Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has celebrated a major production milestone at its Kariega plant, with the 3-millionth locally built vehicle – a smoky grey Polo Vivo – rolling off the assembly line.
The achievement highlights the plant’s 75-year manufacturing legacy, which began in November 1948 under the South African Motor Assemblers and Distributors (SAMAD). Initially producing Studebaker and Austin models, the plant became home to Volkswagen in 1951 when the first Beetle was assembled.
Since then, Kariega has produced a range of iconic vehicles, including the Beetle, Citi Golf, Type 2 Kombi, Jetta, and multiple generations of the Polo. Today, it builds the Polo and Polo Vivo models, which continue to lead the local market and support South Africa’s vehicle exports.
The Polo was South Africa’s most exported vehicle in 2024, while the Polo Vivo remains the country’s best-selling passenger car since its introduction in 2010. Both models were recently recognised at the Naamsa Accelerator Awards for their performance and popularity.
“This milestone affirms Volkswagen’s legacy in Kariega and the South African market at large,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at VWGA. “The plant has produced many icons over the past seven decades, and we intend to make the Tengo the next when production begins in 2027.”
Volkswagen’s Kariega facility continues to play a key role in the country’s automotive industry, contributing to local manufacturing, exports, and employment.
