- New record of 131 485 vehicles exported in 2024
- Plant Kariega is the sole exporter of the popular Polo for Europe and Asia Pacific
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 export.
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 4th position in the segment, while the locally-built Polo Vivo claimed the top spot in the segment with 25 914 units sold. On top of this, both vehicles performed well at the Naamsa Accelerator Awards in October 2024: the Volkswagen Polo was named the Top Locally Manufactured Vehicle of the Year and the Top Exported Vehicle of the Year, while the Vivo landed the coveted Passenger Car of the Year award.
The strong position of the Polo locally and abroad sets Volkswagen Group Africa for a good year, just in time for the 50th anniversary of this beloved car. Since 1975, more than 20 million Polos spanning six generations of the vehicle have been sold worldwide, and the Polo is considered one of the most successful models in its class.
“What a privilege for Plant Kariega to be a part of the history of this fantastic car,” said Martina Biene, VWGA Chairperson and Managing Director. “We love the Polo as much as our customers do – if not more – and as the Home of Polo we will proudly continue building and sending this vehicle to the world.
“The success of the Polo, both locally and internationally, is testament to what an icon this vehicle is. I want to thank every employee for their contribution to that success in 2024; with a team like the Volkswagen Group Africa family, I am confident that 2025 will be a year of achievements as well.”
