MOTORING NEWS - Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has set a new monthly production record at its Kariega plant, manufacturing 17 009 vehicles in July.
The latest figure surpasses the previous monthly record of 16 670 vehicles, set in July 2025.
The July production milestone comes as Volkswagen celebrates 75 years of vehicle production in South Africa.
More vehicles built in one month than early annual output
The July production figure is particularly significant when compared with the plant’s early production history.
Volkswagen vehicles have been built at the Kariega plant since 1951, while the factory also produced Studebaker and Austin models from as early as 1948.
In the first full year of production, the plant manufactured just 977 vehicles.
In contrast, 17 009 vehicles rolled off the production line in a single month in July.
Polo and Vivo drive record production
Of the record July production:
13 490 were Polo models for the local and export markets.
3 519 were Vivo models for the South African market.
By the end of July, the plant had produced 4 836 371 vehicles since production began in 1948.
Nearly 40 different models have been manufactured at Plant Kariega during its history.
The July production milestone comes as Volkswagen celebrates 75 years of vehicle production in South Africa.
Volkswagen celebrates 75 years in South Africa
The latest production achievement comes ahead of Volkswagen’s official 75th anniversary celebrations in South Africa on 31 August.
“Setting a record like this close to our anniversary is a reminder of just how far we have come as a company,” said Martina Biene, VWGA Chairperson and Managing Director.
“Volkswagen has built a legacy of quality and manufacturing excellence in South Africa, and this record is proof that we continue building that legacy and strengthening our presence with every vehicle we produce and sell,” Biene said.
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