VW ends 2022 production on high note

Days before ending production for the year, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA), celebrated a production milestone when it reached the two millionth unit built locally of its popular Polo and Polo Vivo models.

2 million Polos and Vivos 1

The milestone-reaching vehicle, a left-hand-drive, Ascot Grey Polo destined for Germany, rolled off the production line on the morning of 6 December.

The Kariega plant has been building the Polo since 1996, through various generations of the vehicle, and the Polo Vivo since 2010. At the time the two millionth vehicle was built, the plant had manufactured 1 626 816 Polos (1 065 718 for export and 561 098 for the local market) and 373 184 Polo Vivos to date.

VWSA currently exports the Polo built in Kariega to 38 countries, building this vehicle for all right-hand-drive markets and supplementing production for left-hand-drive markets. The Kariega plant is also the sole manufacturer worldwide of the Polo GTI and builds the popular Polo Vivo for the local market.

“This is an excellent milestone with which to end off the year,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at VWSA. “My gratitude goes out to every employee as we would not be able to celebrate this milestone – and many others we’ve had this year – if it had not been for their consistent hard work and dedication. This achievement belongs to all the members of the VWSA family.”

More Industry News stories

AAAM opens new office in Tunisia

AAAM opens new office in Tunisia

The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) is strengthening its commitment to the industrialisation and development of Africa’s automotive sector with the establishment of a new regional office in Tunisia.

  • 16 April 2025
VW bringing electric battle to Simola Hillclimb

VW bringing electric battle to Simola Hillclimb

The Modified Saloon Car category at the Simola Hillclimb has always delivered an epic battle of power and performance. The 15th edition, which takes place from 1 to 4 May 2025, ups the ante even further with an exceptional list of serious contenders for the title, including a superstar international driver.

  • 16 April 2025
Survey shows Hino retains top spot

Survey shows Hino retains top spot

Hino, which has been the dominant brand in Datatrack Management’s long-running comparative customer-care survey conducted among local truck operators for the past several years, has kicked off 2025 with another strong showing.

  • 16 April 2025