Volkswagen builds 1,5-millionth export vehicle

Volkswagen builds 1,5-millionth export vehicle

  • Volkswagen plant produces 1,5-millionth vehicle for export
  • The Kariega plant has been building vehicles for export since 1992

During the night shift on Monday, 19 February, the production team of Volkswagen Group Africa celebrated a milestone when the 1,5-millionth vehicle built for export in Kariega rolled off the line.

The milestone vehicle, a Polo GTI destined for the United Kingdom, also marked the 21 165th vehicle built for export this year alone. The Kariega plant built 101 557 Polos for export last year. The plant’s record for export units in one year was in 2019, when the team built 108 422 vehicles for export markets.

Volkswagen Group Africa has been building vehicles for export since 1992, including models such as the Volkswagen Jetta and Golf. Currently the Kariega plant is the sole manufacturer of the Volkswagen Polo, exporting this vehicle to 38 markets worldwide. The plant has been building the current Polo since January 2018 and began production of the facelifted Polo in August 2021; it also produces the popular Polo Vivo for the South African market.

“Celebrating another production milestone this early in the year sets the tone for a successful 2024,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Volkswagen Group Africa Production Director. “Volkswagen Group Africa remains a strong player in the export space and I am proud of the team behind milestones such as these. As the home of Polo we intend to continue building and delivering our high-quality vehicles to customers around the world – and hopefully achieve many more milestones along the way.”

Ends

(Press Release by VWSA)

Caption: L – R: Luleka Bastile (Quality Assurance), Carsten Berger (Head of Quality Assurance), Juergen Manthey (Quality Assurance), Ulrich Schwabe (Production Director), Pumza Mboniswa (Production) and Ntombizandile Gamanda (Production).

FULLY BOOKED: Shatterprufe Plant Tour – 29 February 2024

FULLY BOOKED: Shatterprufe Plant Tour – 29 February 2024

FULLY BOOKED!

 

Shatterprufe was established in 1935 and is the premium autoglass manufacturer and supplier in South Africa. Shatterprufe supplies 6 OEMs locally, exports to various destinations in Europe and supplies the domestic replacement market in South Africa. They have 3 manufacturing plants, 2 assembly plants and 9 warehouses nationally. They strive to supply high quality, cost competitive products to their global customers.

Shatterprufe was announced as the winner of Best Exporter – Corporate Category at the 2023 Exporter of the Year.