also extends beyond her collaboration with BMW Group – a recognition that the awards ceremony drives home. The vibrant geometric artwork embodies the richness of South African culture and the unwavering spirit of its people.

BMW Group South Africa Director: Government Affairs and Communications Thilosh Moodally, commented, “We are honoured to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mam’ Esther Mahlangu. We are especially grateful to be in her presence this evening. To witness a living icon – one who has contributed significantly to the innovation that we so greatly believe in – is truly precious. We thank the Minister for introducing this important awards recognition that inspires a nation and beyond. We also thank the country for continuously championing the pioneering work of Mam’ Esther.”

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Munich/George. Located on the wonderful Garden Route in South Africa, roughly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, is Fancourt Golf Resort – venue this week for the 33^rd BMW Golf Cup World Final. In keeping with the motto for the largest international tournament series for amateur golfers – ‘once in a lifetime’ – Fancourt provides the perfect conditions for a unique sporting and social experience. Golfers have qualified for the World Final through roughly 1,000 tournaments around the world. Together with their guests, they will now enjoy breathtaking golf courses, an exclusive resort, a tournament held in professional conditions, and a thrilling programme away from the golf course.

Through their sporting efforts, the world finalists will also do their bit for a good cause, as BMW Group is supporting UNICEF* in its work in crisis regions with €1,000 for each net eagle carded over the course of the tournament.

BMW Group’s educational involvement on the golf scene comes under the tagline ‘Eagles for Education’ and was launched last year at the company’s headquarters in Munich during the BMW International Open on the DP World Tour. South Africa is also a country with which the BMW Group has been closely associated on the golf scene and beyond for more than 50 years.

The premium automobile manufacturer opened its first plant outside of Germany in Rosslyn, near Johannesburg, from which 1.6 million cars have since been delivered to more than 40 countries. Right from the word go, BMW Group has also been committed to work in the community in South Africa, focussing on the subject of STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

For this reason, South Africa was last year selected as the starting point for a long-term partnership between BMW Group and UNICEF*. This comes under the slogan ‘BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today’ and also focusses on educational projects in STEM. Over the course of 2024, the collaboration will be expanded to Brazil, India, Mexico and Thailand – all of which have programme needs and have BMW Group presence. The partnership will contribute to UNICEF’s global aim to reach 10 million children and young people each year through education.

BMW Group also has the opportunity to raise funds to support UNICEF’s work in emergencies and protracted crises. The United Nation’s International Children’s Fund uses these resources to support children to develop skills to cope with trauma and to provide them with a safe environment in which to continue their learning.

Over the course of nine rounds of golf, the competitors can raise money by taking fantastic golf shots and hitting as many net eagles as possible. The World Final is played across three rounds in three categories: Men’s A (up to HCP 12), Men’s B (HCP 13-28) and Ladies (HCP up to 28). As well as in these individual categories, a title is also up for grabs in a national team competition.

In keeping with tradition, the World Final kicks off on Monday evening with a welcome evening and the parading of flags from all the nationalities present. The event draws to a worthy close on Friday evening with the Gala Dinner and a very special guest of honour. South African golf legend Gary Player, who has no fewer than 18 major titles to his name, including nine on the Seniors tour, will present the trophies after first entertaining the BMW guests with his famous charisma and legendary fitness during a unique golf clinic. The 88-year-old is the perfect guest of honour for the BMW Golf Cup World Final – not only due to his status as one of the greatest golfers of all time, but also because he designed the three spectacular golf courses at Fancourt.

*UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa hosted its annual Retailer of the Year Awards, recognising exceptional performance across the BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad retailers during 2023. An embodiment of the brand’s culture of excellence, the event showcased the achievements of its retailer network in seven award categories.

The awards evening took place at The Capital Zimbali Resort in Durban on Saturday, 2 March. BMW Group South Africa brand ambassador Jo-Ann Strauss led the ceremony that celebrated performance across sales, financial services, customer support and social responsibility.

In the second year since its introduction as a standalone award, the social responsibility category was won by BMW Bryanston. With significant impact in contributing towards the educational needs of disadvantaged South African youth, the retailer champions initiatives that build its communities.    

“The Retailer of the Year Awards highlight the valuable expertise and diligent initiative of BMW Group South Africa’s retail partners for the year. As BMW Group South Africa, we are proud of our retailers who deliver outstanding results because of the true dedication and team spirit that our brand culture embraces. We would like to congratulate all category winners and extend our appreciation to the entire retail network for their hard work and support in the 2023 year,” Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa says.

2023 Retailer of the Year winners include:

Retailer of the Year

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Nelson Mandela Bay (small-medium), MINI Midrand, and BMW Motorrad Montana

Best Retailer in Sales

BMW Durban South (large), BMW Ballito (small-medium), MINI Sandton, and BMW Motorrad Montana

Best M-Sales Retailer

BMW Durban South

Best Retailer in Financial Services

BMW Midrand (large), BMW Pinetown (small-medium), MINI Midrand, and BMW Motorrad Mbombela

Best Retailer in Customer Support 

BMW Umhlanga (large), BMW Pinetown (small-medium), MINI Midrand, and BMW Motorrad Rustenburg

In his response to winning the top title in sales consecutively, Matthew Vermaak, Dealer Principal at MINI Sandton comments, “It is a pleasure to lead this team, whose continued passion and dedication make my job easy. Having won MINI Sales Retailer of the Year for the third consecutive year, I would like to congratulate the team for their outstanding representation of our products and services.”

Luke Dreyer, Dealer Principal at BMW Midrand comments, “We are building significant financial insight, experience and ecosystems, and have been doing so consistently over the years, winning in the financial services category. Thank you to all our colleagues who help our customers navigate a changing economic environment and world. Together, we can continue to create inclusive growth here and for the communities the BMW brand serves.”      

“Congratulations to our exceptional team for their unwavering commitment to exceeding our customers' expectations, earning us this esteemed accolade. At Supertech, we are dedicated to personalising customer experiences, ensuring each interaction meets our customers’ needs. This award is a testament to our ongoing efforts to redefine standards and elevate service excellence,” says Rudolf Avallone, Dealer Principal at BMW Pinetown, after winning the title in the customer support small and medium category for the second year in a row.

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://youtube.com/BMWGroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Midrand. The Top Employers Institute has once again acknowledged BMW Group South Africa as a Top Employer in 2024. A global authority on recognising excellent HR policies and people practices, the Top Employers certification showcases an organisation’s commitment to a better workplace environment.

The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the results of its HR Best Practices Survey and has certified and recognised over 2,000 employers in 122 countries and regions across five continents. This survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, diversity, equity and inclusion, wellbeing and more. BMW Group South Africa is among the Top Employers Institute’s 10 international organisations that build futures and uplift communities through workplace improvement.

On its second consecutive prestigious recognition, CEO Peter van Binsbergen commented: “We are honoured to be recognised again as a Top Employer in South Africa and I am proud of our HR team for this acknowledgment of their commitment to building and maintaining a people-centric culture. As an employer we pride ourselves on building communities, offering continuous development opportunities for South African talents as well as securing jobs through the local investment in electrification and digitalisation. Being certified Top Employer proves our passion for people and sets the right tone for the year – building our success in South Africa for the next 50 years.

Commenting on this award for the organisation in the new year, Julia Modise, BMW Group South Africa HR Director, said: “We understand our position to make a profound difference within the workplace environment and to contribute to the economic and social upliftment of our country. This Top Employer accolade adds value to our efforts and amplifies our passion to achieve extraordinary outcomes for everyone. We believe in dedicated leadership, impactful investment, and relevant training for South African talent. Through supporting our employees and guiding them into meaningful careers, we can elevate communities and livelihoods in the process. I’d like to thank all our associates for their support in bolstering BMW Group South Africa as an outstanding employer.”

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Top Employers Institute 

Established over 30 years ago, Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in people practices. The organisation helps accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Institute Certification Programme, participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognised as an employer of choice. Companies that have received Top Employer status have positively impacted the lives of over 9 million employees globally. 

The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://youtube.com/BMWGroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Munich/Cape Town. The Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW are pleased to announce “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. The exhibition, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, highlights Esther Mahlangu’s over 50-year long career and her meteoric rise as a contemporary artist, earning her global acclaim. The retrospective will be on view at Iziko Museums of South Africa from February 18, 2024 until August 11, 2024. From there it will begin its global tour, stopping first at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to the United States in early 2026.

BMW is proud to support this landmark exhibition which honours the talent of Esther Mahlangu and celebrates a shared history of collaboration. Included in this exhibition will be Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, returning to South Africa for the first time in over 30 years. Mahlangu became the first African and woman to paint a BMW Art Car in 1991. This collaboration marked a significant moment in the art world, blending African art with contemporary automotive design.

“Painting has always been a part of me. I cannot separate it from myself, and neither would I want to. I look forward to sharing my practice and long and colourful story with you on my upcoming Retrospective Exhibition”, says Esther Mahlangu.

Through the language of colour and form, the exhibition charts Mahlangu’s contribution to contemporary art close to seven decades. More than 100 artworks have been gathered from global collections. They have been placed alongside historic photographs and a short film. This diverse collection from Mahlangu’s expansive oeuvre which features in “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective, will offer a comprehensive yet intimate insight into her vast and vibrant career.

“Mahlangu’s journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and resilience”, Curator Nontobeko Ntombela remarks. Continuing, “The retrospective pays homage to Esther Mahlangu's unique approach to art, which intersects African cultures with modernity and the contemporary. The exhibition celebrates Mahlangu’s voice, agency, and pioneering spirit, symbolizing her self-enunciation, self-determination and creativity”, she says.

The retrospective is a landmark achievement for South African art. It recognizes Mahlangu as one of the few South African artists who have had the opportunity to present a Retrospective Exhibition in world-renowned museums. Of the exhibition, Dr Bongani Ndhlovu, Acting CEO, Iziko Museums of South Africa, says: “Iziko Museums is honored to celebrate the living legend, Dr Esther Mahlangu, and to host this colossal showcase where creativity, culture, and aesthetics are fused.” He continues, “Dr. Mahlangu is a living symbol of triumph against adversity. Her approach to art has inspired generations and is a re-affirmation of calls for Africa-centred innovations.”

“The BMW Group's commitment to this exhibition is a testament to our respect and admiration for Dr Esther Mahlangu's pioneering spirit and remarkable contribution to the world of art. This exhibition not only celebrates the incredible journey and legacy of Mam’ Esther but also symbolizes a cherished collaboration that dates back over three decades. We are especially excited about the return of the BMW Art Car to South African soil – a significant symbol of our shared history and appreciation for art that transcends boundaries”, says Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa.

The BMW Group's Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

“Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”:  Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective

 February 18 – August 11, 2024

Iziko South African National Gallery Government Avenue, Company’s Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications                                                           

Angela Konert                                                           

Head of Business Communications                                         

Phone: +27 71 666 2472                                                             

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Past collaborations between BMW and Esther Mahlangu
Esther Mahlangu's collaboration with the BMW Group, spanning over three decades, represents a remarkable blend of traditional Ndebele art and modern automotive design, demonstrating an evolving and deep-rooted partnership.

BMW Art Car: The journey began in 1991 when Mahlangu, as the first woman to do so, designed a BMW Art Car. She adorned a BMW 525i with vibrant Ndebele patterns, connecting South African art with automotive design. This project not only showcased her unique artistic style on an international platform but also marked a significant cultural and technological crossover, transitioning from mural painting to the canvas of a modern vehicle.

BMW Individual 7 Series by Esther Mahlangu: In 2016 Mahlangu once again partnered with BMW. This time, she lent her distinctive style to the interior of a BMW 7 Series. Her iconic motifs were meticulously integrated into the wood trims of the luxury sedan, exemplifying a seamless blend of traditional art with contemporary luxury. This unique vehicle, symbolizing the enduring collaboration between Mahlangu and BMW, was revealed at the Frieze in London and later auctioned for charity.

The Mahlangu Phantom: The collaboration took a luxurious turn in 2020 when Rolls-Royce commissioned Mahlangu to create an artwork for the Gallery of a Phantom, named 'The Mahlangu Phantom'. This project elevated her art to the pinnacle of automotive luxury, affirming her status as a respected cultural icon and artist.

50 years BMW Group South Africa: In 2023, as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of BMW Group South Africa, Mahlangu was invited to design a commemorative logo. This logo, infused with her artistic essence, symbolized the half-century milestone of BMW in South Africa and highlighted the long-standing relationship between Mahlangu and the BMW Group. 

The Electric AI Canvas: Also in 2023, Mahlangu's artistic journey with BMW reached a new dimension with the "Electric AI Canvas" project at Art Basel in Basel. Here, her traditional art was transformed through technology, as AI-generated animations based on her designs were projected onto the fully electric BMW i5. This innovative display merged Mahlangu's cultural heritage with the forefront of digital technology, showcasing the dynamic potential of combining traditional art forms with modern innovation.

Throughout these collaborations, Mahlangu's work with BMW has not only elevated her art to a global audience but has also served as a beacon of the harmonious blend of cultural artistry with automotive design, illustrating a unique and enduring relationship.

About Esther Mahlangu

Dr Esther Nostokana Nagiyana Nikwambi Mahlangu is a celebrated South African contemporary artist known for her innovative work that pushes boundaries beyond the traditional mural. Widely recognized as one of the most influential artists across generations, Mahlangu began her artistic journey at the age of ten under the guidance of her grandmother and mother, learning the traditional techniques of Ndebele mural painting. Her contemporary works which span a wide variety of non-traditional surfaces, found objects as well as automobiles, build upon this rich tradition. 

Mahlangu’s participation in the exhibition Magiciens de la Terre (1989) in Paris, shot her to fame, marking the launch of her transition from a communal practice into her own agency as a contemporary artist. Shortly thereafter, in 1991, she became the first woman artist and African to paint a BMW Art Car. Mahlangu has exhibited in over 20 different countries, sometimes with multiple solo shows in at least seventeen different cities. She has painted murals across eight different countries and participated in residency programmes with institutions like Project Row Houses (2005), L’Associazione Culturale Colonos (2009) & Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (2014). Some of her more significant engagements include Documenta IX (1992), the 5th Biennale of Contemporary Art (2000), the 1st Malindi Biennale (2006), the 3rd Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art (2009) and Art Basel (2023). Mahlangu has also worked on projects with fashion brands like Comme des Garçons (1991), shoe companies Melissa (2009) and EYTYS (2015). She created the Belvedere (RED) bottle design, which helped fund a campaign against HIV/AIDS (2016). Mahlangu's works are represented in well over 27 public institutions’ collections. And she has been collected by many more private individuals worldwide. She continues her artistic career to this day.    

About Nontobeko Ntombela

Nontobeko Ntombela is a member of faculty at the Wits School of Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Her academic and curatorial work focuses on modern and contemporary South African art, with a particular interest in, but not limited to, early modern Black women artists. Prior to starting her academic career in 2012, Ntombela worked as a curator for more than a decade in organisations such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery (2010- 2020), Durban University Art Gallery (2005-2010), BAT Centre (2001-2005), and Art for Humanity (2000-2001). Some of Ntombela’s most well-known curatorial projects include, When Rain Clouds Gather: South African Black Women Artist 1940 - 2000 (2022-2023), co-curated with Portia Malatjie at Norval Foundation; The Burden of Memory (2019) – a multiple-site event in the city of Yaoundé Cameroon – co-curated with Rose Jepkorir and Princess Marilyn Douala Bell;  Solo at the Cape Town Art Fair (2018), A Fragile Archive (2013) at JAG, Spectaculaire (2013) Frac des Pays de la Loire Carquefou France, MTN New Contemporaries (2010) at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Art and From Here to There (2007) co-curated with Storm van Rensburg at the Association of Visual Arts (AVA) as part of the CAPE07 fringe programme. She is the co-editor of The Yoni Book, in collaboration with artist Reshma Chhiba (2019). Ntombela has served on various boards and committees for organizations such as the Department of Arts and Culture, VANSA Visual Arts Network of South Africa, National Arts Council, KZNSA KwaZulu Natal Society of Arts, Art for Human Rights Trust, Johannesburg Art Gallery, and UNISA Art Gallery. In 2019, the Melrose Gallery invited Ntombela to curate a worldwide touring show of Dr Esther Mahlangu's work, which begins with this exhibition: Then I knew I was good at painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective at Iziko Museums of South Africa in Cape Town.

About Iziko Museums of South Africa (Iziko)

Iziko operates 11 national museums, the Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Social History Centre and three collection-specific libraries in Cape Town. The museums that make up Iziko have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social, and natural history collections that reflect our diverse African heritage. Iziko is a public entity and public benefit organisation that brings together these museums under a single governance and leadership structure. The organisation allows *free access to all individuals on commemorative days, (*excluding the Castle of Good Hope, Groot Constantia and Planetarium and Digital Dome). Iziko regularly provides information about events, news and new exhibitions on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Home - Iziko Museums
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About The Melrose Gallery
The Melrose Gallery, Esther Mahlangu’s global representative were tasked with implementing her Retrospective Exhibition. The Melrose Gallery is a leading Pan African Contemporary gallery located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The gallery represents established and emerging artists whose voices speak to issues of significance to the Continent of Africa on a global basis. We are passionate about ensuring that the elders who have made a valuable contribution to African Contemporary Art are recognised and continue to be heard. These inspiring stalwarts provide a stable foundation to an exciting young guard of artists who are swiftly emerging from the African Continent and Diaspora to establish themselves globally. We run a curated programme of exhibitions, participate in respected art fairs, support many of our artists in their participation at Biennales and conceptualize and implement significant non-commercial exhibitions in association with leading museums.

The Melrose Gallery
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BMW Group Cultural Engagement

Why Culture? Why not! Culture is knowledge, a sanctuary of beauty and depth, of meaning and peace. An inspiring escape. Tranquil at best, even unsettling sometimes. As corporate citizen, the BMW Group takes social responsibility seriously, as part of which it has been involved in hundreds of cultural initiatives worldwide for over half a century, both in the arts, music & sound, architecture as well as in design. As a long-term partner, creative freedom is key – and as essential for groundbreaking works as it is for major innovations within a business enterprise like ours.

Further information: www.bmwgroup.com/culture and www.bmwgroup.com/overview

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BMW-Group-Culture

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bmwgroupculture/

@bmwgroupculture

#BMWGroupCulture

#drivenbydiversity

The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Munich/New York. Today, on World Children’s Day, the BMW Group and UNICEF are announcing their long-term partnership under the slogan “BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today.”

The partnership will contribute to UNICEF’s global aim to reach 10 million children and young people each year through education. The BMW Group’s long-term support, with an initial commitment over seven years, will help provide science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and skills development to children and young people in Africa, Asia and Central and South America. 

STEM-related jobs are the engine of global economic growth, yet millions of these jobs are projected to go unfilled due to a gap in skills. The problem is more acute in low- and middle-income countries and much more prevalent among girls and women. Today, women constitute a minority in both STEM education and careers, representing only 28 per cent of engineering graduates, 22 per cent of artificial intelligence workers and less than one third of tech sector employees globally.

“Young people around the world have the power and creativity to influence societies for the better,” says Georg Graf Waldersee, Chairman of the Board at UNICEF Germany. “We need to empower and support them so they can become the innovators and change makers of tomorrow. Because sustainable transformation and the path to a fairer, safer world begin where young minds come together and discover their potential – in classrooms or working labs. We are proud and grateful that the BMW Group is accompanying and supporting us on this journey as a strong private sector partner.”

“At the BMW Group, we believe that education is the engine that drives the development of our society,” states Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG, People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director. “With UNICEF, we have a long-standing partner at our side who shares this opinion. Therefore, I am beyond delighted that we are joining forces with our global collaboration over the long term from now on. Together, we will bridge the gap between schooling and working life as well as enable the transfer of knowledge.” 

Ilka Horstmeier continues: “With our multinational workforce on five continents, we consider ourselves as a true corporate citizen. It is not only important for us to be engaged on a global level, but also on a local one. That’s why, together with UNICEF, we get involved at the BMW Group sites worldwide. Additionally, it is great that we can give our diverse network of stakeholders the chance to engage and participate in the partnership to ensure basic education for children in crisis situations.”

Following the launch of the collaboration between the BMW Group and UNICEF in South Africa in 2023, the partnership will be expanded in 2024 to Brazil, China, India, Mexico and Thailand – all of which have programme needs and have BMW Group presence. The collaboration will support programmes ranging from providing laboratory equipment to developing a customised teacher training curriculum, and from mentorships to job-shadowing. With this in mind, the BMW Group is not only providing financial support amounting to two million euros each year until 2030, but also contributing its own expertise and network. 

In addition, in 2024, the BMW Group will join forces with its global network of affiliates and with the involvement of stakeholders to raise funds to support the UNICEF’s work in emergencies and protracted crisis thereby ensuring continuity of children’s learning in safe environments.

Leipzig. The start of MINI Countryman production marks a number of firsts and milestones for BMW Group Plant Leipzig: for the first time, a MINI model is being made in Germany – on the same production line as the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series. It’s all made possible by the plant’s flexible structures and development. Over the last five years the BMW Group has invested €700 million to ready Leipzig for increased vehicle volumes and adapt it for MINI-specific requirements. By the end of 2024 the workforce in production will increase by over 900. In addition, the new MINI Countryman is a catalyst for innovations in sustainable production.

“By launching production of the MINI Countryman here in Leipzig, we are introducing multibrand operations to our flexible production system,” explained Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production. “Plant Leipzig also offers a number of highlights in terms of resource conservation in production, providing further evidence of the successful rollout of our long-term masterplan: the BMW iFACTORY.”

Seamless integration through flexible structures 

When it comes to production of the new MINI Countryman, the BMW Group is building on the skills and extreme flexibility of Plant Leipzig to forge new pathways in manufacturing. Seamlessly integrated into the production process, the MINI Countryman now rolls off the same assembly line as the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

Thanks to its flexible assembly structures, Plant Leipzig is in a position to produce two brands with three different drives – combustion, plug-in-hybrid and fully electric – all on the same production line. The third-generation MINI Countryman will be available with a petrol, diesel or fully electric powertrain, with the high-voltage batteries for the MINI Countryman Electric also being made in Leipzig. It will reach dealerships on 17 February 2024.

Investments and recruitment to increase production volume

The BMW Group has invested some €500 million in Leipzig to increase production volume for new models. Since 2018 the bodyshop, paintshop, assembly and logistics have undergone extensive additions and upgrades, taking production capacity up from 250,000 units previously, to as much as 350,000 units a year at present.

To adapt the production system to MINI-specific requirements, the BMW Group invested around €200 million. Initially approx. 100 MINI Countryman cars a day will roll off the production lines, rising to 500 during the course of next year – in addition to the almost 1,000 BMW cars already coming out of the factory every day. This will not only secure existing jobs, but also create up to 900 new ones in vehicle production alone.

Electromobility and MINI production drive development

Another important milestone in the development and extension of Plant Leipzig is its transition to electromobility. “Leipzig remains electric,” says Petra Peterhänsel, Plant Director. “With the BMW i3 and i8, we were at the vanguard of e-mobility at the BMW Group, and from 2024, we will be producing our next fully electric car: the MINI Countryman Electric. We will manufacture the high-voltage batteries for it in-house as well.”

Starting next year BMW Group Plant Leipzig will run the entire production process for the current fifth generation of high-voltage batteries. This consists of three stages: cell coating, module production and battery assembly. The five cell coating lines, three module production lines and the first high-voltage battery assembly lines are all in the process of going into operation, with a second high-voltage battery assembly line scheduled for launch in 2024.

Capacity for e-component production has also been increasing since 2021, making Plant Leipzig an important supplier across the BMW production network. The parts are used in fully electric vehicles such as the BMW iX1, BMW i4, BMW i5 and BMW iX. E-component production in Leipzig currently employs over 800 people, and there are plans to develop it further, with investments totalling more than €800 million.

Sustainable materials and production 

The MINI Countryman Electric is a major step in the MINI brand’s transition to full electrification by 2030 and combines an electrified go-kart feel with a reduced environmental footprint. In developing the new model, the MINI brand’s responsible attitude was very much in the focus with regard to materials and production: chrome no longer features anywhere in the interior or exterior, and the light-metal alloy wheels are cast from up to 70 percent secondary aluminium. The permanently electrically excited synchronous motors are highly efficient and made entirely without rare earth minerals.

The interior is made purely from innovative, high-quality materials that are easy on the environment. The dashboard, door facias, floor covering and foot mats, for example, are made of recycled textiles. A high-quality alternative to conventional materials such as plastics, recycled textiles reduce CO₂ emissions along the value chain and require less water to manufacture.

Innovative painting method for contrast roof 

One of the striking design features of the MINI exterior is the contrast roof, which can be ordered in a different colour from the rest of the body. In the MINI Countryman it will be painted using a new, resource-friendly method known as overspray-free painting. Currently being readied for series operation, overspray-free painting does away with the excess paint – or overspray – generated by conventional painting methods and makes surfaces with more than one colour easier to produce, as they no longer require the laborious process of masking. Overspray-free painting also helps save CO₂ emissions, as exhaust air from the cabin requires less cleansing. Plus it requires considerably less conditioned air, i.e. air that is brought to a set temperature and humidity. As a result, less energy is needed to temper air and treat exhaust.

Another sustainable innovation operating at Plant Leipzig is the burner technology used to dry the paint on contrast roofs. Last year Leipzig became the first car plant in the world to pilot the new technology, which can run on not only natural gas but also hydrogen. The flexible burners can burn hydrogen (H2), natural gas (methane – CH4) or a mixture of the two and can even switch between them without having to halt operations. After successful tests, Plant Leipzig has now installed five hydrogen-capable bivalent burners for series operations, which are now being used for the contrast roof of the MINI Countryman. Plans are in place to convert further burners in the paintshop to bivalent operations.

Plant Leipzig – Built for sustainability

At Plant Leipzig, the focus has always been very much on efficient processes and a long-term strategy for energy generation and consumption, ever since planning began. “Sustainability is in the DNA of BMW Group Plant Leipzig. There’s one example that everyone can see: our four wind turbines, which generate electricity for the plant,” Petra Peterhänsel explained. They were erected in 2013 and deliver 10 MW (generating approx. 25 GWh/year). The second milestone came in 2017, when the battery storage farm went on stream. Equipped with up to 700 second-life high-voltage batteries from BMW i3 vehicles, it offers interim electricity storage for energy from the wind turbines and elsewhere, helping to optimise local energy management and stabilise the grid.

“Our vision at Plant Leipzig is to decarbonise production as far as possible by replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen,” said Petra Peterhänsel, explaining the long-term focus of the facility. This will require sufficient green hydrogen from a grid. A regional hydrogen grid is currently in planning, with Plant Leipzig set to benefit.

Anglo American Platinum, BMW Group South Africa and Sasol South Africa Limited on Monday, 16 October 2023 signed a collaboration agreement that will bring hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and supporting hydrogen refuelling technology to South Africa.

In terms of the agreement, which was signed at the 2023 South African Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town, BMW will provide the hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles, while Sasol will supply the green hydrogen and mobile refueler. These vehicles will operate on South African roads as part of an international trial to understand how the BMW iX5 Hydrogen performs in real-world conditions, following four years of development work. Anglo American Platinum, which provides platinum group metals (PGMs) used in FCEVs and has been investing in hydrogen technologies for many years, will work closely with BMW and Sasol to help develop a local green hydrogen mobility ecosystem.

The agreement is a significant step towards accelerating the uptake of FCEVs and the establishment of related infrastructure in the country. Growing the market for hydrogen-fuelled mobility solutions is a key pillar of the South African government’s green hydrogen economy strategy, which will lower carbon emissions, unlock investment, create jobs, and drive demand for critical metals and raw materials, including PGMs.

Sasol Executive Vice President for the Energy Business, Priscillah Mabelane, said: “Sasol, BMW and Anglo American Platinum recognise the urgency of addressing climate change, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to revolutionising the energy sector by exploring and promoting cutting-edge solutions. As an organisation that has been producing and marketing hydrogen for more than 20 years, we know hydrogen. We produced our first batch of green hydrogen at our Sasolburg facility in June and in 2024 we will ramp this up to commercial scale when a 69MW wind farm, situated in the Eastern Cape, comes online. As Sasol we are excited to be part of this demonstration, which has been strategic in showcasing local capability and the art of the possible.”

Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, said: “One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral mobility worldwide. As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. We believe South Africa – with its abundance of raw materials and sound infrastructure base – is ideally placed to deliver on the Green Hydrogen Economy’s promises. Soon, with collaborators Sasol and Anglo American Platinum, we will be able to demonstrate the technical maturity of BMW’s fuel cell electric vehicle drive system, underscoring its potential for the future.”

Craig Miller, CEO of Anglo American Platinum, said: “Hydrogen fuel cells are a critical technology for zero emission electric vehicles, and we believe FCEVs will play an important role in the mix of drivetrain technologies needed to decarbonise all forms of transport. FCEVs benefit from short refuelling times and long ranges, similar to using a diesel or petrol vehicle, but with the added benefit of zero emissions. Our collaboration with Sasol and BMW builds on various partnerships we have around the world to drive green mobility solutions and develop new uses for the products we mine.”

For further information, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa

Hailey Philander

Hailey.Philander@bmw.co.za

Tel: +27 (0)71 666 2070

Anglo-American Platinum (Media) 

Nomonde Ndwalaza

nomonde.ndwalaza@angloamerican.com

Tel: +27 (0)66 311 1133

Anglo American Platinum (Investors)

Franscelene Moodley

PlatinumIR@angloamerican.com

Tel: +27 (0)79 877 7848

Sasol

Matebello Motloung

Matebello.Motloung@sasol.com

Tel: +27 (0)82 773 9457

The BMW Group:

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

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Notes to editors:

About Anglo-American Platinum

Anglo American Platinum Limited is a member of the Anglo American plc Group and is a leading primary producer of platinum group metals. The company is listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). Its mining, smelting and refining operations are based in South Africa. Elsewhere in the world, the Group owns Unki Platinum Mine in Zimbabwe. Anglo American Platinum is committed to the highest standards of safety and continues to make a meaningful and sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations.

www.angloamericanplatinum.com

Anglo American is a leading global mining company and our products are the essential ingredients in almost every aspect of modern life. Our portfolio of world-class competitive operations, with a broad range of future development options, provides many of the future-enabling metals and minerals for a cleaner, greener, more sustainable world and that meet the fast growing every day demands of billions of consumers. With our people at the heart of our business, we use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and to mine, process, move and market our products to our customers – safely and sustainably.

As a responsible producer of copper, nickel, platinum group metals, diamonds (through De Beers), and premium quality iron ore and steelmaking coal – with crop nutrients in development – we are committed to being carbon neutral across our operations by 2040. More broadly, our Sustainable Mining Plan commits us to a series of stretching goals to ensure we work towards a healthy environment, creating thriving communities and building trust as a corporate leader. We work together with our business partners and diverse stakeholders to unlock enduring value from precious natural resources for the benefit of the communities and countries in which we operate, for society as a whole, and for our shareholders. Anglo American is re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives.

www.angloamerican.com

About Sasol

Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company. We harness our knowledge and expertise to integrate sophisticated technologies and processes into world-scale operating facilities. We strive to safely and sustainably source, produce and market a range of high-quality products in 22 countries, preserving and creating value for stakeholders.

Munich/Dubai. The vehicles in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, which launched in February this year, have completed an intensive round of hot-weather testing in the United Arab Emirates for the first time. The car’s fuel cell drive system performed impressively in the face of temperatures rising to 45°C, as well as sand and dust, varying gradients and significant fluctuations in humidity.

The highly efficient fuel cell system, the two hydrogen tanks, the electric motor and the power battery teamed up with the central vehicle control unit to demonstrate their outstanding performance and state of readiness. The Munich-based development team examined both the functionality of all the electric systems under the extreme conditions and the provision of the cooling power to enable the full performance of the vehicle. The vehicles were able to ensure the driving dynamics for which BMW is renowned.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen goes around the world
Vehicles from the pilot fleet are currently in action in Europe, Japan, Korea, China, the USA and the Middle East. The aim is to shine a spotlight on the everyday usability of hydrogen-powered vehicles, and beyond that to gain important knowledge for the development of a potential series-produced model. The BMW Group is using the pilot fleet to provide support on a regional level for the development of a refuelling infrastructure which can be used with 700-bar refuelling technology across all categories of vehicle – from passenger cars and small vans to buses and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Synergies between different areas of application also offer important scope for developing a strong network of suppliers in hydrogen technology and reducing costs.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines long-distance capability and short refuelling stops with locally emission-free driving. Provided the relevant framework is in place, the hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to serve as another pillar in the BMW Group’s future drive system portfolio.

As part of its ongoing transformation, the BMW Group is applying a “technology-open” approach when it comes to drive systems. The company is therefore adapting to different customer requirements, infrastructure standards and political and regulatory landscapes in the various regions of the world. This flexibility puts the BMW Group in the position to respond quickly to changing requirements in the markets in any situation and to present an attractive offer for as many customers as possible at all times.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen has a fuel cell system generating output of 125 kW and a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology (the electric motor, transmission and power electronics are grouped together in a compact housing). The output of the overall drive system is 295 kW. The hydrogen needed to power the fuel cell is stored in a pair of 700-bar tanks made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together, these tanks can hold around six kilograms of hydrogen. This storage capacity gives the BMW iX5 Hydrogen a range of 504 km in the WLTP cycle. 

Munich / Antwerp. The BMW Group is presenting international media representatives with the first vehicles in a pilot fleet that will go into service this year. After four years of development work, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle and development project is entering its critical next phase.

The fleet of under 100 vehicles will then be employed internationally for demonstration and trial purposes for various target groups. This active driving experience will therefore be the first chance for people not involved in the development process to gain a direct impression of what the BMW iX5 Hydrogen has to offer.

“Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that has a key role to play in the energy transition process and therefore in climate protection. After all, it is one of the most efficient ways of storing and transporting renewable energies”, said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “We should use this potential to also accelerate the transformation of the mobility sector. Hydrogen is the missing piece in the jigsaw when it comes to emission-free mobility. One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral mobility worldwide.”

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen developed on the basis of the current BMW X5 was first unveiled as a concept at the IAA show in 2019. Initial prototypes were then made available at the IAA Mobility 2021 for visitors to experience in action as shuttle vehicles.

Its hydrogen fuel cell system is further proof of the BMW Group’s leading development expertise in the field of electric drive technologies. The BMW Group is systematically pushing forward with development of hydrogen fuel cell technology as an additional option for locally emission-free individual mobility in the future.

BMW’s technological expertise.
The BMW Group produces the highly efficient fuel cell systems for the pilot fleet at its in-house competence centre for hydrogen in Munich. This technology is one of the core elements in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and generates a high continuous output of 125 kW.

A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell between gaseous hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air. Maintaining a steady supply of both elements to the fuel cell’s membrane is of crucial importance for the drive system’s efficiency. In addition to the technological equivalents of features found on combustion engines, such as charge air coolers, air filters, control units and sensors, the BMW Group also developed special hydrogen components for its new fuel cell system. These include the high-speed compressor with turbine and high-voltage coolant pump, for instance.

The BMW Group sources the individual fuel cells from the Toyota Motor Corporation. The two companies have enjoyed a partnership characterised by trust for many years and have been collaborating on fuel cell drive systems since 2013.

Fuel cell systems are manufactured in two main steps, based on the individual fuel cells. The cells are first assembled into a fuel cell stack. The next step involves fitting all the other components to produce a complete fuel cell system.

Stacking of the fuel cells is largely a fully automated process. Once the individual components have been inspected for any damage, the stack is compressed by machine with a force of five tonnes and placed in a housing. The stack housing is manufactured in the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut using a sand casting technique.

For this, molten aluminium is poured into a mould made from compacted sand mixed with resin in a process specially designed for this small-series vehicle.

The pressure plate, which delivers hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell stack, is made from cast plastic parts and light-alloy castings, also from the Landshut plant. The pressure plate forms a gas-tight and water-tight seal around the stack housing.

Final assembly of the fuel cell stacks includes a voltage test along with extensive testing of the chemical reaction within the cells. Finally, all the different components are fitted together in the assembly area to produce the complete system.

During this system assembly stage, further components are fitted, such as the compressor, the anode and cathode of the fuel-cell system, the high-voltage coolant pump and the wiring harness.

In combination with a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology (the electric motor, transmission and power electronics are grouped together in a compact housing) at the rear axle and a power battery with lithium-ion technology developed specially for this vehicle, the powertrain channels maximum output of 295kW onto the road. In coasting overrun and braking phases, the motor also serves as a generator, feeding energy back into a power battery.

Production at Munich pilot plant.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is being built in the BMW Group’s pilot plant at its Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich. This is the interface between development and production where every new model from the company’s brands is made for the first time. Around 900 people work there in the body shop, assembly, model engineering, concept vehicle construction and additive manufacturing.

They are tasked with ensuring that both the product and the manufacturing process are ready for series production. In the case of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, specialists in hydrogen technology, vehicle development and initial assembly of new models have been working closely together to integrate the cutting-edge drive and energy storage technology.

Hydrogen allows rapid re-fuelling.
The hydrogen needed to supply the fuel cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together these hold almost six kilograms of hydrogen, enough to give the BMW iX5 Hydrogen a range of 504 km in the WLTP cycle. Filling up the hydrogen tanks only takes three to four minutes – so the BMW iX5 Hydrogen can also provide the driving pleasure for which BMW is renowned over long distances, with just a few, short stops along the way.

Summary of the technical data, performance, fuel consumption and range figures for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen:

Maximum output of overall drive system: 295 kW
Electric continuous output of the fuel-cell system: 125 kW
Maximum output of the battery (lithium-ion technology): 170 kW
Maximum output of the highly integrated electric drive unit: 295 kW
Capacity of the hydrogen tanks: 6 kg hydrogen (gaseous)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph) < 6 s
Top speed: Over 180 km/h
Hydrogen consumption in the WLTP cycle: 1.19 kg/100 km
Range in the WLTP cycle: 504 km

FCEV technology contributes to decarbonisation.
The BMW Group is the first German carmaker to have joined the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign” led by the Science Based Targets initiative and is committed to achieving the goal of full climate neutrality throughout the value chain.

The next step in this process involves the BMW Group’s plan to reduce CO₂ emissions per vehicle over its full lifecycle – i.e. supply chain, production and use phase – by at least 40 per cent by 2030 compared with 2019.

The BMW Group sold more than 215,000 fully electric vehicles worldwide in 2022, which represents an increase over the previous year of almost 108 per cent. Fully electric vehicles accounted for just under 9 per cent of total sales volumes last year, and this share is set to increase to 15 per cent in 2023.

By 2030 at the latest, the BMW Group is looking to reach a situation where fully electric vehicles claim a more than 50 per cent share of its overall sales.

The BMW Group views FCEV technology expressly as a potential addition to the drive technology used by battery-electric vehicles.

Hydrogen as part of global activities for CO₂-free mobility.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydrogen offers considerable potential as a future energy source in connection with global energy transition activities. Thanks to its storage and transport capabilities, hydrogen can be used for a wide variety of applications.
Most industrialised countries are therefore adopting hydrogen strategies and backing them up with roadmaps and concrete projects. In the transport sector, hydrogen can become a further technology option, alongside battery-electric mobility, for shaping sustainable individual mobility in the long term.

However, this will depend on competitive production of sufficient quantities of hydrogen from green power, as well as expansion of the corresponding filling infrastructure, which is already being intensively pursued in many countries.

The BMW Group welcomes and supports activities to promote innovation in Germany and Europe that will help build a hydrogen economy and accelerate production of green hydrogen. These specifically include the large-scale hydrogen projects classified as Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI).

The projects that comprise this European Union initiative, supported in Germany by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Transport, span the entire value chain – from hydrogen production to transport to applications in industry.

With the right conditions, hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to become a further pillar in the BMW Group’s drive train portfolio for local CO₂-free mobility.

Munich. On 31 August, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Oliver Zipse and Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, will come together to inaugurate fuel cell system production at the company’s competence centre for #hydrogen in Munich. The reason for this occasion is the small series of BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars that will be entering service around the world from the end of this year for test and demonstration purposes. The combination of ##fuel cell## and high-performance battery is set to enrich the company’s portfolio by adding a unique form of drive system for the premium segment. The BMW Group is playing a visionary and pioneering role in this technology with the aim of achieving a more diversified transition to zero-emission mobility.

“As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. And it will also gain substantially in importance as far as personal mobility is concerned. We think hydrogen-powered vehicles are ideally placed technologically to fit alongside battery-electric vehicles and complete the electric mobility picture,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Wednesday. “By commencing small-scale production of fuel cells today, we are demonstrating the technical maturity of this type of drive system and underscoring its potential for the future.”

“Our many years of research and development work have enabled us to get the very most out of hydrogen technology,” added Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. “We have managed to more than double the fuel cell’s continuous output in the second-generation fuel cell in the ##BMW iX5 Hydrogen##, while weight and size have both decreased drastically.”

Thanks to these advances, the BMW Group leads the way in the development of #hydrogen technology and considers it to hold great promise for its next generation of vehicles.

Technological expertise and high standards of efficiency in the drive system

The BMW Group will now be manufacturing highly efficient fuel cell systems at its in-house competence centre for hydrogen. This technology is one of the core elements in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and generates a high continuous output of 125 kW. It teams up with an electric motor featuring fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and a high-performance battery purpose developed for this vehicle to enable its powertrain to deliver 275 kW. The development team incorporated the powerful drive system – comprising two hydrogen tanks, the fuel cell and the electric motor – into the existing ##BMW X5 platform## for the small production run. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen already successfully demonstrated its excellent everyday usability, even at very low temperatures, during the final round of winter testing in Sweden at the start of this year.

The impressive testing results of this new small-scale series of cars are rooted in the BMW Group’s extensive experience with the use of hydrogen as a drive technology. Hydrogen-powered combustion engines had already been in use prior to the arrival of the fuel cell system. Efficiency considerations prompted the BMW Group to continue development work in this area from 2015 with the BMW 5 Series GT Hydrogen Cell based on fuel cell technology. Fuel cell technology has since been steadily refined by harnessing the company’s vast know-how in the field of conventional drive technologies and applying the exacting standards of all-round efficiency it expects of all its vehicles.

Production of fuel cell systems in Munich

A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell between hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air. Maintaining a steady supply of both elements to the fuel cell’s membrane is of crucial importance for the drive system’s efficiency. In addition to the technological equivalents of features found on combustion engines, such as charge air coolers, air filters, control units and sensors, the BMW Group also developed special hydrogen components for its new fuel cell system. These include the high-speed compressor with turbine and high-voltage coolant pump, for instance.

The BMW Group sources the individual fuel cells required for manufacturing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen from the Toyota Motor Corporation. The two companies have enjoyed a partnership characterised by trust for many years and have been collaborating on fuel cell drive systems since 2013. Fuel cell systems are manufactured in two main steps. The individual fuel cells are first assembled into a fuel cell stack. The next step involves fitting all the other components to produce a complete fuel cell system.

Stacking of the fuel cells is a fully automated process. Once the individual components have been inspected for any damage, the stack is compressed by machine with a force of five tonnes and placed in a housing. The stack housing is manufactured in the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut using a sand casting technique. For this, molten aluminium is poured into a mould made from compacted sand mixed with resin in a process specially designed for this small-series vehicle. The pressure plate, which delivers hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell stack, is made from cast plastic parts and light-alloy castings, also from the Landshut plant. The pressure plate forms a gas-tight and water-tight seal around the stack housing.

Final assembly of the ##fuel cell stacks## includes a voltage test along with extensive testing of the chemical reaction within the cells. Finally, all the different components are fitted together in the assembly area to produce the complete system. During this system assembly stage, further components are fitted, such as the compressor, the anode and cathode, the high-voltage coolant pump and the wiring harness.

Leipzig. An era is coming to an end at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig. The serial production of the BMW i3 is now to come to an end, some eight and a half years after it was launched. A source of inspiration, a driver of innovation, a pioneer of locally emission-free driving pleasure: The list of attributes that have accompanied the BMW Group's first large-series production automobile with fully electric drive since its debut in 2013 is long. The BMW i3 started out as an exotic specimen on the still barely tapped market for electric vehicles, developed into a classic with unmistakable charisma already in the course of its production period and goes down in the company's history as a pioneer of sustainable mobility.

For the BMW Group Plant Leipzig, the farewell to the BMW i3 is linked to the start of a new chapter in electric mobility. In a seamless transition, further e-drive components will be manufactured there with immediate effect in addition to producing high-voltage battery modules, which is already being done since May 2021. And already next year, the next generation of the MINI Countryman will be manufactured at the same location - with a fully electric drive, among other things. In this way, the electric mobility expertise of the workforce, which has been built up over the past years, will be used and advanced further. At the same time, the BMW Group Plant Leipzig becomes the first location in the company's global production network where BMW and MINI models are manufactured together.

The final anniversary: 250 , 000 units of electric driving pleasure made in Leipzig.

The BMW i3 ends its production run with an impressive homerun. Just a few days ago, the 250,000 unit of the compact e-vehicle was produced in Leipzig. This makes the BMW i3 the world's most successful electric vehicle in the premium compact segment. And contrary to what might be expected for a model that is being phased out, its popularity did not wane as it matured.

The BMW i3 has been sold in more than 74 countries around the world. In many markets, it achieved a significantly higher market share in the electric vehicle segment than the BMW brand in the area of conventionally powered cars. It also succeeded in inspiring additional target groups in the premium mobility offers from BMW. In the early years, more than 80 per cent of all BMW i3 buyers were new customers for the BMW Group.

The enduring appeal of the BMW i3, which is manufactured exclusively at the Leipzig site for the entire global market, is also due to its especially individualistic character. Its independent vehicle architecture consists of a drive module as an aluminium chassis, which carries the e-drive, the suspension and the high-voltage battery as well as a passenger cell made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) called the life module. This design, developed from the outset for pure e-mobility, made possible a particularly generous amount of space in the interior and a cockpit and centre console design which is both high-quality and very advanced. The same applies to the exterior design, which is still groundbreaking in its ninth year of production, and which is dedicated less to fashion or status than to technological avant-gardism.

Visionary technology standard-bearer with great symbolic power.

These characteristics have not only made the BMW i3 into a trailblazer for the transformation to CO₂-free mobility, but are also proof of how innovative the BMW Group is in a wide range of areas. "The BMW i3 has great symbolic power," says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. He describes the development of the BMW i3 as a prime example of the "BMW way". This is characterised in particular by the courage to "pioneer topics, to do something different and not just follow the mainstream". This mindset continues to endure, according to Zipse, because "even the BMW iX, which is quite surprising in its capabilities, has its origins in this corporate culture".

The employees involved in manufacturing the BMW i3 at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig know all too well what this culture means in practice. After all, the BMW i3 was a visionary technology standard-bearer from day one, and not just because of its electric drive. With its Life-Drive architecture, it also set new standards in the field of intelligent lightweight construction. In Leipzig, innovative processes unique in the automotive industry have been established for moulding large-format car body parts from the particularly lightweight high-tech material CFRP. Today, the BMW Group has unique expertise in the industrial use of carbon fibre in body construction and aluminium in designing chassis components.

"The BMW i3 is a true pioneer and the epitome of pioneering spirit," says Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG. "Thanks to the BMW i3, the Leipzig plant became the birthplace of e-mobility at BMW." With the expansion of the production of e-drive components, the Leipzig plant will remain "electric" in the future, says Nedeljković. "It will become the hub for electric mobility and supply our production network worldwide with components."

Innovation driver for e-mobility and multiple award winner.

Thanks to its model-specific technology developments, the BMW i3 has also become an innovation driver for the BMW and MINI brands in numerous other areas. The 135 kW electric motor of the BMW i3s has been delivering urban driving fun and locally emission-free go-kart feeling in MINI style since 2020. The purely electric MINI Cooper SE has since become the most popular model variant of the British brand.

Originally developed for the BMW i3, the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology is now being produced. It is used in numerous purely electric and plug-in hybrid models from BMW and MINI. The ramp-up of electric mobility will continue in the coming years. By 2030, every second BMW Group vehicle sold worldwide is to be fully electric.

The BMW i3 has received numerous awards during its production period. In Germany, it was awarded the "Green Steering Wheel” already in 2013, followed three years later by the "Golden Steering Wheel", also awarded by "Auto Bild" and "Bild am Sonntag". The design, vehicle concept, interior, sustainability, value retention and connectivity technology of the BMW i3 received further national and international awards and public survey successes. These include class victories in the competitions of the magazines "Auto Zeitung" and "auto, motor und sport", awards as "UK Car of the Year", "Green Car of the Year", "Classic of the Future" and "Swiss Car of the Year" as well as the "World Car Design Award", the "iF gold product design award" and the French "Trophée de l'argus".

Rethinking mobility: The holistic approach of the BMW i brand.

In addition to the all-electric drive, the BMW i3's outstanding eco-balance also stems from the choice of materials, which is fully geared towards sustainability and resource-conserving production. It was the first BMW Group model to receive an ISO certificate issued by independent auditors at the time of its market launch, confirming its optimised environmental performance throughout its entire life cycle.

Partly recycled raw materials are used for its outer skin made of thermoplastics. The plastic used in the interior is made up of 25 percent recycled material. The textiles used for the seat surfaces are made entirely from recycled fibres. The door panels of the BMW i3 are made of kenaf fibres. Eucalyptus wood from certified cultivation in Europe serves as the raw material for parts of the instrument panel.

The holistic concept for sustainability also includes the extensive use of renewable energy in the production of the BMW i3. Four wind turbines on the site of the BMW Group plant in Leipzig supply the electricity needed for its production. At an early stage, they made the Saxon location a pioneer for CO₂-neutral vehicle production, which has been standard in all BMW Group plants around the world since last year.

In addition, the BMW i brand has provided impetus for sustainable driving pleasure and a comprehensive transformation to CO2-neutral mobility in many ways and far beyond the development of electrically powered vehicles. These activities include the urban car-sharing service DriveNow (called SHARE NOW today) which for many users is the ideal opportunity to come into contact with electric mobility for the first time, as well as the services now known as BMW Charging and MINI Charging for convenient charging at home and for easily accessing public charging stations, and the BMW Group's participation in the European fast-charging network Ionity.

The perfect introduction to the world of e-mobility - and a reliable endurance runner.

For many customers, the BMW i3 became a constant companion early on in urban settings, for the daily commute and often far beyond. The frequent drivers among the "early adopters" above all praise the low energy and maintenance costs, but also how reliable the vehicle is and the cycle stability of its high-voltage battery. They report on brake pads that have not had to be replaced even after more than 250,000 kilometres, because a large part of the deceleration power is provided by recuperation when driving the BMW i3, and of the impressive long-term quality of the high-voltage battery, which leads to only a negligible reduction in range even after similarly long running times. The BMW Group took this positive experience as an opportunity to increase the maximum mileage associated with the eight-year warranty period for the battery from 100,000 to 160,000 kilometres at the beginning of 2020.

The BMW i3's high-voltage battery has undergone continuous development since its market launch, doubling its storage capacity while retaining the same installation space. With a cell capacity of 120 ampere hours (Ah) and a gross energy content of 42.2 kilowatt hours (kWh), it now enables ranges of up to 307 kilometres (BMW i3) according to WLTP.

The high-voltage batteries developed and produced by the BMW Group are used in other areas as well. Examples of this are the Streetscooter vans used by the German postal service and the city buses of the Turkish manufacturer Karsan, as well as motorboats with electric drives of the Torqeedo brand, for which they also serve as a source of energy. In addition, BMW i high-voltage batteries are used as stationary energy storage systems for electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind or solar power. The BMW Group plant in Leipzig also has such an energy storage farm. It consists of 700 interconnected BMW i3 high-voltage batteries in which the electricity generated by the four wind turbines on the plant site can be stored.

Locally emission-free, elegant and exclusive: The HomeRun Edition of the BMW i3s.

On its home stretch, the BMW i3 once again showcases the elegant and extravagant side of its character that has already been the subject of several limited special models. The BMW i3s HomeRun Edition, was treated to a Frozen paint finish from BMW Individual for the first time. This premiere is associated with a maximum of exclusivity: Only ten units of the BMW i3s HomeRun Edition have been produced.

An an exclusive for the BMW i3s HomeRun Edition, two new BMW Individual paint finishes have been added to the range: Frozen Dark Grey and Frozen Red II. In addition the HomeRun Edition includes 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design, an electrically operated glass roof, solar control glazing and Adaptive LED headlights. The special models also come with the particularly high-quality Suite interior design, which includes Vernasca Dark Truffle leather upholstery, a leather instrument panel, a leather steering wheel with galvanised trim, a Carum Grey roof lining, Ambient lighting and the welcome light. Other options include heated seats, comfort access, alarm system, Real Time Traffic Information, Concierge Service, Park Distance Control and rear view camera. Also included are the Comfort package and Driving Assistant Plus, the Professional navigation system, telephony with wireless charging, the Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and online entertainment with music flat rate.

The production of the ten special models was a final highlight not only for the employees involved in its production at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig. Customers of the special models were able to witness the completion of the vehicles in the assembly hall for themselves.

Dingolfing. Standard production of the fully-electric BMW iX began today in Dingolfing. The plant in Lower Bavaria now produces vehicles with all drivetrain variants, i.e. combustion-engine vehicles, plug-in hybrids and fully-electric models, on a single line. Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production: “The launch of the BMW iX marks another milestone in our expansion of electrification and demonstrates our production network's successful transformation towards electromobility and digitalisation.”

The BMW iX is being manufactured at the BMW Group’s largest European production plant on an assembly line with the flexibility to build a mix of BMW 5 Series, 7 Series and 8 Series models. To handle this flexibility and variety of drivetrains, vehicle assembly in Dingolfing has been expanded and refurbished. The BMW Group has invested a total of more than 400 million euros in producing the BMW iX at the Dingolfing vehicle plant. Many of the remodelling and structural measures required for the BMW iX are already benefiting future generations of the BMW 7 Series and 5 Series that will come off the production line in Dingolfing in the coming years. Fully-electric variants have also been announced for both model ranges.

Half of production volume already electrified by mid-decade

With the BMW iX and other PHEV models at Plant Dingolfing alone, the BMW Group plans to double the percentage of electrified vehicles produced this year compared to 2020. By the middle of the decade, half the vehicles produced in Dingolfing will be electrified. The new model will play an important part in this. “The BMW iX will already be one of the highest-volume models at the location by next year,” according to Nedeljković. The BMW iX will be followed in the (European) autumn by the BMW i4, which will be built in Munich. At the end of next year, all German plants will be producing at least one fully-electric vehicle.

Broad know-how: Vehicle and e-drive production on site

Production of the BMW iX in Dingolfing benefits from broad know-how and expertise in the technologies located at the site. Close interaction between these different areas enables a high level of in-house activity and short lines of communication, as well as ensuring optimum production technology overall. The fully-electric heart of the BMW iX – the highly integrated e-drive and fifth-generation battery, as well as the complete electric axle are produced on site, together with the Dingolfing component plants. Production capacity will be systematically expanded and, from 2022, Dingolfing will be able to produce e-drives for more than half a million electrified vehicles.

BMW iX as trailblazer

The BMW iX introduces a multitude of innovations to the product and production processes at the plant – especially in the vehicle’s electrical system architecture, software, digital services, connectivity and automated driving functions. As a result, the vehicle plays an important role as a trailblazer and is making Dingolfing “e-car” and “smart-car ready” as the BMW Group’s primary plant for the luxury class.

The BMW iX is also an important trailblazer in production, bringing future technologies into the production system – such as digital methods for employee training, automation of logistics processes, virtual commissioning and validation of driver assistance systems.

Christoph Schröder, head of BMW Group Plant Dingolfing: “As the primary plant for the luxury class, our location produces the BMW Group’s technology flagship. It is once again proving itself as a pioneer for the mobility of tomorrow and as the industry leader in key future areas of automotive activity, such as electrification, digitalisation and sustainability. In this way, the BMW iX is continuing the successful transformation of the BMW Group location in Dingolfing that began long ago.”

Special focus on sustainability

The topic of sustainability is firmly anchored throughout the company. A particular focus is on improving our carbon footprint – especially in production of electric vehicles. Independent auditors have confirmed that the greenhouse gas potential of the BMW iX xDrive40* is around 45 percent lower than that of a comparable Sports Activity Vehicle with an internal combustion engine. “We are already the sustainability benchmark for our industry. But we will continue to invest in resource-saving technologies and set ourselves ambitious goals for the most sustainable production,” underlined head of Production Milan Nedeljković. The BMW Group takes a holistic approach to reducing CO₂ emissions and minimising resource consumption that covers the entire value chain, including production as well as the supply chain and use phase.

The BMW Group has already succeeded in lowering resource consumption per vehicle produced by more than half between 2006 and 2020. CO₂ emissions have been reduced even more significantly – by as much as 78 percent. The aim is to reduce CO₂ emissions per vehicle produced by another 80 percent by 2030. “To achieve this, we have made some changes at Plant Dingolfing and implemented a series of new measures,” says plant director Christoph Schröder. For example, the BMW iX is produced exclusively using regional and directly-sourced green power from two hydroelectric power plants located on the Isar and Lech rivers. The entire plant, like all BMW Group locations, will also be net carbon neutral from this year, through the use of corresponding offsets and certificates.

Other aspects of sustainability range from energy-efficient installations to packaging planning, through transport logistics and recycling, up to and including topics such as biodiversity and water management. Plant Dingolfing is therefore able to achieve a recycling rate of more than 90 percent and an even higher recoverability rate of over 99 percent. The plant’s own wells meet over 40 percent of its water needs, thereby helping conserve the region’s drinking water reserves. The BMW Group has already reduced its water consumption by more than 30 percent overall since 2006.

BMW iX as catalyst for change: Active shift in competence.

The BMW iX creates a need for additional training beyond the extensive experience and expertise that is already available. It is accelerating the shift in competence already taking place within the production network and helping prepare the workforce for the demands of a new era. In this way, employee development across the entire company is being geared towards digitalisation and e-mobility. As part of the biggest training offensive in the company’s history, 75,000 staff are being trained in future areas of activity.

In Dingolfing alone, more than 4,000 employees have moved to jobs with strong future prospects since 2012. A current example of this is the creation and expansion of the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production at the location, which doubled its staff numbers last year from 600 to 1,200. This number is likely to increase to over 1,900 by the end of the year.

*Fuel consumption/emissions data:

BMW iX xDrive40: Power consumption in kWh/100 km: 22.5-19.4 (WLTP); CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km

BMW iX xDrive50: Power consumption in kWh/100 km: 23.0-19.8 (WLTP); CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km

Midrand – BMW Group South Africa is celebrating the start of production of the BMW X3 in South Africa by donating 20 locally built BMW X3s worth more than R15m to selected educational establishments and NGOs.

The first organisation to receive its BMW X3 20d is The Rhino Orphanage, a Limpopo-based charity dedicated to saving orphaned baby rhinoceroses. Universities and technical colleges selected to receive cars will be announced in due course. All are dedicated to engineering excellence.

BMW Group South Africa has long history of supporting the cause of education in South Africa. More than 1900 children have benefitted from Plant Rosslyn’s Early Learning Centre, and the group has supported 144 schools in various ways. By the end of this year, at Ntsha Peu Primary School in Shoshanguve, BMW Group South Africa will have completed a computer centre, a library and a multi-sports facility. Providing BMW X3s to engineering facilities at technical colleges and universities is a continuation of this philosophy. Mr Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa said BMW Group South Africa had “started production on the BMW X3, but we are building more than just a car in South Africa”.

“We’re honoured to be able to give back, and donating 20 cars to the right kind of organisation is the continuation of our long-standing commitment to charitable causes.” Mr Abbott said that the NGO partners the company has selected are “organisations as dedicated to South Africa as we have been for the past 45 years”.  Mr Abbott said donating BMW X3s to selected technical colleges and universities was a natural extension of BMW’s long-term support for education in South Africa.

In a ceremony on Thursday, Mr Abbott handed over the keys for a brand-new BMW X3 to the Rhino Orphanage’s founder, Arrie Van Deventer. The Rhino Orphanage will eventually receive two BMW X3s. The Rhino Orphanage is a registered non-profit company based in the Limpopo Province, and was founded by Mr Van Deventer in 2012. The orphanage is the first specialist, dedicated, non-commercial centre that cares for orphaned and injured baby rhinos with the only aim of releasing them back into the wild. It was created due to a lack of a specialised facilities dedicated to rearing baby rhinos that have been orphaned as a consequence of the current poaching crisis. The Rhino Orphanage is the world’s first organisation of its kind, and has saved more than 15 rhinos since it was founded.

Mr Van Deventer said the donation was hugely significant for the Rhino Orphanage. “We were thrilled that BMW are interested in what we are doing, and what we’re trying to achieve. The BMW X3 is really ideal for us, as it’s a robust, spacious car with excellent off-road capabilities, which we will use all the time. It’s also really efficient, so will not be expensive for us to run,” Mr Van Deventer said.  Mr Abbott said BMW Group South Africa was excited to “support the protection of South Africa’s extraordinary natural heritage” through the Rhino Orphanage. “It’s just another way we can give back,” Mr Abbott concluded.

Ends

For any queries regarding this press release, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa

Mr Diederik Reitsma

General Manager: Group Communications 

Tel: +27 12 522 2525

Cell: +27 71 666 2525

Email: Diederik.Reitsma@bmw.co.za

Mr Alexander Parker

Manager: Business Communications

BMW Group South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27 (0)12 522 2950

Cell: +27 (0)71 666 2950

Email: alexander.pa.parker@bmw.co.za

The Rhino Orphanage

Mr Arrie Van Deventer

Cell: +27-83-645-4398

Email: mvd@legendlodges.co.za

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles and more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2017 was approximately €10.655 billion on revenues amounting to €97.8 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a workforce of 129,932 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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www.bmwmotorrad.co.za

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