MOTORING NEWS - Take a drive in any coastal town or city in the Western Cape and you will spot a myriad of Volkswagen Polos - some looking exactly as they did when they drove out of the dealership, others zhooshed up ready to take on other Polos on an oval race track, and others gracefully showing their age. 

All this is testimony to the Polo's popularity, durability and adaptability. 

Now, just shy of the 30-year anniversary of Polo production at plant Kariega in 2026, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) celebrates the production of their two millionth Polo.

The special milestone car, a smoky grey Polo destined for Australia, rolled off the production line earlier this month.

In the Western Cape the Polo is by far the most popular used car with 3 674 used Polos sold in the province in 2024.  

Click here to read an article about SA's favourite cars by imotonews.co.za. 

Polo prices vary greatly depending on model, size and age attracting a huge array of buyers. 

Its popularity is also due to fuel economy, spaciousness, reliability and durability - important when you live near the ocean. 

The Volkswagen Polo - new and used - is also consistently amongst the bestselling cars in South Africa.

And, it's not only us Capies and Sefricans who appreciate the Polo, it was also South Africa’s most exported car last year.

Plant Kariega started building the Polo in 1996, which was known as the Polo Classic. That year, around 5 460 units were produced. Since then, VWGA has been steadily producing Polos and has yielded four different generations of this model.

Out of the two million Polos built so far, 592 840 were made for the local market, while 1 407 160 were produced for export. 

In 2025 alone, plant Kariega has already built 112 386 Polos, including 8 274 Polo GTIs.

Since July 2024, plant Kariega has been the only Volkswagen plant exporting the Polo to Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions, reaching more than 30 countries.

“It has been a year of milestones for Plant Kariega, but achieving this one is a very proud moment for the Home of Polo,” says 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.”

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