Volkswagen’s African unit exported a record 131,485 Polo vehicles to European and Asia-Pacific markets in 2024, the company announced on Wednesday.
This marked a significant increase from the previous record of 108,422 vehicles in 2019, produced at Volkswagen’s Kariega plant in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. The company did not disclose figures for 2023.
Since July 2024, Volkswagen Africa has been the sole exporter of the Polo for 38 countries across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. These exports accounted for 88% of all vehicles shipped from South Africa last year.
The Polo hatchback also performed well in the local market, selling 12,253 units and ranking fourth in its segment. The locally manufactured Polo Vivo took the top spot, with 25,914 units sold.
Speaking to Reuters at the Africa Mining Indaba, Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa (VGA), noted that the automotive industry has benefited from lower interest rates, improved power supply, and enhanced port and rail infrastructure in South Africa.
“There is a positive movement, although it’s not like sky-rocketing, I would say,” she said, referring to the performance of the industry.
Power cuts have hindered South Africa’s economic growth for more than a decade, affecting various industries, including manufacturing.
However, from March 2023 until January 30, 2025, the country experienced no load shedding, following a sudden improvement in Eskom‘s power generation performance.
