JOHANNESBURG – Volkswagen Group Africa is exploring options to supplement its South African lineup with vehicles sourced from outside Europe and India, following the phasing-out of combustion engine models in Europe, The Citizen Motoring reported.
Currently, Volkswagen’s South African range includes locally produced Polo, Polo Vivo, and Amarok, while other models originate from Europe. The T-Cross and Taigo come from Spain, the Caddy and Crafter from Poland, the Golf, Tiguan, and Tayron from Germany, the T-Roc from Portugal, the Touareg from Slovakia, and the Transporter from Turkey. The only other exception is the Polo Sedan, derived from the South American Virtus but manufactured in India for South Africa.
Volkswagen South Africa Managing Director Martina Biene told The Citizen Motoring that the company has long considered introducing Skoda and Seat to the South African market. Seat had previously been sold between 2006 and 2008 but was withdrawn after selling fewer than 1,000 units, partly due to pricing that made its models more expensive than comparable Volkswagen vehicles. She noted that overlapping product portfolios with Volkswagen models remain a key consideration for introducing these brands.
Biene also explained that while Volkswagen is interested in sourcing vehicles from non-European markets, including China and Brazil, left-hand drive designs pose a challenge for South Africa’s right-hand drive market. “You need about 20,000 to 40,000 units in annual sales for a viable right-hand drive development,” she said, adding that vehicles would need alignment with other right-hand drive markets, such as Australia or growing African markets.
Volkswagen’s next major initiative involves local production of the Tengo at its Kariega plant alongside the Polo and Polo Vivo, starting next year. Sales are expected to begin in 2027, following a pre-production showcase at the brand’s annual product Indaba. The Polo Vivo will continue production until the end of the decade, while the Polo will undergo a series of updates next year.
Discussion about this post