by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – VOLKSWAGEN is celebrating 75 years of building and selling vehicles in South Africa, marking a milestone that has seen its Kariega plant produce nearly 40 models and more than 4.8 million vehicles.
The first locally built Volkswagen, a Beetle, rolled off the production line at the former Uitenhage plant on 31 August 1951.
At the time, the facility belonged to South African Motor Assemblers and Distributors (SAMAD), which also produced Studebaker and Austin models.
The Beetle quickly became an icon among South African motorists, while the introduction of the Type 2, popularly known as the Kombi, in 1955 further strengthened Volkswagen’s position in the local market.
Volkswagenwerk in Germany acquired a controlling share in the factory in 1956, making it the company’s first plant outside Germany.
The facility was renamed Volkswagen of South Africa in 1966 before becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG in 1974.
Over the decades, Plant Kariega has manufactured models including the Beetle, Kombi, Golf, Audi, Citi Golf, Jetta, Polo and Polo Vivo. More than three million of the vehicles produced have been destined for the South African market.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA), renamed in 2025 to reflect its broader continental ambitions, is currently the sole global producer and exporter of the Polo.
The plant also manufactures the best-selling passenger car in South Africa, the Polo Vivo, and is preparing to add the Tengo to its production line-up.
The company also serves as headquarters for Volkswagen’s Africa region, which includes assembly operations in Kenya, Rwanda and Ghana.
Beyond manufacturing, Volkswagen has invested in people and communities.
During the 1980s, it trained black artisans despite segregation laws prevailing outside the factory, helping establish a tradition of union representation.
Since 1994, the company has invested about R800 million in community projects through the Volkswagen Community Trust and other partnerships.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, it opened a field hospital and vaccination centre and supported upgrades to a National Health Laboratory Service testing facility.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who attended the anniversary gala as special guest, praised Volkswagen’s contribution to the country.
“Volkswagen has never been content simply to do business in South Africa. It has sought to become part of the fabric of our nation,” he said.
VWGA Chairperson and Managing Director Martina Biene said the company’s roots in the Eastern Cape provided a strong foundation for its African ambitions.
The anniversary celebrations also included the unveiling of the Tengo, which will be built in Kariega for South African and African markets.
– CAJ News