BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
BMW Group Plant Rosslyn will manufacturer of the next-generation BMW X3 plug-in hybrid for the global export market. Rosslyn is the only market set to manufacture the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version for export to an expanding group of electric vehicle customers worldwide.
Excitement builds as the fourth-generation BMW X3 is revealed globally in which South Africa will play a major part through BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Gauteng.
The highly anticipated fourth-generation BMW X3, manufactured in South Africa, affirms the BMW Group’s commitment to electrification, the manufacturer says.
The BMW X3 30e xDrive will be produced at the iconic BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for worldwide export. Last year, BMW Group South Africa announced the BMW Group’s R4.2 billion investment in the electrification and digitalisation of the plant.
The infrastructural upgrade represents the largest in the plant’s history. It secures BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s future as well as the livelihoods of over 20 000 direct and indirect employees.
The fourth generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in the premium mid-range vehicle segment will be produced at the BMW Group Plants in Spartanburg (USA), Shenyang (China) and Rosslyn locally.
The success of BMW is founded on its long-term thinking and responsible action. Evidenced in 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 (BEVs).
In 2023, the BMW brand remained the South African BEV market leader for the year with 57.2% of the BEV premium segment. And in 2024, the BMW Group will have a BEV option in almost all its main segments.
Plant Director at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, Dr Niklas Fichtmueller, says they are excited and thrilled by the expected debut and start of production later on this year. “This vehicle ensures that BMW Group South Africa is positioned to be a major player in the South African premium car market and underscores the BMW Group’s role as a key player in the local automotive industry’s move towards a green economy.”
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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While rising fuel prices often trigger spikes in interest around electric vehicles, Volvo Car South Africa believes the real reasons South Africans are starting to consider EVs go far beyond the petrol pump.
MG has opened a new engineering centre in Frankfurt as part of its “in Europe, for Europe” approach. The facility will focus on developing vehicles suited to European conditions, including climate, roads and driving habits. It will work alongside existing teams in the United Kingdom (UK) and London design hub.
Europe’s used electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing a notable surge as the Iran conflict drives up global oil prices and pushes petrol costs sharply higher across the continent.