BMW Group Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

BMW Group Reveals the First Alloy Wheels Made From 100% Recycled Aluminium

vuyi on March 22, 2023

The BMW Group is again leading the way in terms of the circular economy with the introduction of the first ever alloy wheels produced entirely from recycled aluminium.

The BMW Group is again leading the way in terms of the circular economy. The new MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be the first series model to be produced with alloy wheels that are made entirely from recycled aluminium.

The light alloy wheels of the fully electric open-top four-seater are a prime example of sustainable resource use, and they represent an important milestone on the road to circular economy for the BMW Group.

The first use of 100 percent secondary aluminium for light-alloy wheels on a series-production vehicle is in cooperation with the wheel manufacturer Ronal. The consistent use of recycled aluminium not only conserves raw material sources, but also eliminates the particularly energy-intensive electrolysis process that is normally necessary to produce light alloys.

With the use of secondary materials that have a carbon footprint of less than 0.16 kg of carbon per kilogram of aluminium, the wheel supplier has been able to reduce carbon emissions at its production facility by up to 75 percent compared to conventionally produced wheels. In concrete terms, this means carbon emissions falling from around 130 kg to around 30 kilograms.

The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is not yet available in South Africa, however the MINI Cooper SE is, at a starting price of R742,102.

The locally available MINI Cooper SE delivers 184 PS (135 kW) and has a top speed of 150km/hr.

BMW Group South Africa Appoints Deena Govender As New Head Of Product Communications

vuyi on August 18, 2021

A BMW veteran who has been with the group for 20 years, Deena Govender has vast experience in various divisions across the company and the auto manufacturing sector as a whole.

BMW Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa has appointed Deena Govender as the new Head of Product Communications. Mr. Govender will take responsibility for overall steering, as operational lead, the Corporate Communications and Government Affairs for BMW Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, until further notice.

Mr Govender joined the company in 2001, after completing his Master’s Degree in Engineering, and has filled various positions in Engineering Development, Production, Sales & Marketing, Customer Relations and Retail Network Development at BMW Group Germany and South Africa. The unique insights and experiences he has been exposed to in these positions will prove valuable in his new role.

I am honoured to take on the new role and am looking forward to engaging with all our stakeholders. I

Having worked on BMW’s hybrid-electric vehicles engineering development projects and having served as the BMW i Market Manager in South Africa during the launch of BMW i, electro- and future mobility is one of his key areas of expertise and interest. Deena plans to use his wealth of expertise to drive success for BMW Group South Africa and the rest of the country.

Aligned to the BMW Group’s global approach and CEO Peter van Binsbergen’s vision, navigating the pandemic and ensuring business continuity will remain top of mind for the South African team. This calls for new levels of flexibility and collaboration, striving to deliver a world-class experience to all stakeholders.

Under the leadership and guidance of Mr van Binsbergen, Mr Govender’s appointment will bolster BMW Group South Africa as they further extend their segment leadership and continue to positively impact communities through CSI programmes under the umbrella of “We Build More Than Just Cars”.

Here’s what the new BMW 5 Series will cost you

vuyi on October 5, 2020

For the new BMW 5 Series range, it is all about paying attention to even the finest of details. From a more commanding outward appearance, an updated interior filled with detailed refinements and advanced innovations, the new BMW 5 Series is poised to be the most dynamic business sedan.

Updated exterior: To confirm its leading position at the premium end of the executive class, the BMW 5 Series range offers eye-catching design cues, including a clearly defined front and rear, a newly designed wider and taller BMW kidney grille and sleeker LED lights.

For the distinguished BMW 5 Series driver and occupants, a new Leather Dakota variant is now available for the seat surfaces, as well as optimised comfort seats.

Elevated safety: The new BMW 5 Series elevates safety to new levels, offering a number of passive and active features. The optional Integral Active Steering offers greater assistance at low-speed manoeuvering, while the Lane Departure Warning – part of the optional Driving Assist– is now offered with a lane return function. A 3-D visualisation of the surrounding area displays traffic situations and possible interventions by the assistance systems.

Efficient powerhouses: Under the skin lives BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, with four and eight-cylinder engines with optimized petrol injection. As an alternative, the diesel engine is offered with two-stage turbocharging.

Latest operating system: To top off the exceptional offering, the new BMW 5 Series range offers the standard-fitted BMW Operating System 7. The intuitive system opens up a host of potential new applications and connectivity options, as well as extended personalisation.

The new BMW 5 Series will be available in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2020, at the below prices:

Model	Retail price (excluding CO2 tax)	CO2 tax
BMW 520d	R 930,200	R 5,796
BMW 530i	R 930,200	R 8,142
BMW M550i xDrive	R 1,411,400	R 20,838
BMW M5 Competition	R 2,187,400	R 20, 42

Meet the most affordable electric vehicle in South Africa: The MINI Cooper SE

vuyi on September 8, 2020

My interview with Hailey took place in the plush visitors area of their environmentally friendly dealership – MINI Midrand.
-songo didiza, Green Mobility Guru, Driving In Heels South Africa

I was invited by the PR team at MINI South Africa to review their first ever electric car – the MINI Cooper SE.

Having spent most of the national lockdown in my sneakers I wanted to grace the momentous occasion with a cross between a formal business look and environmentally fashionable dress sense. I would be meeting Hailey Philander, Specialist: Product Communications (BMW i, BMW Motorrad and MINI) for the first time and as they say, first impressions count!

My interview with Hailey took place in the plush visitors area of their environmentally friendly dealership – MINI Midrand. Over a welcome mug of cappuccino, Hailey shared that the BMW Group has already lowered emissions per vehicle produced by more than 70 percent since 2006. Their next goal is to decrease emissions by a further 80 percent by 2030.

After discussing their other long-term strategic plans, which include introducing zero emission vehicles by year 2030 it was time for me to put the MINI Cooper SE to the Heels & Horsepower Magazine’s Green Mobility Test.

As much as I am a perfectionist for practicality, I am also a staunch advocate of ‘fashionable’ green mobility
songo didiza, Green Mobility Guru, Driving In Heels South Africa

First impressions

The first ever electric MINI looks like a standard MINI Cooper, with the exception of it being adorned with rather futuristic looking wheels – or heels as our editorial team prefers to call them. The look and feel of these 17-inch MINI Electric Power spoke 2-tone heels give the MINI Cooper SE its unique standing within the urban city environment. Coincidentally the yellow trim on the all new electric MINI matched my green stockings! Clearly green minds think alike.

As much as I am a perfectionist for practicality, I am also a staunch advocate of ‘fashionable’ green mobility. While the new electric MINI does not scream for attention, it does effortlessly exude design elements which set it apart from any other MINI Cooper on the market. These include the embossed MINI Electric logo found on the front grille and on both front fenders. To the rear, the MINI Cooper SE boasts a yellow S which can also be found on the door sills. These small details tastefully differentiate the all new electric MINI from its siblings.

Inside, the all new electric MINI Cooper SE is as spacious as any other. Premium quality materials have been used throughout and give a welcome sense of familiarity to those who know the MINI brand.

I was impressed that the electric MINI has not lost an ounce of all that makes it a fun drive.
– songo didiza, green mobility guru, driving in heels South Africa

The drive

To say I was excited to get behind the wheel of the all new electric MINI would be a gross understatement. It took a lot of effort, but I managed to curb my enthusiasm and remind myself of our publication’s criteria for the Green Mobility Test. These include driver-friendliness, technology, driving range and safety especially when navigating through bustling city traffic.

The MINI ticked all these boxes within the first 30-minutes of my powering it along the highway and within rather tight urban spaces. All the while, the grin on my face was a permanent feature. Not only did I arrive to all my different destinations safely and on time I was impressed that the electric MINI has not lost an ounce of all that makes it a fun drive.

The eery silence of electric cars is one of the global leading safety concerns for both the drivers, pedestrians and other road users.
– SONGO DIDIZA, GREEN MOBILITY GURU, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA

Instead of a petrol or diesel, the MINI Cooper SE is propelled by a smooth flow of power courtesy of its 135kW motor. This explains how the engineers at MINI have managed to retain the fun factor of the tried, tested and much-loved MINI go-kart feel! It accelerates from standing to 60 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and effortlessly keeps pace with conventionally powered cars.

The eery silence of electric cars is one of the global leading safety concerns for both the drivers, pedestrians and other road users. That said it seems MINI’s engineering team skillfully addressed some of these safety concerns. All components of the electric drive are protected by means of model-specific structural features and that immediately switch off in the event of a collision.

Different driving modes increase the driving fun factor

The first purely electrically powered MINI also enables the driver to adapt the vehicle settings to the current situation on the road as well as to their own personal preferences. There are four driving modes to choose from in the electric MINI (MID, Sport, Green and Green+). As I toggled from one mode to the next, I was delighted that the dashboard lit up in different colours, in accordance with which ever mode I had selected. White is for MID, red is for Sport mode and green is for, you guessed it, Green and Green+.

In Green+ one sacrifices features such as air conditioning and seat heating in order to increase the driving range.
– songo didiza

I opted to drive in Green+ mode as this is the most environmentally friendly option. However, when in Green+ one sacrifices features such as air conditioning and seat heating in order to increase the driving range.

MINI’s one pedal drive feature is enabled by BMW’s regenerative braking technology that can be found in all its Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug in Hybrid Vehicles.

MINI eDrive Services were specifically developed for the new all-electric MINI and make electro-mobility particularly easy and convenient
– Hailey Philander, Specialist: Product Communications (BMW i, BMW Motorrad and MINI)

What is Regenerative Braking and how does it work?

Part of the characteristic driving experience in an electrically powered BMW Group model is the so-called one-pedal feeling. In urban traffic in particular, the vehicle perceptibly decelerates as soon as the driver removes their foot from the accelerator. This is called regenerative braking technology.

It is called regenerative because the energy is recaptured in the battery where it can be used again. The motor is directly coupled to the wheels, so when you lift your foot off the pedal, it works like a generator and lets the all-electric MINI slow down more quickly than a fuel-powered car would. You put some power back into your battery every time you come to a stop at the next set of traffic lights. A proper implementation of regenerative braking system extends driving range, improves braking efficiency, reduces brake wear, and improves energy conservation.

Ease of Charging – how to keep your electric charge while navigating through city effortlessly

South Africa is very much in the early stages of electric mobility compared to its US and European counterparts, however it is a first mover on the African continent.

“MINI eDrive Services were specifically developed for the new all-electric MINI and make electro-mobility particularly easy and convenient. For instance, it provides useful details such as available range, charging status and the closest charging station,” Hailey said.

For a city executive, this makes the drive even more practical. The home charging is also a seamless and simple process (unless of course, you are experiencing load-shedding). One does not actually need any complex installation or unit to charge at home. All you have to do is plug into any conventional household power socket – and relax after a long busy day at the office. I can wake up, fully rested in the morning to a ‘full tank’ of 270km driving range to start the day which can be sufficient for a week’s drive of my daily 33km city commute.

For a faster charge MINI recommends a 3-phase 11 kW MINI Wallbox connection will generally give you up to 3-times faster charging time. So, your all-electric MINI can be fully charged within around 3.5 hours. These MINI Wallboxes need to be installed by a qualified electrician.

The MINI navigation system provided me with direct access to all charging stations in the MINI Charging network as well those of the broader BMW charging network since MINI is part of the BMW Group.

Leaping into the new decade we can anticipate greater amount of driving range between the Battery Electric Vehicles, Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles in response to changing demands of the African city business executives looking towards making an affordable eco-conscious motoring purchase.

Pros and Cons of purchasing Electric Vehicles in South Africa

Before you rush off to your nearest MINI dealership to buy your favorite go-kart in greenie derivative, be aware that the South African government currently views earth friendly cars as luxury items. As a result, green cars attract an import duty of 25% whereas the duty charged on cars with internal combustion engines is much lower at 18%. This obviously creates a problem for both manufacturers and potential customers.

Presently there aren’t any EVs manufactured locally, even though South Africa is a major car exporter to markets in Great Britain and Europe. These countries are in the process of phasing out internal combustion engines and it is only a matter of time before the South African government finds itself in need of a more sustainable approach towards its efforts to support electric mobility – across the board – if not specifically for export purposes.

The good news though is that the introduction of the carbon tax is a move in the right direction as it acts as an incentive to sway city executives towards zero emission mobility. For this reason, I believe the introduction of an affordable vehicle such as the all new MINI Cooper SE will attract potential customers towards electric mobility.

So, did the Electric MINI pass the Green Mobility Test?

In order to pass the Green Mobility test, the Heels and Horsepower team looks at a number of elements including affordability, drivability and electric mobility features. Overall, the all-electric MINI Cooper SE tested well against our criteria as follows:

Pricing: Currently, electric vehicles aren’t cheap, but the all-electric MINI Cooper SE comes in at R642 000. This makes it the most affordable electric vehicle in South Africa.
Drivability: My initial thoughts bordered along the lines that the MINI Cooper SE might be a bit of a snooze fest given that it is a plug in electric vehicle. Thankfully I was wrong. There is absolutely no difference between driving the MINI Cooper SE and any other MINI. None of the MINI fun factors have been compromised in the production of this new greenie.
Electric mobility features are available in abundance within the new electric MINI, providing the manufacturer with an opportunity to enter a new customer segment – the eco-conscious city executive that is looking for a little bit of everything at the right price!

Final thoughts…

The new MINI Cooper SE is the first model to combine electromobility in the urban setting with the hallmark brand properties of the original in the premium segment of small cars. This gives it an intergenerational edge over its competitors.

Based on these assessments we have confidently given the MINI Cooper SE a very high 8 heels out of 10!

BMW SA partners with South African and German governments to upgrade eight hospitals in Covid-19 response

vuyi on June 30, 2020

In a global crisis like the Corona pandemic, solidarity matters more than anything else
– Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of management of BMW Group

Midrand, South Africa – BMW’s contribution to the fight against the spread of Covid-19 stepped up a gear today. In a virtual signing ceremony, CEO BMW AG Mr Oliver Zipse, Federal Minister Economic Cooperation and Development in Germany, Mr Gerd Müller together with Professor Mkhululi Lukhele: Head of Department Gauteng Department of Health, and Tim Abbott, CEO BMW South Africa, announced upgrades to eight hospitals and four clinics, in three provinces – Gauteng, North West and Limpopo.

Improvements will include the upgrade for the Soshanguve Combined Clinic, near the company’s Rosslyn manufacturing plant, to a testing and screening centre. The company has provided a fully equipped ambulance and cars for transporting patients to the various hospitals in the region.

At Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Soshanguve, the Accident and Emergency facilities will be significantly upgraded and 300 beds added.

An additional 300 beds will be added across the region, with a further 150-bed overflow facility to be provided in Bronkhorstspruit. Supplementary to this, four community clinics in Soshanguve will be provided with a supply of face masks, disinfectant and PPE.

The project in Gauteng is part of our Corona response program
-GERD MÜLLER, Federal Minister Economic Development

Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of management of BMW Group said “In a global crisis like the Corona pandemic, solidarity matters more than anything else. We help where help is particularly needed. That is why, in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Development and the South African Government, we support the development of the health infrastructure at our site in Gauteng.”

Effective assistance at the right time.

Federal Minister Economic Development, Gerd Müller, said “The project in Gauteng is part of our Corona response program, which we use to combat not only the health crisis, but also the severe economic crisis in South Africa. Here companies that are represented locally like the BMW Group are important partners in German development policy.”

We’re providing BMW X3s built here in Rosslyn to help transport patients as well
– Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

Local partners make it all possible.

Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said the plan was to intervene in an area of need at the most critical time.

“I’m pleased we are able to co-operate with the German government in a R76m investment into eight hospitals and four community clinics across three provinces. We will provide 750 beds, an ambulance, an upgrade to Accident and Emergency facilities, additional testing and screening facilities to support our communities when they need it the most. We’re providing BMW X3s built here in Rosslyn to help transport patients as well. We build more than just cars and we need international solidarity and governments working together with the private sector during a global crisis. Together we can fight this crisis.”

“We’ve been building cars in Rosslyn for almost five decades. We’re part of this country and we’re committed to its future. More than at any time I can remember, now is the time society needs pool its resources.”

Ongoing targeted assistance.

In April, BMW South Africa responded the call for help from the Gauteng Department of Health for donations of face masks and other protective gear for emergency services personnel.

In response, the company handed over 40 000 high-quality protective respiratory (FFP2) face masks to the department in order to help protect health services workers.

In May, BMW South Africa loaned 17 cars – mainly BMW X3s built at Rosslyn – to the Red Cross, to assist them with contact tracing and the delivery of hot meals, food parcels and the dissemination of information in rural and marginalised communities.

Seamless servicing of essential services vehicles.

Many essential services use BMW Group vehicles and it has been important to the success of the national lockdown that these people have remained mobile. Specified BMW retail partners have stayed open across the country throughout the lockdown to ensure the quick and effective servicing of these vehicles. Now, under Level Four lockdown, all BMW service centres are open for business.

This has meant that vehicles driven by the South African Police Services, Metro Police departments, medical personnel and the private vehicles of essential services workers have had the servicing and roadside assistance support they have required from the outset of the lockdown.

BMW SA supports the battle against Gender-Based Violence with donation of five cars

vuyi on April 15, 2020

…for us it’s about more than just producing vehicles for sheer driving pleasure.
– Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production.

Rosslyn, Tshwane– BMW SA on Thursday donated five cars to aid the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in South Africa. The donation underlines the company’s long-term commitment to South Africa and to the upliftment of its people.

The five BMW i3s were handed over to SA Business Coalition on Health and AIDS (SABCOHA) Chairperson Dr Lesego Rametsi in the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chancellor Angela Merkel, Minister of Women in the Presidency Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Patel and BMW Group Board Members Milan Nedeljković and Ilka Horstmeier.

Through SABCOHA, BMW Group is proud to join other private sector partners in the fight to end all forms of violence against women and children, to seek the end of impunity for perpetrators, and to strive to create private and public safe spaces for women and children.

BMW SA was instrumental in the formation of SABCOHA and the cars will be used to support community-based care workers in their work in prevention and support of victims of gender-based violence.

That’s why we’ve chosen to donate five cars to the Presidency’s specialised GBV unit. Gender-based violence is a scourge
– Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

A committed partner in our community

BMW Group has been building cars in Rosslyn, Tshwane, since 1973, and the company has long-standing commitments in the communities of Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa.

Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, said that “for us it’s about more than just producing vehicles for sheer driving pleasure. It’s about being an integral part of society and improving the livelihood of our employees, their families and their surrounding communities.”

Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources, commented at the handover that the participation of women and young people in the economy was critical to a healthy society: “We are here today to offer our support and promote the acceptance of all people no matter their background. We as a company, both as an employer and our employees, see it as our responsibility to promote and invest in the future of South Africa. ”

“Our commitments to education and health in our Rosslyn communities are well-known,” said Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. “However, we’re always looking for new ways we can improve life in South Africa. That’s why we’ve chosen to donate five cars to the Presidency’s specialised GBV unit. Gender-based violence is a scourge, and I’m pleased we can do something to help,” Mr Abbott concluded.