Gqeberha, South Africa – 8 September 2025 – Volkswagen has marked a milestone in the legacy of its iconic Polo with the release of the spectacular “50 Years of Polo: Project Drift” video, premiering last Friday across the brand’s social media channels. The video not only honours five decades of Polo history but also offers a glimpse into the future of this celebrated compact car.
Set against the dynamic backdrop of Nelson Mandela Bay, the video opens with sweeping shots of the Port of Gqeberha before moving to a high-speed tour of Volkswagen’s Plant Kariega – the Home of Polo. From classic models to the latest innovations, the film highlights the Polo’s evolution, featuring the legendary Polo R WRC, the fan-selected Harlequin-liveried Polo R Supercar, the electric Polo RX1e, and the Polo GTI, South Africa’s exclusive production model. The highlight of the video comes in the form of the ID. Polo, a near-production electric concept making its debut ahead of its public unveiling at this week’s IAA Mobility in Munich.
“In celebrating the Polo anniversary, we wanted to honour its past while also looking boldly to the future,” says Jens Katemann, Head of Communications for the Volkswagen Brand and Brand Group Core. “Showcasing the ID. Polo in a surprising and spectacular way reflects everything quintessential about the Polo: a small car capable of great things, built for the future.”
Behind the wheel is none other than Sweden’s Johan Kristoffersson, seven-time FIA World Rallycross Champion and two-time Gymkhana Grid Champion. Known for his precision and flair, Kristoffersson executes breathtaking drifts and manoeuvres across a variety of settings. “The shoot was a huge pleasure. Driving the sporty Polo models one after the other and pushing them to their limits was incredible – each car has its own character, but all performed superbly,” he comments.
The choice of locations was deliberate. Plant Kariega has been the sole home of the Polo since July 2024, responsible for exports to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, though the plant has been building the Polo since 1996. “It was an honour for Plant Kariega to be showcased in a global video celebrating the history and future of the Polo,” says Andile Dlamini, Head: Group Communications at Volkswagen Group Africa. “This video excites our employees who build and sell these cars and highlights the significant role our plant has played in the Polo’s success. Special thanks are due to Transnet Port Terminals and Transnet National Ports Authority for supporting the thrilling opening sequences.”
The “Project Drift” video is a celebration of innovation, performance, and heritage, showcasing the Polo as a car that has not only endured over 50 years but continues to evolve, exciting enthusiasts and new audiences alike.
