BMW will invest an additional R2.2 billion at it’s Rosslyn plant near Pretoria in a move expected to introduce new production technology.

The car manufacturer said in a statement the investment would enable maximum plant capacity to increase from 60 000 to 87 000 units, while securing production in South Africa for the future.

"By making an announcement of this magnitude during the worst known crisis the automotive industry has faced in recent times, we not only send a positive message to our staff about the long-term sustainability of BMW South Africa, but also a positive message about the future of South Africa as a whole." said managing director, Bodo Donauer.

The department of trade and industry will honour the investment under the new support scheme for the motor industry, the automotive production and development programme.

The Rosslyn plant currently produces the BMW 3 Series and at least 75% of the vehicles are  exported abroad and to the rest of Africa.