Volkswagen has marked half a century of the Polo with a dramatic film, “50 Years of Polo: Project Drift,” which puts the spotlight firmly on Plant Kariega, the production hub that has become synonymous with the car’s success.
The video, shared globally on Volkswagen’s social media platforms, celebrates the Polo’s journey while showcasing its future. It was filmed across Nelson Mandela Bay, with Plant Kariega taking centre stage as the Home of Polo. This facility has been producing the model since 1996 and, since July 2024, has been solely responsible for exporting it to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
Spectacular drifting scenes feature a range of Polo models, including the Polo R WRC, the Polo R Supercar in fan-chosen Harlequin colours, the electric Polo RX1e, and the Polo GTI, which is uniquely built in South Africa. A surprise comes in the form of the ID. Polo, a near-production electric concept set to make its public debut at IAA Mobility in Munich.
“In our communications on the Polo anniversary, we not only want to look back, but forward too and generate enthusiasm for the Volkswagen brand,” said Jens Katemann, Head of Communications. “This video stands for everything that is quintessential of the Polo: a small car that can do great things and that is geared towards the future.”
For the action, Volkswagen enlisted Johan Kristoffersson, seven-time FIA World Rallycross Champion. “It was a great experience to drive the sporty Polo models one after the other and push them to their limits,” he said.
Plant Kariega’s role in the production was celebrated by Andile Dlamini, Head: Group Communications at Volkswagen Group Africa. “It was an honour for Plant Kariega to be showcased in this globally released video commemorating the history and future of the Polo,” he said.
