During the night shift on Monday, 19 February, the production team of Volkswagen Group Africa celebrated a milestone when the 1.5-millionth vehicle built for export in Kariega in the Eastern Cape rolled off the line.
The milestone vehicle, a Polo GTI destined for the United Kingdom, also marked the 21 165th vehicle built for export this year alone. The Kariega plant built 101 557 Polos for export last year. The plant’s record for export units in one year was in 2019, when the team built 108 422 vehicles for export markets.
Volkswagen Group Africa has been building vehicles for export since 1992, including models such as the Volkswagen Jetta and Golf. Currently, the Kariega plant is the sole manufacturer of the Volkswagen Polo GTI and exports the Polo to 38 markets worldwide. The plant has been building the current Polo since January 2018 and began production of the facelifted Polo in August 2021; it also produces the popular Polo Vivo for the South African market.
“Celebrating another production milestone this early in the year sets the tone for a successful 2024,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Volkswagen Group Africa Production Director. “Volkswagen Group Africa remains a strong player in the export space, and I am proud of the team achieving milestones such as these.
“As the home of Polo, we intend to continue building and delivering our high-quality vehicles to customers around the world – and hopefully achieve many more milestones along the way,” he said.
Audi South Africa has introduced the new Audi A5 Sedan in South Africa. With a refined design, intelligent technology and ample performance, it brings a fresh alternative to the midsize segment.
iCAUR will officially be taking its inaugural step into the South African spotlight at this year’s Festival of Motoring in Kyalami at the end of August.
In a move that’s turning heads across the transport industry, Kiara Baijnath (photo), the founder and director of HerWay Logistics, is redefining what it means to be a woman in trucking by adding another pink Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645 to her fleet.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I always do like seeing other people dance in their cars. It's one of the things that makes me happy.
Ariel Gore
In a move that’s turning heads across the transport industry, Kiara Baijnath (photo), the founder and director of HerWay Logistics, is redefining what it means to be a woman in trucking by adding another pink Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645 to her fleet.
The Automotive Business Council (naamsa) recently submitted its quarterly review of business conditions for the South African motor vehicle manufacturing industry, during the second quarter of 2025, to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTCI).
Africa's automotive sector is experiencing a significant transformation, with Morocco emerging as a rising star while traditional leader, South Africa, faces mounting challenges.
