Overview
- The half-millionth unit, a Kings Red Polo bound for Germany, rolled off the line earlier this month after production of the facelifted model began in August 2021.
- Of the 500,000 current-generation Polos built, 452,207 were produced for export and 47,793 for the South African market.
- Since July 2024, Kariega has been the sole exporter of the Polo to Europe and the Asia-Pacific, shipping to more than 30 countries.
- Kariega has produced nearly two million Polos since 1996, and Volkswagen Group Africa recently marked its three-millionth vehicle from the plant.
- The milestone arrives as the Eastern Cape auto sector faces strain, with a Naamsa warning about tariff risks to Mercedes-Benz production in East London and recent job losses at Ford and Goodyear.