Home » Volkswagen Sets New Export Record for Polo Models in Africa

Volkswagen Sets New Export Record for Polo Models in Africa

South Africa's Kariega plant boosts production for European and Asian markets

by Adenike Adeodun
Volkswagen Polo exports

KEY POINTS


  • Volkswagen exported a record 131,485 Polos from South Africa in 2024.
  • The Polo accounted for 88 percent of South Africa’s vehicle exports.
  • Industry improvements in power supply and infrastructure boosted production.

Volkswagen’s African division set a new record in 2024, exporting 131,485 Polo vehicles to European and Asia-Pacific markets.

This milestone surpasses the previous record of 108,422 exports in 2019. The Polos were produced at Volkswagen’s manufacturing facility in Kariega, located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province.

Since July 2024, Volkswagen Africa has been the sole exporter of the Polo model to these global markets, shipping vehicles to 38 countries.

According to Reuters, these exports accounted for 88 percent of all South African vehicle exports last year, solidifying Volkswagen’s dominance in the market.

Beyond exports, the Polo hatchback also performed well domestically, selling 12,253 units and securing fourth place in its segment.

Meanwhile, the locally assembled Polo Vivo took the top spot with 25,914 units sold.

Auto industry sees improvements in infrastructure and power supply

Martina Biene, the chairperson and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa, noted that South Africa’s automotive industry has been benefiting from stabilizing interest rates, improved electricity supply, and better port and rail infrastructure.

“There is a positive movement, although it’s not sky-rocketing,” Biene said during an interview at the annual Africa Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

Power outages have been a continuous problem in South Africa, resulting in manufacturing and other industries facing difficulties.

However, a significant turnaround in state-owned power utility Eskom’s performance has provided relief to businesses.

Since March 2024, the country had gone nearly a year without widespread electricity cuts before experiencing a short-lived return of outages on January 30, 2025.

Volkswagen’s long-term commitment to South African manufacturing

The Kariega plant functions as a central site in Volkswagen’s worldwide manufacturing operations.

The facility has played a key role in supplying vehicles to international markets and contributing to South Africa’s economy.

Volkswagen has dedicated itself to grow throughout African regions by utilizing local manufacturing techniques and workforce capabilities.

As Volkswagen continues to ramp up exports, South Africa’s role in the global automotive supply chain is expected to grow further.

Volkswagen Africa demonstrates its dedication to production excellence through the record-breaking Polo export volume despite facing regional challenges.

Better infrastructure facilities and rising Polo demand indicate that the company foresees continuous growth in the years ahead.

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