VWSA produces its 1-millionth Polo for export

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic and an ongoing semi-conductor shortage, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) reached a momentous milestone when the plant in Kariega built its 1-millionth Polo for export.

The plant has been building Polos since 1996 and began exporting Polo models in 2002. VWSA currently exports the Polo built-in Kariega to 38 countries, building this vehicle for all right-hand-drive markets and supplementing production for left-hand-drive markets. The Kariega plant is also the sole manufacturer worldwide of the Polo GTI, and builds the popular Polo Vivo for the local market.

By the time the 1-millionth export Polo rolled off the line on 3 May, the plant had manufactured a total of 4 181 031 vehicles to date, of which 1 292 793 vehicles were built for export.

“Given the current climate, with the pandemic and the semi-conductor crisis, this milestone is an especially strong moment for VWSA,” said Robert Cisek, VWSA Chairman and Managing Director. “VWSA is the biggest private employer in Nelson Mandela Bay and a significant player when it comes to exports from this region. As a corporate citizen in Kariega and the Bay, and as the VWSA family, we are proud to have achieved this milestone and we look forward to the next million mark. I would like to thank every employee who has contributed to this achievement.”