Legacy Motor Group (LMG), the pioneering 100% black-owned automotive retail group, has broken new ground yet again with the announcement of its latest project – a brand new BMW dealership in Polokwane.
Launched in partnership with renowned property development company, Abland (Pty) Ltd and BMW Group South Africa, this state-of-the-art facility promises to be a game-changer in the automotive retail industry and is set to become one of the most advanced BMW dealerships in the country. Scheduled to be opened between December 2023 and January 2024, the new facility will be one of the first in Africa and the world to be modelled with the new BMW 2025 Corporate Identity (CI).
Speaking at its sod-turning ceremony – which was also attended by the leadership of BMW Group South Africa, Abland, Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Councillor Makoro John Mpe and Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Rodgers Monama – 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, ” Dipela said.
Adding to these sentiments, Dumisani Radebe, LMG CEO, said; “We are confident that this facility will be a sanctuary for our customers, employees, Limpopo government and strengthen our partnership with BMW Group South Africa as well as continuing 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).
Dipela 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 represents a valuable addition to LMG’s property company portfolio under Tshwaledi Investments. Its property portfolio value currently stands at R598m – 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 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 and 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 Legacy Motor Group. For us, as BMW Group South Africa, it represents our business partners’ commitment to our innovative retail model, and commitment to our loyal BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad customers,” said Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Once completed, we believe this will be another feather in the cap for Legacy Motor Group as one of the first BMW Group retailers in South Africa to showcase the brand-new retailer corporate identity for 2025. This BMW Polokwane site is key for the continued successful collaboration between us as BMW Group Financial Services South Africa, BMW Group South Africa and the Legacy Motor Group,” added Stefan Schuett, CEO of BMW Financial Services South 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, but also contribute to the stimulation of economic activities in our city. We have to appreciate that the 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-oriented objective.”
LEDET MEC, Rodgers Monama, said; “I feel extremely happy to be part of this auspicious occasion, as a passionate player in the economic development of our province. It is my honour and privilege to witness this official sod turning ceremony of LGM’s Dealership Facility in this beautiful city of Polokwane, famously known as the City of Stars. We take this opportunity on behalf of the provincial government, to thank the BMW Group and LMG for their commitment to investing in our 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 you fruits.”
