During our recent trip to the Eastern Cape, we visited AutoPavilion in Kariega, Volkswagen’s primary manufacturing facility. This plant is responsible for producing a significant portion of the company’s model lineup, including the Polo GTI – the only facility in the world to do so. Have a peek inside!
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During the tour in Kariega, we had the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits showcasing cutting-edge vehicle technologies. Ulrich Schwabe, the Director of Production and Logistics at Volkswagen SA, provided essential information about the plant’s contributions to the South African economy and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. The factory employs over 4 000 people directly and has a substantial impact on indirect employment in the auto industry, supporting approximately 900 000 employees.
The VW Factory Tour offered an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the production process of the new Polo and Polo Vivo vehicles. The eco-friendly factory has an annual production capacity of 160 000 units and is operated by 4 000 employees and 640 robots. We were able to witness the manufacturing of the EA111 engine during the tour.
In addition to the impressive employment figures, Ulrich Schwabe also shared the significant financial contributions made by Volkswagen to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. In 2022, VW contributed R3,024 billion in salaries, wages, and benefits to employees. They also contributed R31,6 million in rates and taxes to the metro and R125,8 million in electricity, water, and waste removal – revenue greatly needed in the region.
We also learned about AutoPavilion’s commendable Environmental Sustainability Projects aimed at addressing environmental challenges. These initiatives include green spaces for biodiversity preservation, water recycling to combat drought-related water shortages, and decarbonization efforts through solar PV and wind power investments. The company also manages environmental challenges such as erratic electricity supply through energy-efficient practices and renewable electricity purchases.
Related: Review: VW Polo Sedan and Polo Vivo Black Style Package
AutoPavilion’s dedication to environmental sustainability is evident through its projects, which focus on water conservation, carbon reduction, and biodiversity protection. These initiatives, combined with their substantial financial contributions to the local community, demonstrate their commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable manufacturing process.
