Volkswagen South Africa

Volkswagen Group Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG in Germany and represents the largest German investment in Southern Africa. Headquartered in Kariega, an industrial town also known as Uitenhage, located approximately 35 kilometres from Gqeberha-Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province. The company has been manufacturing Volkswagens since 1951 and employs over 3,500 people, making it the region's largest private employer.

The Kariega plant serves as the sole manufacturer of the Polo for Europe and Asia Pacific markets with exports to 38 countries. Beyond its South African manufacturing base, Volkswagen Group Africa oversees operations throughout the Sub-Saharan Africa region, with assembly facilities in Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana. The brand’s presence in Rwanda also includes mobility solutions services such as community car sharing and ride-hailing.

The company is committed to transformation, job creation, and skills development while positioning itself as a key player in Africa's automotive future, with the continent's new vehicle sales projected to reach 3 million vehicles annually by 2030. As a responsible corporate citizen, Volkswagen Group Africa contributes significantly to foreign direct investment, technology transfer, and community development across the region.