Just one year after officially becoming the sole global exporter of the Volkswagen Polo, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) is celebrating a milestone-filled 12 months that solidify its status as a key player in the international automotive supply chain.
From July 2024 to June 2025, VWGA’s Kariega plant has not only set production records but has also proudly flown the South African flag across 38 international markets, proving that local manufacturing excellence can compete on a world stage.
The Birth of a Global Hub
Though the Kariega plant has been building the beloved Polo since 1996 and the Polo Vivo since 2010, it was only on 1 July 2024 that the facility was officially designated the global Home of the Polo. This strategic shift made VWGA the sole exporter of both left- and right-hand drive Polo models for all Volkswagen markets in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
Since then, 119 336 Polos have been shipped out from Kariega through the Port of Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha. Notably, the Polo now accounts for a staggering 88% of all vehicle exports via this key automotive port. The top export destinations? Unsurprisingly, major European markets — Germany, France, and the United Kingdom — lead the charge.
Local Plant, Global Impact
Behind these export figures lies a production engine that has rarely run stronger. In 2024, the Kariega plant built a record-breaking 167 084 vehicles, of which 131 485 units were destined for export. An additional 35 599 vehicles — a mix of Polo and Polo Vivo models — were produced for the South African market.
October 2024 stood out as a particular high point, with the facility assembling an all-time monthly record of 13 930 Polos.
Leading Locally Too
While the Polo is gaining recognition globally, it continues to dominate on home soil. With 12 253 units sold locally in 2024, the Polo remains a favourite among South African motorists. This popularity was further cemented when it was named Top Locally Manufactured Vehicle of the Year at the Naamsa Accelerator Awards in October 2024.
A Platform for Continued Growth
With this first year as the global Home of Polo behind them, VWGA is looking ahead with ambition. “The Polo is unquestionably an icon, and we are proud to call Plant Kariega its home,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at VWGA. “Our first year as the sole exporter of the Polo was certainly a strong one, and we plan to build on the foundation of this success continuously and consistently, with the Polo, Vivo and our upcoming third model, the Tengo.”
The mention of the Tengo, a forthcoming addition to the Kariega production line, hints at VWGA’s evolving strategy and its commitment to future-proofing its operations through diversification and innovation.
A Year of Pride and Progress
VWGA’s impressive production and export numbers are more than just statistics — they are a testament to the capability, consistency and world-class quality of South African manufacturing. As the global automotive landscape continues to shift, the Kariega plant’s role as a cornerstone of Volkswagen’s international success story seems all but assured.
South Africa may be just one part of the global supply chain, but thanks to VWGA’s stellar year, it is clear that Kariega has become a central spoke in the global wheel of the Polo’s success.
