Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has achieved a significant manufacturing landmark with the production of the one millionth current-generation Polo at its Kariega plant.
The vehicle marking the milestone is a smoky grey, right-hand-drive Polo GTI built for the South African market.
Production of the current Polo began at Plant Kariega in 2017. Since then, the model has played a central role in the company’s operations, with around 86% of units exported to overseas markets including Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The remaining 14% were produced for local buyers.
Over the past 75 years, the Kariega plant has built 4,803,424 vehicles in total, with the current-generation Polo making up nearly 21% of that figure. It also represents 48% of all Polo models ever produced at the plant, underlining the model’s importance to VWGA.
Volkswagen Group Africa has been manufacturing the Polo since 1996 and has produced four generations of the vehicle in Kariega.
Today, Plant Kariega serves as the sole global production and export hub for the Polo, supplying 38 countries across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Germany and the United Kingdom remain the largest export markets for the South African-built model.
The achievement coincides with two major anniversaries for VWGA: 75 years of vehicle production in South Africa and 30 years of Polo manufacturing at the Kariega facility.
Urich Schwabe, Production Director at VWGA, described the occasion as a proud moment for the company and its workforce. He said the milestone reflects the commitment and skill of employees over many years, while also demonstrating the confidence international markets place in the quality of vehicles produced in South Africa. He added that the Polo continues to hold a special place as one of the plant’s most successful and popular models.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
