Two million Polos rolled out: VW Kariega Plant achieves remarkable production milestone

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has passed another major milestone at its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape, building its two-millionth Polo just months ahead of the model’s 30th local production anniversary in 2026.

The landmark car – a smoky grey Polo headed for Australia – rolled off the line earlier this month, adding to a legacy that began in 1996 with the original Polo Classic.

Decades of improvement

Back then, the plant produced just over 5 400 units in its first year. Three decades later, Kariega has become one of VW’s most important global hubs for the Polo, building four generations of the hatch and supplying markets across the world. 

Of the two million Polos built so far, 592 840 found homes locally, while 1 407 160 units were produced for export. In 2025, the plant manufactured 112 386 Polos, including 8 274 Polo GTIs built exclusively by VWGA, highlighting both the scale and consistency of local production.

It also underlines the Polo’s economic impact. Since July 2024, Kariega has been the sole global supplier of the Polo to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, shipping vehicles to more than 30 countries. It was also South Africa’s most exported passenger car last year.

Current range

The current Polo range remains one of the brand’s core offerings. They are powered by VW’s familiar 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 70kW and 175Nm in standard form.

Higher-spec options include an 85kW and 200Nm version of the same engine, available with either a manual or seven-speed DSG transmission. 

At the sharp end sits the Polo GTI, using a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine delivering 147kW and 320Nm, driving the front wheels through a DSG gearbox.

Equally important in the South African market is the Polo Vivo. The current Vivo is available with a variety of powertrains: a 1.4-litre producing 55kW and 130Nm, and a 1.4-litre 63kW and 132Nm in base and mid spec.

There’s a 1.6-litre 77kW and 153Nm variant in both manual and six-speed Tiptronic transmission, as well as a 1.0-litre TSI GT with 81kW and 200NM.

Milestone

“It has been a year of milestones for Plant Kariega, but achieving this one is a very proud moment for the Home of Polo,” said Ulrich Schwabe, VWGA production director.

“Contributing to the global success story of the Polo is a privilege for our team, and this is evident in the dedication of our employees, who have made this milestone possible.”

For a plant that began with only a few thousand units a year, reaching two million Polos is a reminder of how deeply embedded vehicles have become in South Africa’s manufacturing landscape and, in particular, global VW supply chains.