VW looking after the heritage of its vehicles

For more than 70 years Volkswagen vehicles have traversed the roads of South Africa and have become one of the most loved vehicle brands in the country.

23 V Wheritage1

Its heritage remains proudly preserved at the Volkswagen AutoPavilion in Kariega. This quaint town, formerly known as Uitenhage, is the second oldest town in the Eastern Cape and is home to Volkswagen Group South Africa’s (VWSA) manufacturing plant where the first Volkswagen Beetle rolled off the production line at the end of August 1951.

More than 40 classics are displayed inside the AutoPavilion museum, with the oldest being a 1938 DKW F5 Reichklasse.

The Volkswagen AutoPavilion is open to the public and offers plant tours where visitors have the opportunity to experience the production of two of South Africa’s most popular vehicles, the Polo and the Polo Vivo.

Captured amid some of the iconic classics are Siphokazi Wonci, VWSA plant tour guide (left) and Nelisa Winti, Volkswagen AutoPavilion administrator.

Open five days a week, the Volkswagen AutoPavilion has welcomed more than 14 000 visitors this year (as at the end of August).

Andile Dlamini, Head of VWSA Communications, said visitors come from across the country to view the museum and to experience the motoring entertainment on offer at the AutoPavilion.

“The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing an impressive array of our classic and iconic cars, which were assembled at our Kariega plant over the past seven decades. Many young children and school groups visit our facility to learn about the evolution of the automotive industry,” said Dlamini.

He added that visitors to the AutoPavilion also gain insight into the craftsmanship and engineering behind these remarkable vehicles and learn about the contribution of Volkswagen to the local automotive industry.

More Industry News stories

VW workers in Germany unhappy about wages, possible closures

VW workers in Germany unhappy about wages, possible closures

Workers at nine Volkswagen car and component plants across Germany went on strike for several hours on Monday, IG Metall union said, bringing assembly lines to a halt as labour and management clashed over the future of the carmaker's German operations.

  • 2 December 2024
Stay safe from pandemonium on the roads

Stay safe from pandemonium on the roads

As drivers near the end of another busy and difficult year, patience and tempers are shorter while driving and decisions may not be as well thought-out as they should be. This results in needless mistakes, frustration and additional challenges for other weary drivers and you.

  • 29 November 2024
Toyota and Agri SA celebrate farming sector

Toyota and Agri SA celebrate farming sector

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) once again took centre stage in celebrating the resilience, determination and innovation within South Africa’s agricultural sector.

  • 25 November 2024