Polo Success Drives Skills and Jobs in the Auto Repair Industry

Volkswagen Group Africa’s Kariega plant has built its 500 000th facelifted Polo, highlighting the importance of this model not only for exports but also for South Africa’s wider automotive and repair sectors.

The Kings Red Polo, destined for Germany, rolled off the line earlier this month, symbolising excellence in local manufacturing.

Since 1996, the Kariega facility has produced Polos with precision and care, and since August 2021, the facelift version has continued that legacy. As of July 2024, it became the exclusive supplier for Europe and the Asia-Pacific markets, sending cars to over 30 destinations worldwide.

This milestone reflects a total of 452 207 current Polos made for export and 47 793 for domestic sale, with nearly two million units built at Kariega since operations began. Each car produced supports a network of suppliers, service centres and repair specialists who maintain these vehicles throughout their lifespan, contributing to employment and skills development in the local repair industry.

Recognised as South Africa’s most exported vehicle in 2024 and honoured at the Naamsa Accelerator Awards, the Polo’s success story extends beyond production lines. “I am proud to share in this milestone with the colleagues who build, sell and export this high-quality car to the world,” said VWGA Production Director Ulrich Schwabe.