VW Africa Sets Record Polo Exports to Europe and Asia

Volkswagen's African unit has achieved a milestone with record Polo exports to Europe and Asia. This surge highlights the region’s expanding role in the global automotive market, strengthening trade ties and boosting production capacity. The increased exports reflect growing demand and VW’s strategic focus on Africa as a key manufacturing hub for international markets.

Volkswagen Group’s African division set a new export record in 2024, shipping 131,485 Polo small cars to European and Asia-Pacific markets.

This figure marks a significant jump from the previous record of 108,422 units exported in 2019 from its Kariega plant in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. However, the company did not disclose export numbers for 2023 in its statement on February 5.

By mid-2024, Volkswagen Africa had become the exclusive exporter of the Polo to Europe and Asia-Pacific, supplying the model to 38 countries. These exports made up 88 percent of all vehicles shipped from South Africa last year, according to the company.

The Polo was previously manufactured at VW’s Pamplona plant in Spain, which is now being repurposed for the production of small electric vehicles under Volkswagen Group brands.

In South Africa, the Polo remained a strong performer in the domestic market, securing fourth place in its segment with 12,253 units sold last year. Meanwhile, the locally produced Polo Vivo led the category with 25,914 units sold.

Volkswagen Group South Africa’s Managing Director, Martina Biene, highlighted that the automotive industry had benefited from lower interest rates, a stable power supply, and improvements in the country’s ports and rail network.

While acknowledging positive trends, she noted that industry growth was steady rather than dramatic.

For over a decade, power shortages have hampered South Africa’s economic expansion, affecting various industries, including manufacturing. However, there were no power outages between March of last year and January 30, following a sharp improvement in Eskom’s electricity generation capacity.

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Source: autonews‍