Top international car brand building more cars in South Africa in a month than it did in a year 40 years ago

Volkswagen built more cars at its factory in South Africa in July 2026 than it did in an entire year, 40 years ago.

The German automaker’s local division just announced that it achieved a new monthly production record at its Kariega assembly plant in the Eastern Cape, producing a staggering 17,009 units.

This is a year-on-year improvement of 2% (339 units) from the 16,670 cars it produced in July 2025. More importantly, it’s substantially more than the company’s annual production volume from years prior.

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has been producing VW models since 1951, making 2026 the carmaker’s 75th anniversary of local operations, though the site also made Studebaker and Austin models as early as 1948.

The annual volume of the factory’s first full year of production was 977 units. VW said July 2026’s total was more than the volume it achieved in its first 15 years of vehicle assembly.

Today, the factory produced the fan-favourite Polo and Polo Vivo hatchbacks for the local market and for export overseas.

In fact, Kariega is the only plant in the world that still produces the Polo, as VW’s other factories have shifted over to new models like the electric ID. range.

Of the 17,009 vehicles produced at the site last month, 13,490 units were Polo models made for South African and international customers, while the remaining 3,519 were Vivos for local buyers.

By the end of July, the carmaker had built a grand total of 4,836,371 vehicles to date since 1948. Nearly 40 different vehicles have been built at Kariega throughout its long history.

VWGA said the new monthly record comes shortly before it is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary on 31 August 2026.

“Setting a record like this close to our anniversary is a reminder of just how far we have come as a company,” said Martina Biene, VWGA Chairperson and Managing Director.

“Volkswagen has built a legacy of quality and manufacturing excellence in South Africa, and this record is proof that we continue building that legacy and strengthening our presence with every vehicle we produce and sell.”

VW still going strong in South Africa

While VW has run into challenges in South Africa, including operational difficulties like load-shedding and the rise of new Indian and Chinese competitors, the German brand is nevertheless still going strong in South Africa.

It is the third best-selling car brand in the country, behind Toyota and Suzuki, with the vast majority of sales coming from the locally-made Polo Vivo, which is still one of the most affordable cars on the market.

In July 2026, VW sold 5,799 units, only slightly behind Suzuki’s 5,994 units, though Toyota still holds a massive lead with 14,142 units.

In contrast, fourth place was Hyundai with 3,058 sales, indicating that VW still has a comfortable lead as the nation’s third favourite brand.

The Polo Vivo was the best-selling passenger car and the second most popular vehicle overall last month, behind the Toyota Hilux, bearing in mind that commercial sales account for a substantial portion of the bakkie’s figures.

The Hilux sold 4,189 units while the Vivo sold 2,513. The Polo, meanwhile, came 19th with 756 units.

The Polo has seen a dip in sales in recent years due to its rising price tag, as the cheapest model clocks in at R373,800, more than several Chinese and Indian crossovers.

It’s still a hot item in South Africa’s B-segment hatchback market, but economic pressure is forcing many households to seek out crossovers and SUVs from other brands that ostensibly offer better value for money.