This year marks a significant milestone year for Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) as the company celebrates 75 years in South Africa and 30 years of Polo production at its Kariega plant in the Easten Cape.
The Polo story in South Africa began in 1996 with the launch of the Polo Classic, a four-door sedan which bridged the gap between the Citi Golf and the Jetta/Golf ranges. In its first year, 5 460 units rolled off the production line. The Polo Classic quickly became a favourite among South Africans, paving the way for the hatchback version introduced in 1998.
In 2003, an updated Polo Classic was launched and won the prestigious South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) “Car of the Year” award. In 2011, the Polo was the joint winner of the SAGMJ “Car of the Year” award.
To date, Plant Kariega has manufactured four generations of the Polo, with the latest model currently in production since 2021.
In 2024, Plant Kariega became the sole manufacturer and exporter of the Polo for Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, supplying vehicles to 38 countries while maintaining a strong presence in the South African market. That year, VWGA achieved its highest-ever production record of 167 084 vehicles, of which 131 485 Polos were exported, and 35 599 Polos and Polo Vivos were sold locally. Additionally, VWGA produces the Polo GTI, a sporty high-performance version of the Polo.
By the end of 2025, VWGA had proudly built more than two million Polos in Kariega. Of these, 595 043 were sold in South Africa, while 1 421 960 were exported to 38 countries, with the United Kingdom being the largest export market.
On average, it takes three days and 1 985 sets of hands to build one Polo, with around 1 400 individual parts coming together to create one of South Africa’s most loved vehicles.
“2026 is a year of celebration for Volkswagen Group Africa. Reaching 75 years in South Africa and 30 years of Polo production is not only a proud milestone for our company, but also for our Kariega plant and our employees,” says Ulrich Schwabe, VWGA Production Director.
“This milestone is a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion of our employees, whose commitment has made the Polo a success story both locally and internationally. Their contribution has been the driving force behind the Polo’s success,” he says
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
Young South African motorists are increasingly opting for more affordable and practical vehicles as the cost of living puts pressure on household budgets, while still maintaining comprehensive insurance cover.
