Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) said on Tuesday that they had reached another major production milestone with the production of the one millionth current generation Polo at its Kariega Plant.
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Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has achieved a major manufacturing milestone with the production of the one millionth current-generation Polo at its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape, underscoring South Africa's growing importance in the global automotive industry.
The milestone comes as VWGA celebrates 75 years of vehicle manufacturing in South Africa and 30 years of Polo production at its Eastern Cape facility.
VWGA said on Tuesday that the current-generation Polo, which has been produced at Plant Kariega since 2017, has become one of the company's most successful locally manufactured models.
“About 86% of these vehicles were exported to international markets such as Germany, the UK, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, whilst 14% of these Polos were for the local market.”
VWGA said that the current generation Polo accounts for nearly 21% of the 4,803,424 vehicles built at the Kariega plant.
“Meanwhile, the current generation Polo accounts for 48% of all Polo models ever manufactured at Plant Kariega, signifying the importance of the model to VWGA. VWGA has been manufacturing the Polo since 1996 and has produced four generations of the model.”
VWGA added that Plant Kariega is currently the sole global manufacturer and exporter of the Polo to 38 countries, including markets in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
“Germany and the United Kingdom are the biggest export destinations for the locally-built Polo.”
VWGA said that this achievement comes as VWGA celebrates 75 years of vehicle manufacturing in South Africa and 30 years of Polo production at the Kariega Plant.
Urich Schwabe, production director of VWGA, said that this milestone reflects the dedication and passion of the group's employees over many years.
“Producing one million Polos in Kariega highlights the trust that global markets place in the quality of vehicles built in South Africa. It also reinforces the Polo’s legacy as one of the most loved and successful models produced at our plant,” Schwabe said.
Business Report reported on Monday that data from the Automotive Business Council (naamsa) showed that domestic new vehicle sales reached 51,071 units in May, the strongest May performance since 2013, representing an increase of 5,784 units from April, and an increase of 12.8% compared to the 45,287 vehicles sold in the same month last year.
Exports remained under pressure in May, with vehicle export sales reaching 29,392 units, down 1,467 units, or 4.8%, compared to the 30,859 units exported in the corresponding month last year.
“Consumers continued to engage the market in a measured and informed manner, placing greater emphasis on affordability, financing costs, fuel efficiency, vehicle utility, safety, and long-term ownership value,” naamsa said.
According to naamsa, the growing focus on value is also helping to boost interest in new-energy vehicles (NEVs). Naamsa noted that NEV sales in April were 120% higher than during the same period a year earlier, suggesting that more buyers are considering alternatives that could reduce long-term fuel expenses.
BUSINESS REPORT