Most South Africans have great memories of growing up with Volkswagens whether that was a Beetle, Golf or Polo and many South Africans started their driving journey behind the wheel of one of these automotive icons.

Volkswagen remains one of South Africa’s most loved brands with a brand cache like no other. Most South Africans have great memories of growing up with Volkswagens whether that was a Beetle, Golf or Polo and many South Africans started their driving journey behind the wheel of one of these automotive icons.

Volkswagens have also been built in South Africa for more than 70 years. The Kariega manufacturing facility outside Gqeberha has built everything from Beetle, to Golf, Jetta and Kombi throughout the years. Currently they build the Polo for local end export markets as well as the locally developed Polo Vivo for the SA market.

On top of achieving a new record production volume for its Kariega plant in 2024, Volkswagen Group Africa also ended last year with its best-ever performance in terms of exports.

The company’s plant in Kariega, which has been exporting vehicles since 1992 and manufacturing Polos since 1996, exported 131 485 units of this popular vehicle in 2024. This is a strong increase from the previous export record, set at 108 422 vehicles in 2019. As of July 2024, VWGA is the sole exporter of the Polo for European and Asian Pacific markets, delivering this model to 38 countries. Overall, these Polos accounted for 88% of exported vehicles through the Port of Port Elizabeth last year.

The Polo also performed strongly in the local market in 2024, selling 12 253 units and garnering a fourth position in the segment, while the locally built Polo Vivo claimed the top spot in the segment with 25 914 units sold.

An extensive model range

Volkswagen’s range includes the Polo Vivo hatch with a starting price of R271 900, the Polo and Polo sedan.

Volkswagen offer an extensive SUV range, with a total of six models making up their T-SUV range. The offering includes the T-Cross, Taigo and T-Roc compact SUVs. Medium to large SUVs currently offered include the popular Tiguan, the Tiguan Allspace and the premium Touareg.

Volkswagen have recently relaunched their Golf range and now offer 1.4-litre derivatives of this iconic hatchback in addition to the performance focussed Golf GTI and Golf R models.

Models that are ready to work

Volkswagen’s commercial vehicle range is just as extensive and kicks off with the Caddy, Caddy Cargo and Caddy Cargo Kombi offering various combinations of load carrying space and people carrying ability to suite a variety of family or business requirements.

The VW Kombi is an icon on South Africa’s roads and the sixth generation is offered in numerous configurations from a panel van to a camping ready version, badged Transporter, Kombi, Caravelle and Coast. The VW Crafter is Volkswagens large panel van that offers unrivalled loading space in the van segment.

Last but not least is the Volkswagen Amarok, a bakkie available in single and double cab configurations and which is now built in a joint venture with Ford at their Pretoria manufacturing facility. The Amarok is available with numerous engine and trim derivatives prioritising style or off-road ability with model names including Life, Style Pan Americana, Aventura.