Volkswagen Group Africa celebrated its 75th anniversary in late August and early September 2026 at its manufacturing plant in Kariega, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Over the past 75 years, the Kariega plant has produced close to 5 million vehicles (approximately 4.8 million to 5 million). The facility is the sole global exporter of the Volkswagen Polo outside South Africa.
The celebration ran under the theme “A Legacy in Motion: Honouring the past, celebrating today, driving tomorrow”.
The event, also introduced the new VW Tengo compact SUV to be built at the plant and launched in 2027, and highlighted some of the milestones of the German automaker’s history in the country.
Volkswagen's South African operations have also been involved in skills development and community initiatives over the decades. Since 1994, the company says it has invested approximately R800m in community projects through the Volkswagen Community Trust and other projects and partnerships.
Legacy in motion indeed!
What are your thoughts on this 75-year milestone achievement for Volkswagen South Africa as a manufacturing institution and its impact on South Africa's economy?