By Malusi Msomi

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) set new records in 2024, achieving its highest production volume at the Kariega plant and its best-ever export performance.

The Kariega facility, which has been manufacturing Polos since 1996 and exporting vehicles since 1992, shipped 131,485 Polo units in 2024. This surpassed the previous record of 108,422 units set in 2019. Since July 2024, VWGA has been the sole Polo exporter for European and Asia-Pacific markets, supplying 38 countries. The Polo accounted for 88% of all vehicles exported via the Port of Port Elizabeth last year.

In the South African market, the Polo recorded 12,253 units sold in 2024, ranking fourth in its segment. The locally manufactured Polo Vivo led the segment with 25,914 units sold. Both models received recognition at the Naamsa Accelerator Awards in October 2024, with the Polo named Top Locally Manufactured Vehicle of the Year and Top Exported Vehicle of the Year, while the Polo Vivo won Passenger Car of the Year.

The Polo reached its 50th anniversary in 2025, with over 20 million units sold globally across six generations since 1975. Volkswagen Group Africa continues to produce and export the Polo from its Kariega plant, contributing to its presence in international markets.

Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of VWGA, acknowledged the role of the plant and employees in achieving these milestones. She stated that Volkswagen Group Africa remains committed to production and exports in 2025.