Latest news with #VWGA
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
VW plant Kariega enters next phase for production of new SA-built crossover
Volkswagen's Plant Kariega in the Eastern Cape has entered the next phase in preparation for production of the third SA-built model. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! As Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) continues to prepare Plant Kariega for production of its third South African-built model, the automaker has announced the Eastern Cape-based assembly facility has entered the commissioning phase for the highly-anticipated entry-level compact crossover/SUV. Related: VW's Kariega Plant Will Pause Production in 2025 For R4 Billion Investment of Tera SUV This announcement comes after VWGA halted production at Plant Kariega earlier in 2024 (from April 14 to May 12) to complete the upgrades, notably to the body shop, paint shop and final assembly areas, made to the manufacturing line in December 2024. Noteworthy, with the aforementioned upgrades completed, production of the Polo Vivo and Polo has returned to normal, while the commissioning phase is carried out over the weekends. The latter phase comprises the processes of bringing the new equipment online and carrying out the necessary checks to ensure it operates optimally. Related: VW Finally Unveils New SA-built Compact Crossover Built alongside the aforementioned two cars, the automaker's upcoming product will serve as the opening gambit to the company's local crossover/SUV portfolio, which currently comprises the Polo-based T-Cross and Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan and Touareg. Positioned below the T-Cross, the Tera — as it is named in Brazil, where it is also manufactured — will officially be introduced in 2027. Locally, however, this model will be known by a different yet unannounced name. The German marque's SA arm has, however, confirmed that its moniker won't necessarily adhere to its 'T' naming convention. Related: Polo Production Halts at Kariega for Tooling of New A0 SUV VWGA production director Ulrich Schwabe said: 'We are happy to be back to normal production, with the knowledge that we are one step closer to our future of building three models in our plant.' Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post VW Plant Kariega Enters Next Phase for Production of New SA-built Crossover appeared first on CAR Magazine.
The Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Herald
VW's Kariega plant enters next phase of new budget SUV production
With the phase complete, the project has entered the commissioning stage. Over the coming weeks, new equipment will be brought online and tested during weekends to avoid interrupting the plant's normal three-shift operations. The Tera project is being developed in collaboration with Volkswagen Brasil, and will see the two markets working closely to bring the model to production. 'We are happy to be back to normal production, with the knowledge we are one step closer to our future of building three models in our plant,' said VWGA production director Ulrich Schwabe. 'I would like to thank every employee who has played a part in the process of preparing for the future icon in our Volkswagen line-up, and I look forward to working with these colleagues, and our Brazilian counterparts, as we continue on the journey.'
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
VW's Kariega plant enters next phase of new budget SUV production
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has completed the latest round of production facility upgrades at its Kariega plant as it moves forward with preparations to manufacture a third vehicle model from 2027. The new model, a compact A0 SUV known as the Tera in Brazil, will join the Polo and Polo Vivo on the production line. Built on the same chassis as the Polo, the Tera is positioned below the T-Cross in Volkswagen's global SUV line-up. Plans to produce it locally were announced in February during the VW Indaba media event. The vehicle will adopt a different moniker when it goes on sale, with VW planning to open a naming campaign across the African continent in the coming months. By the end of 2024, about 60% of the required production upgrades had been completed during the plant's December shutdown. The remaining 40% was addressed during a planned production pause from April 14 to May 12 this year. This included final work in the body shop, paint shop and final assembly areas. Specific tasks involved:
The Herald
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald
Volkswagen Group Africa appoints Simphiwe Nghona as new sales and marketing director
Before joining VWGA, he held senior positions at Standard Bank and WesBank, including a role overseeing vehicle and asset finance strategy in 14 African countries. Earlier in his career, he also managed dealership operations in Kariega as a dealer principal and executive director. He holds a postgraduate diploma from Henley Business School in the UK and completed an advanced management programme at INSEAD in France. In addition to his new role, Nghona chairs the boards of Volkswagen Ghana and Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda and sits on the board of VW Financial Services. 'We are delighted to welcome Simphiwe into his new role as sales and marketing director,' said Martina Biene, chair and MD of VWGA. 'His extensive industry experience, strategic mindset, and leadership capabilities will undoubtedly strengthen our team and drive our growth initiatives forward. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our business.'
TimesLIVE
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Volkswagen Group Africa appoints Simphiwe Nghona as new sales and marketing director
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) on Thursday announced the appointment of Simphiwe Nghona as its new sales and marketing director, effective May 1. He steps into the role after the departure of Thomas Milz. Nghona has been with the German carmaker since July 2024, leading its national sales organisation. He brings nearly three decades of experience across the automotive and financial services sectors, having worked with importers, distributors, OEMs and dealerships in several African markets. Before joining VWGA, he held senior positions at Standard Bank and WesBank, including a role overseeing vehicle and asset finance strategy in 14 African countries. Earlier in his career, he also managed dealership operations in Kariega as a dealer principal and executive director. He holds a postgraduate diploma from Henley Business School in the UK and completed an advanced management programme at INSEAD in France. In addition to his new role, Nghona chairs the boards of Volkswagen Ghana and Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda and sits on the board of VW Financial Services. 'We are delighted to welcome Simphiwe into his new role as sales and marketing director,' said Martina Biene, chair and MD of VWGA. 'His extensive industry experience, strategic mindset, and leadership capabilities will undoubtedly strengthen our team and drive our growth initiatives forward. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our business.'
