Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has completed a key phase in preparing its Kariega plant for the production of a third model, the A0 SUV Entry, set to launch in 2027.
Following a four-week production pause from 14 April to 12 May, critical upgrades and installations were completed in the Body Shop, Paint Shop, and Final Assembly areas. These included robot programming, station modifications, and conveyor adjustments. The work follows earlier upgrades done during the December 2024 shutdown, bringing the overall preparation completion to 100 per cent.
Now in its commissioning phase, the project focuses on systematically activating and testing the new equipment over weekends, ensuring no disruption to the plant's current three-shift production of the Polo and Polo Vivo.
The A0 SUV Entry, announced in February during the VW Indaba, marks a significant milestone for VWGA. The model is being developed in close collaboration with Volkswagen do Brasil.
'We are happy to be back to normal production, knowing we're a step closer to building three models at Kariega,' said Ulrich Schwabe, VWGA Production Director. 'Thank you to every employee involved'this project reflects the strength of our team and our future.'
Staff Writer
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