Volkswagen’s Kariega plant marks 30 years of Polo production, highlighting South Africa’s role in global manufacturing, exports and sustained industrial employment opportunities today.
For three decades, the Volkswagen Group Africa plant in Kariega has been more than a production facility. It has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s automotive industry, supporting thousands of jobs, strengthening export capacity and positioning the country as a trusted global manufacturing hub.
The Polo story in South Africa began in 1996 with the launch of the Polo Classic, designed to bridge the gap between entry-level and premium vehicle segments. In its first year alone, 5,460 units were produced, signalling strong local demand and establishing the Polo as a long-term success in the South African market.
Since then, the Kariega plant has manufactured four generations of the Polo, with the current model in production since 2021. By the end of 2025, more than two million Polos had been built at the facility — a milestone reflecting sustained industrial growth and workforce capability.
Of these vehicles, nearly 600,000 were sold locally, while more than 1.4 million were exported to 38 countries. Today, approximately 70% of Polos produced in Kariega are destined for international markets, with the United Kingdom remaining the largest export destination.
In 2024, the Kariega plant reached another milestone, becoming the sole global manufacturer and exporter of the Polo for Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. That same year, the plant achieved its highest production output in history, building 167,084 vehicles, including over 131,000 units for export.
This level of export performance plays a critical role in strengthening South Africa’s manufacturing economy, generating foreign revenue and sustaining skilled industrial employment. Each Polo produced reflects a complex process involving approximately 1,400 individual parts and nearly 2,000 skilled workers over three days of assembly.
VWGA Production Director Ulrich Schwabe said the milestone reflects the dedication and capability of South Africa’s workforce.
“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,” he said. “Their skill and commitment have made the Polo a success story both locally and internationally.”