VW GA readies Kariega plant for new affordable SUV production
The Volkswagen Group Africa (VW GA) Plant in Kariega has always been an integral part of the company’s growth for SA and beyond. As one of the largest Volkswagen plants on the continent, Kariega plays an important role in building right-hand drive vehicles for both local and key export markets.
Since the factory's official opening in 1951, some of its most iconic models have included the original Beetle and Kombi, as well as South Africa's Citi Golf and Jetta. The plant is currently the sole Volkswagen facility producing the Polo, Polo GTI, and Polo Vivo models for local and export markets.
But that is set to change. This after VW GA announced a R4 billion investment in the plant to build its fourth SUV model. Also known as the Tera in Brazil, the unnamed SUV will be built alongside the Polo models from 2027.
That said, VW has temporarily paused the production of the Polo and Polo Vivo models from 14 April to 12 May to prepare and upgrade the plant’s production areas for the production of the new SUV.
According to VW GA, approximately 60% of the required changes were made along with other modifications during the December 2024 plant’s annual shutdown; therefore, the remaining 40% of the work will be completed in the coming four weeks.
The procurement team has now finalised supplier nominations, meeting the localisation targets set for the new model. VW GA and its production team are working closely with VW in Brazil for the development of the new car ahead of its launch.
So far, VW has shortlisted four African-inspired names for its upcoming SUV, with a public naming campaign set to launch soon. Unlike the current SUV and crossover lineup, which includes models like the T-Cross, Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan, Tayron, and Touareg, the new model will break from tradition and not follow the now-familiar 'T' naming pattern.
Besides marking an exciting milestone for VW GA, the small SUV is set to become a friendly response to China’s growing dominance in the SA new car market. For now, the name remains under wraps, but it won’t be long before it’s revealed.
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