The new dealership, which belongs to the Legacy Motor Group (LMG), a 100% black-owned automotive retail group, will also be the first to be modelled with the new BMW 2025 Corporate Identity (CI).

Launched in partnership with the property development company, Abland and BMW Group South Africa, this state-of-the-art facility promises to be a game-changer in the automotive retail industry.

Speaking at its sod-turning, LMG Chairman and shareholder, Mpho Dipela, described the event as yet another milestone in LMG's journey to becoming a leader in the South African automotive retail industry.

“This move is in line with our LMG ‘Fit for Future’ strategy, demonstrating our continued commitment to both the BMW brand, as well as investing in the City of Polokwane and the Limpopo Province for the benefit of our customers and the community at large," says Mpho.

Adding to these sentiments, Dumisani Radebe, LMG CEO, says: “We are confident that this facility will be a sanctuary for our customers, employees and the Limpopo government, and that it will strengthen our partnership with BMW Group South Africa and continue our remarkable legacy of providing the best in automotive retail services and experiences.”

Currently overseeing five BMW dealerships, three BMW Motorrad dealerships and three MINI dealerships, LMG first acquired the then Modern Autohaus in 2018, before relaunching the showroom as Legacy Polokwane (now BMW Polokwane).

Mpho explained that with a growing economy and an expanding middle class, Polokwane represents an attractive market for luxury car brands and as a gateway to neighbouring African countries. Situated at the Baobab Gardens in Thornhill, Polokwane, the location for the dealership was strategically handpicked, ensuring that the facility is easily accessible to customers in the city and surrounding areas, making it a convenient and desirable location for BMW customers and enthusiasts.

The dealership will become part of Nimbus Ridge Investment, and it represents a valuable addition to LMG's property company portfolio under Tshwaledi Investments. Its property portfolio value currently stands at R598 million – a testament to LMG's commitment to investment and growth in South Africa.

“It is an honour and a privilege for Abland Property Developers to be involved in the development of the new BMW Polokwane dealership, especially as this development has been designed as the new ‘BMW Next’ corporate identity.

“We would like to congratulate LMG for being the front-runners of this new design concept and for partnering with Abland to be part of this ground-breaking new dealership development," said Jurgen Prinsloo, CEO of Abland.

In addition to the new BMW 2025 CI, the facility will also house the BMW Motorrad and MINI brands. LMG hopes to see the dealership become one of BMW’s flagship showrooms in the Limpopo Province and country at large.

In addition to the retail services of BMW Group brands and BMW Financial Services in South Africa, it will also offer customers a one-stop shop such as the servicing of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles at an Approved Repair Centre.

"Congratulations to the team from Legacy Motor Group for their commitment and determination in getting this project off the ground. It is heartening to see this standard of investment by a business partner such as the Legacy Motor Group. For us, as BMW Group South Africa, it represents our business partners’ commitment to our innovative retail model and to our loyal BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad customers," said Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Councillor Mpe, said: “As the economic hub that carries hope for Limpopo Province, we feel very honoured that the Legacy Motor Group and BMW SA identified Polokwane as the destination of choice for them to develop their own footprint, and to also contribute to the stimulation of economic activities in our city.

“We have to appreciate that the Legacy Motor Group has invested about R20 million in Polokwane since 2018 and that this new development comes with R80 million worth of investment making it a R100 million worth of investment in Polokwane. The investment that continues to pour into our City is a clear testimony that our commitment to drive growth and reduce unemployment is not just rhetoric but an action-orientated objective.”

LEDET MEC, Rodgers Monama, on behalf of the provincial government, thanked the BMW Group and LMG for their commitment to investing in the province. “As this contributes towards job creation, but most importantly, helps us as government to eradicate the triple challenges facing our people, which are poverty, unemployment and inequality. Thank you and may your investment in Limpopo bear ample fruit.”