Celebrating 75 Years: The Legacy of Volkswagen in South Africa

2026 marks an important milestone for Volkswagen Group Africa, as the company proudly celebrates 75 years of operation in South Africa and 30 years of dedicated Polo production at its Kariega manufacturing plant.

The Journey of the Polo: A South African Icon

The Polo’s rich history began in 1996 with the launch of the Polo Classic, a four-door sedan that strategically filled the gap between the Citi Golf and the Golf and Jetta series. In its inaugural year, 5,460 units of the Polo were constructed at Kariega, firmly establishing the model as a vital part of Volkswagen’s South African lineup.

In 1998, Volkswagen introduced the hatchback variant, expanding the Polo’s appeal. The updated Polo Classic in 2003 not only showcased an evolution of design but also clinched the Car of the Year award from the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists. This accolade was repeated in 2011, when the Polo once again earned the prestigious title, sharing it that year.

Significance of the Kariega Plant

Over its three decades, the Kariega plant has manufactured four generations of the Polo, with the latest iteration entering production in 2021. This remarkable manufacturing facility has become synonymous with quality and innovation in the automotive industry.

Global Production Hub for the Polo

In 2024, Kariega achieved the distinction of being the sole global production and export center for the Polo aimed at the European and Asia-Pacific markets, which includes the exclusive production of the Polo GTI. Today, Polos manufactured in South Africa are exported to 38 countries, ensuring their global presence while being available locally alongside the popular Polo Vivo.

Volkswagen Group Africa celebrated a remarkable year in the same timeframe, reaching its highest annual production volume of 167,084 vehicles. Out of these, a significant 131,485 Polos were exported, with the remaining 35,599 units sold domestically.

Milestone Achievements and Production Statistics

By the end of 2025, more than two million Polos had rolled off the assembly line at Kariega, with local sales reaching 595,043 units and exports tallying up to 1,421,960. Notably, the United Kingdom became the largest export destination for this beloved vehicle.

The Complexity of Polo Manufacturing

The manufacturing process of each Polo is an intricate affair. On average, it takes approximately three days to complete a single vehicle. This involves a dedicated workforce of 1,985 workers meticulously assembling around 1,400 individual components at various stages. The scale of production showcases the Polo’s vital role in Volkswagen’s global operations and highlights the importance of South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector.

Looking Forward to a Proud Future

“2026 is a year of celebration for Volkswagen Group Africa,” expressed Ulrich Schwabe, production director at Volkswagen Group Africa. “Reaching 75 years in South Africa and 30 years of Polo production is not just a significant milestone for our company but also for our Kariega plant and valuable employees. This achievement reflects the dedication, skill, and passion of our team, whose commitment has turned the Polo into a success story on both local and international stages.”