The new BMW X5 adds another chapter to its story of success. The fifth generation of the BMW X5 impresses with technical innovations, a stunning new design and the integration of future-oriented technologies from the Neue Klasse. This underlines its exceptional status and reinforces its leading position in a segment that it originally established.

First all-electric BMW X5.

As the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) from the brand and founding father of the eminently successful BMW X family, the trendsetting BMW X5 has been shaping the future in innovative style since its introduction in 1999. Embodying that very same aspiration, the new BMW X5 will come to market with a selection of drive system types.

In addition to variants with petrol or diesel combustion engines, including 48V mild hybrid technology, and plug-in hybrid models, the fifth generation of the successful model also encompasses the first all-electric BMW iX5. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is also set to celebrate its market launch – at a later stage in selected markets, not including South Africa – as the first hydrogen-powered BMW production vehicle.

On offer in South Africa, the new BMW iX5 is launching with the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology. This means longer ranges of up to 845 kilometres in the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, fast charging, 800V technology and practical bidirectional charging. This is thanks to new cylindrical cells with a height of 120 millimetres, installed in the high-voltage battery and in use for the first time in the new BMW iX5.

“With its imposing presence and flawless symbiosis of comfort and driving pleasure, the BMW X5 became a global bestseller,” says Dr. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “And now the latest generation also benefits from the technologies in the Neue Klasse and the widest possible range of drive systems. As a result, I’m sure the new BMW X5 will set the benchmark in its class once again and write the next chapter in its success story.”

The following models will be available in South Africa from market introduction: BMW X5 xDrive40d xDrive, BMW X5 50e xDrive PHEV, and the fully-electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive.

New design: unmistakeable presence from every perspective.

The new BMW X5 also takes a major leap forward in terms of design. Viewed from any perspective, the clear, monolithic and powerful appearance of the car embodies the confident presence that underlines its leading position in the segment, becoming one of the key faces of the brand. This is attributed to the effortless melding of classic SAV proportions with the forward-looking BMW design language of the Neue Klasse to produce a harmonious, distinct end result.

The next generation of the distinctive X exterior is characterised by the upright design of the front end, the vertically aligned BMW kidney Iconic Glow and the new “double-X” light icons, making their first appearance in a BMW. The clearly structured side view of the BMW X5 is particularly impressive, mainly due to the innovative door handles, the BMW Winglets. These combine progressive design with functional convenience: recessed handles require the lightest of touches to open the electrically powered doors (integrating Soft-Close as standard equipment). Automatic Doors will be also available on the new BMW X5, integrated in the local Pioneer Package.

Naturally, all models offer broad scope for tailoring the design, including eleven exterior paint colours and a precisely curated wheel range that now boasts 23-inch rims, while the M Sport package and the M Sport package Pro provide a range of distinctive features.

High-quality M Performance Parts available.

In addition, high-quality M Performance Parts are available for the BMW X5. Highlights of the range include striking exterior items such as the M Performance front splitter in carbon fibre, M Performance roof spoiler black high-gloss, and M Performance rear diffuser and M Performance exterior mirror caps featuring aramid. Also available are M Performance wheels in 21- and 23-inch formats. The cabin can likewise be given an even sportier look with items such as M Performance floor mats.

Spacious, natural and innovative: redesigned interior combines feel good atmosphere with digital user experience.

One glance at the redesigned interior immediately reveals the extremely high quality of the new BMW X5. The interior impresses with clear structures and uncluttered surfaces, producing a harmonious sense of space and calmly providing subtle support for classic BMW driver orientation. In South Africa, BMW Individual Merino Leather upholstery will be offered in the Deluxe Package, together with Alcantara headliner and door and dashboard trim, to ensure an additionally luxurious feeling in the cabin.

The outstanding visual and haptic quality of the interior is also underlined by the new decorative surfaces constructed from materials such as slate and glass that generate an atmosphere of elemental sophistication. BMW is the first carmaker worldwide to offer slate as a decorative surface, available as standard equipment in South Africa.

The BMW X5 incorporates core technologies from the Neue Klasse in the form of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive display and operating system, underpinned by BMW Operating System X. These include the Central Display in free-cut design, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the BMW Panoramic Vision with a projection surface extending across the full width of the windscreen, and the new multifunction steering wheel that are all listed as standard equipment for South African vehicles. The BMW Passenger Screen is available as an optional extra in the BMW X5 for the first time. This results in an all-encompassing digital user experience centred around both the driver and their passengers.

The BMW X5 combines fascinating new technologies with a genuinely feel-good interior atmosphere. This is expressed in the lighting animations provided by the ambient light strip, a central element that creates an inviting wrap-around effect from door to door to generate a harmonious atmosphere.

BMW X5 combines a high level of comfort with BMW typical driving dynamics and intelligent driver assistance systems.

As the sportiest SUV in its segment, the BMW X5 has long set standards in terms of driving dynamics – and the latest generation of the BMW X5 is equally impressive in its this respect. This is due in no small part to the adaptive suspension fitted as standard and axle load distribution close to 50:50. Extras included in the Pioneer Package include Adaptive Chassis Control, as well as the Adaptive Chassis Control Professional with roll stabilisation initially available for every all‑electric and plug‑in hybrid model. This system leads the way when it comes to blending BMW’s characteristic driving dynamics with maximum ride comfort.

BMW Symbiotic Drive provides intelligent support tailored to individual driving behaviour. The advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions are designed down to the smallest detail for seamless interaction between assistance and human driving, also delivered as standard equipment in South Africa. In the BMW iX5 models, and in the upcoming BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the Heart of Joy also enables a very special experience: BMW Soft-Stop, which executes the smoothest stopping action yet provided by BMW.

Production and premiere in Spartanburg.

In South Africa, the market launch of the new BMW X5 is scheduled from early 2027. Production of the new models will ramp up some months ahead of this, with BMW Group Plant Spartanburg (USA) initiating series production of the fifth-generation BMW X5 in August 2026.

• Final calibration drives before production starts
• First fully electric BMW iX5 with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology
• Largest high-voltage battery fitted in a BMW model
• Range of models now even broader: BMW X5 available with five drive system technologies for the first time
• Heart of Joy delivers pure driving pleasure: next-generation driver assistance systems

Munich/Spartanburg (USA). The new BMW X5 has entered the finishing straight in its development programme. The fifth generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is now completing final calibration drives around its production base at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA. The new BMW X5 will be the first BMW production model to be introduced onto the market with a choice of five different drive system technologies. The first fully electric BMW iX5 will be making its debut, and this will be followed in 2028 by the arrival of the first ever hydrogen-powered BMW to go into series production – the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. Also available will be petrol and diesel variants with 48V mild hybrid technology, and plug‑in hybrid models.

The fully electric BMW iX5: world premiere with new Gen6 eDrive technology.

The first battery-electric BMW iX5 is based on the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, which features a new high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells and 800V technology. With its usable energy content of 144 kWh in the USA and 141 kWh in the EU (net), the BMW iX5 60 xDrive boasts the largest high-voltage battery to be fitted in an all-electric BMW model to date. Propulsive power is provided by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear, working in tandem with BMW xDrive electric all-wheel drive.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen: hydrogen-powered production model from BMW due in 2028 with innovative Flat Storage system.
The first ever hydrogen-powered BMW production model, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, will hit the roads in 2028. Its powertrain comprises a fuel cell system, the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system and an innovative high-voltage battery. The third generation of the fuel cell system forms the basis for a particularly compact design as well as high power and efficiency. The flat tank system consists of seven high-pressure tanks made of a carbon-fibre reinforced composite, which are connected with one another in parallel. These are integrated into a robust metal frame. This layout makes exceptionally efficient use of the space the system takes up in the vehicle; no room is lost inside the cabin. Another benefit is that models with fuel cell technology can be built on the same production line as other drive system types.

Pure driving pleasure thanks to the Heart of Joy.
The new BMW X5 will offer a new-dimension driving experience courtesy of technology from the Neue Klasse – the Heart of Joy featuring the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack developed fully in-house. This high-performance control unit acts ten times faster than previous systems, meaning it is able to make adjustments to the powertrain, brakes, steering sub-functions, charging and recuperation in a matter of milliseconds. The result is remarkable agility, poise and precision. In the BMW iX5 and BMW iX5 Hydrogen, this technology also impresses with extremely smooth stopping manoeuvres while also increasing efficiency by recovering more energy under deceleration with regenerative braking. In combustion-engined or plug-in hybrid models, the latest digital and highly interconnected driving dynamics systems ensure the car always makes optimum use of the available traction and delivers composed handling at all times. These systems include the standard-fitted tenth-generation transverse dynamics management system and near-actuator wheel slip limitation, both supported by precisely tuned chassis components.

The wheels – larger rims with diameters of up to 23 inches can now be specified – and the standard mixed-size tyres further enhance comfort, stability and dynamism. The new BMW X5 comes as standard with adaptive suspension whose dampers are controlled electronically for each individual wheel, plus almost 50:50 weight distribution. The dampers can be continuously adjusted, enabling everything from a very comfortable ride through to sporty, dynamic handling. Adaptive Chassis Control Professional, which is available as an option for the all‑electric BMW iX5 and the plug-in hybrid models, maximises dynamic prowess. It includes two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering and active roll stabilisation.

Next-generation driver assistance systems.
The new BMW X5 features innovative SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions from the Neue Klasse technology clusters. Customers can therefore look forward to significant upgrades and extended functionality, as well as BMW Symbiotic Drive. One example of these innovations is the optional Motorway and City Assistant, which includes Entry-2-Exit assistance on motorways and Address‑2‑Address assistance in urban areas. The advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems from BMW are meticulously designed for seamless interaction between assistance tech and human driving habits. The aim here is not to attain the highest possible level of automation in every situation, but to provide a safe driver assistance experience that offers maximum benefit and remains controllable at all times. As a result, the driver always stays involved as human and artificial intelligence interact. With driver assistance systems active, this means the driver can accelerate, steer and brake as required, without instantly deactivating the assistance system in the process. The straightforward operating logic and clear displays of BMW Panoramic iDrive ensure that assisted driving is intuitive and controllable at all times, enabling safe use of the highest SAE Level 2 automation.

The symbiotic interaction between driver and vehicle can also be experienced with active safety functions that work unobtrusively in the background as silent companions. A good example is the Lane Keeping Assistant, which detects the driver’s intention based on steering behaviour and where they are looking. The system only assists with warnings and steering inputs when the driver really is drifting out of their lane unintentionally or an impending collision is detected. Other safety functions include automated evasive manoeuvring within the car’s own lane, Lane Change Warning, Side Collision Warning with steering intervention when there is a risk of a lateral collision, plus Crossing Traffic Warning and automatic braking when turning into a road or exiting a parking space.

* As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given are provisional. Energy consumption information as per WLTP is not yet available.

Midrand. The 14^th instalment of the Simola Hillclimb took place in Knysna from 2–5 May and was a certified adrenaline-fuelled event both for the motorsports enthusiasts in attendance and those watching the livestream online.

BMW Group South Africa’s participation in the King of the Hill event on Sunday 5 May proved to be a revolutionary showcase as the brand made history while celebrating the future of mobility with the debut of its BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle – the first hydrogen-powered entrant to compete in the Simola Hillclimb.  

A battle on the hill.

The final leg of the 2024 Simola Hillclimb – the King of the Hill challenge – did not disappoint. It showcased many of South Africa’s fastest machines, including electrifying entrants from the BMW brand’s innovative portfolio, including the BMW i5 M60 xDrive, the inline six-cylinder BMW M4 Competition Coupé and BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars, and BMW’s M 1000 R and M 1000 XR motorcycles.

It was clear skies for the contenders – a welcome relief following the previous day’s downpour – and the BMW drivers gave a commendable performance. The BMW M4 Competition Coupé , driven by Cristiano Verolini and BMW i5 M60 xDrive driven by Deon Joubert placed in the top 10 of the Road and Supercar Shootout category in the A4 and A8 classes, respectively.

In addition to the BMW Group South Africa entries at the 2024 Simola Hillclimb, an impressive array of privateers entered BMWs in various classes. The headliner was Speedy Car Sales owner and renowned Group N and Touring Car driver Farouk Dangor’s immaculately restored BMW E30 BTCC M3 from the famous Speedy Car Sales motorsport Museum.

Dangor is one of the driving forces behind the introduction of a new B10 class for street-legal tuned or modified vehicles from 2025. It will be open to a range of production-based two- and four-wheel drive cars that – regardless of engine size – will level the playing field between full race cars and road-registered modified vehicles.

Future drive.

The much-anticipated debut performance of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen car, driven by Bradleigh Boshoff, met expectations by encompassing the brand’s dynamics and agility in ground-breaking hydrogen drive on the hill. Beyond the Simola Hillclimb, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet will be used by different target groups globally for further trial and demonstration purposes that will give the company’s development team valuable practical knowledge about the vehicle. The BMW Group is considering potential series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in the second half of this decade.

The commitment of the BMW Group to this technology provides great opportunities for the environment and its resources, and for the future. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle embodies one of many innovations to boost the hydrogen economy and advance the generation of green hydrogen.

At the end of the thrilling race weekend, BMW Group South Africa CEO Peter van Binsbergen said: “We had a great weekend of local motorsport that was well attended by a strong field of fans and competitors. Last year, BMW Group South Africa was present at the Hillclimb celebrating ‘50 Years in South Africa’ and, this year, we are back under the theme of ‘technological openness’.

“BMW Group South Africa was pleased to be present with a broad spectrum of drivetrains on offer, showcasing our technological openness, including a classic BMW M4 Competition, new fully electric BMW i5 M60, and ground-breaking BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell electric car. We are happy with our results and would like to thank the organisers for another spectacular show of motorsport.”

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa is poised for another thrilling showcase at the 2024 Simola Hillclimb, taking place in Knysna from May 2 - 5.  The company will showcase its revolutionary BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, making history as the first hydrogen-powered entrant to compete in this motorsport event.

 The three-day event attracts global competitors, enthusiasts, and professional racing drivers for its Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill events. This year, BMW Group South Africa will premiere the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle in its portfolio of innovative entrants for the King of the Hill showdown.

Competitive innovation.

While competitors and the spectacular array of vehicles primed to conquer the 1.9km hill are the main attraction, the Simola Hillclimb has seen a growing number of full-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles being entered in recent years, with the BMW i4 M50, BMW iX3, and BMW XM as past entrants. BMW Group South Africa will demonstrate its commitment to its technology open approach, as the BMW iX5 becomes the first hydrogen vehicle to participate in the Simola Hillclimb event.

The 295kW BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle, an innovative hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric vehicle (EV), delivers the driving dynamics for which the BMW brand is renowned. Its highly efficient fuel cell system, two hydrogen tanks, electric motor, and power battery all work with the central vehicle control unit to exhibit exceptional performance.

‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ is King. 

Additionally, BMW Group South Africa will showcase its newly launched 442kW i5 M60 xDrive vehicle with racing legend Deon Joubert behind the wheel, who aims to set a new Simola Hillclimb EV record. The BMW M4 Competition xDrive is another noteworthy entrant and will be driven by Cristiano Verolini of BMW’s Driving Experience. Motorcycles from BMW Motorrad – the M 1000 R, R 1300 GS, R 18 Roctane and the CE 04 – will participate in demonstration runs up the hill.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Simola Hillclimb website: simolahillclimb.com

Midrand, Johannesburg. Anglo American Platinum, BMW Group South Africa and Sasol together launched the first trial of a pilot fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in South Africa. 

On the signing of the collaboration agreement in October 2023 at the South African Green Hydrogen Summit, the companies agreed to a cross-industry alliance to drive forward the green hydrogen economy by actively demonstrating value chains and projects, moving from industrial policy to real world applications. The green hydrogen economy is rapidly rising to the forefront of global sustainability and energy security initiatives.

The public road vehicle trial was announced on the sidelines of the Hydrogen Council’s Regional Meeting held for the first time in Africa, in Sandton, Johannesburg on 12 and 13 February 2024. In terms of the collaboration, the companies each provide a unique part of the value chain to demonstrate their capabilities in this rapidly emerging new economy.

With the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the BMW Group has introduced the world’s most powerful passenger hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The small series fleet is being used around the world to gain valuable insights into the operation of hydrogen FCEVs and customer experience.

Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, said at the Hydrogen Council’s Regional Meeting and at the launch of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet in South Africa that “collaboration across industries would be key to unlocking the huge potential of green hydrogen as a critical technology in the decarbonisation challenge.”

Van Binsbergen continued: “This is why we have partnered with Anglo American Platinum and Sasol to bring the BMW iX5 Hydrogen fleet to South Africa. We see Hydrogen as the ‘missing piece’ of the energy transition puzzle and, in the transport sector, it has the potential to become another pillar in the BMW Group’s drivetrain portfolio for local CO2-free mobility, alongside our established battery-electric mobility option.”

Dr. Juergen Guldner, BMW Group General Program Manager Hydrogen, said: After four years of development, the pilot fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen started its world tour in Antwerp, Belgium in 2023. Since then, we have showcased and tested these prototypes all over the world and see hydrogen cars as a good complement to our successful battery electric vehicles, not a competition between the two technologies. Since hydrogen cars combine the advantages of electric driving with the possibility to refuel quickly, they would be ideal for customers who travel a lot or who do not have electric charging at home or at work.”

Prakashim Moodliar, Head of Projects at Anglo American Platinum said: “As Anglo American Platinum, we believe partnerships are key to creating a local, sustainable hydrogen economy. Our Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) will play a strategic role in enabling a new industrial sector in the country and globally. In 2023 we announced our partnership with BMW Group South Africa and Sasol to bring green mobility to SA. This week’s engagements represent a clear  and continued demonstration of a green mobility ecosystem in action, which showcases the most powerful passenger fuel cell electric vehicle. The future is hydrogen.”

Dries Swanepoel, Principal Specialist Market Development at Sasol’s Low Carbon Energy Solutions business said: “Sasol is very excited about our partnership with Anglo American Platinum and BMW Group South Africa to develop a local green economy. BMW’s iX5 Hydrogen fuelled with Sasol’s hydrogen dispensed using Air Products technology is a powerful expression of thought leadership and innovation in action. Together, we are making strides towards introducing the concept of hydrogen mobility in South Africa and building the ecosystem of partners needed to do this. The central tenet to these strategic partnerships, proof-of-concept demonstrations and pilot projects is collaboration. Our joint effort is strong testament to what can be accomplished when diverse sectors come together to address one of the world's most pressing challenges.

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)

Theto Maake

PlatinumIR@angloamerican.com

Tel: +27 (083) 489 5215

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

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 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 and smelter 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.

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

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/

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.