Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has resumed operations at its Kariega plant following a four-week production pause to finalise upgrades for its upcoming A0 SUV Entry model. The vehicle, known as the Tera in Brazil, set to join the Polo and Polo Vivo on the assembly line from 2027, marks the plant’s transition to producing three models.
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The upgrades, part of a phased plan announced earlier this year, focused on modifications in the Body Shop, Paint Shop, and Final Assembly areas. During the shutdown from April 14 to May 12, teams completed robot programming, conveyor adjustments and station installations. These steps build on groundwork laid during a December 2024 shutdown, which finished 60% of the required work.
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With physical upgrades now complete, the project has entered a commissioning phase. New equipment will be activated and tested systematically during weekends to avoid interrupting the plant’s three-shift production schedule. The initiative involves collaboration between VWGA and Volkswagen do Brasil, which is co-developing the A0 SUV Entry.
Ulrich Schwabe, VWGA Production Director, acknowledged the efforts of staff, stating, “Returning to full production while progressing toward our three-model future reflects the dedication of our teams. This project strengthens our partnership with Brazil and underscores our commitment to the Kariega plant’s long-term role in Volkswagen’s global strategy.”
The A0 SUV Entry forms part of VWGA’s broader strategy to expand its South African manufacturing footprint, aligning with market demand for compact SUVs. Further updates on the model’s development and launch timeline are expected in the coming months.
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