MOTORING NEWS - On Thursday 11 October, the Grade 1 class of Laer Volkskool in Graaff-Reinet paid a visit to the Volkswagen AutoPavilion museum.

The AutoPavilion is located next to Volkswagen's manufacturing plant in Uitenhage. It first opened its doors in 2004, the result of a need for a modern heritage centre to replace the museum that had housed the company's old vehicles.

Featuring state-of-the art technology and unprecedented interactivity, the AutoPavilion proudly showcases the evolution of the VW brand from the very first Beetle to contemporary passenger and sports cars.

The multi-million rand attraction is unique, being the only automobile discovery centre on the continent and only the fifth worldwide.

During their tour of the centre, the young learners had a chance to explore the high-tech, interactive expo while being taken on a full-throttle journey from concept to classic, laser to legend, with the cars that defined the past and inspire the future.

The kids could travel the world in an interactive "movie studio" Beetle, complete with green screen technology. They rubbed shoulders with icons of yesteryear such as the "movie star" Herbie and South Africa's oldest kombi, or simply watched in amazement as a car (sliced by a laser) folded in half.

With amazing special effects and stunning interactive displays, the AutoPavilion provided the learners of Laer Volkskool with the ultimate in edutainment.

From left are Kayden Pieterse, Miley Burger, Logan Marais and Uné Groenewald at one of the exhibits that greet visitors at the AutoPavilion museum.

Sebastian van Heerden (left) and Markus van der Ahee with a Volkswagen beach buggy,  representative of the colourful 1960s. The buggy came about through the work of the American Bruce Meyers. His creation caught on, with the buggy becoming a symbol for down-to-earth automotive fun. Photos: Mariëtte Burger

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