BMW's local plant in Rosslyn (Gauteng) is set to bolster its export operations this year.
The plant, which builds the 3 Series Sedan for both local and international markets, started production of BMW 3 Series xDrive all-wheel drive models for export to left-hand drive markets in February this year.
In addition, the plant has started exporting painted BMW 3 Series bodies and hang-on parts to other BMW markets for CKD assembly.
BMW SA's MD Bodo Donauer said: "Our export programme is critical to us and a vital facet of automotive production in South Africa.
"In order for us to grow our operations we need to look outside of local markets. These new opportunities allow us to increase our export footprint, albeit in limited numbers for now, and will consequently also allow us to grow our local skills base."
While initial painted body volumes remain modest with 1800 units expected a year, it is a move that opens the door for BMW South Africa to potentially produce painted bodies for CKD assembly on a larger scale in the future.