VWSA Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Volkswagen Golf 8 R Coming To A Dealership Near You

vuyi on April 13, 2023

On 25 April 2023, Volkswagen will start the sale of its most powerful hatch, the Golf 8 R, in the local market.

Since the Golf R’s launch in South Africa in 2007, the hatch has sold close to 6 000 units. The new Golf 8 R’s drive technology tops everything that has been launched in the Golf model range thus far. The corresponding drive output is generated by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder EA 888 engine. The new Golf 8 R accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h. The Golf 8 R impresses with the combination of 400Nm of torque, cutting-edge running gear and the most progressive all-wheel drive in its class.

Standard features in the Volkswagen Golf 8 R include mobile inductive charging, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with safelock, ‘Discover Pro’ navigation system, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, Adaptive Chassis Control including driving profile selection, Light and Vision Package including light assist, Nappa leather R sport seats as well as a choice of three exterior colours (Pure White, Lapiz Blue metallic and Deep Black Pearl).

Optional features in the Volkswagen Golf 8 R include IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, Akrapovič R Performance exhaust, Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon sound system, Parallel Park Assist, Rear Assist with a rear view camera, Blind spot monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Assist and electronically folding side mirrors, Travel Assist with Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking System as well as the Black Performance Package (includes drift mode, an increased top speed of 270 km/h and black 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels).

“Production constraints and parts shortages severely derailed our launch plans, but we are excited to finally extend the performance range in South Africa with the introduction of the new Golf 8 R. The Golf 8 R joins the Golf GTI and the Tiguan R as Volkswagen’s performance derivatives in the South African market,” said Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand.

Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included)

Golf R 2.0 TSI 235kW DSG® R912 800

The Golf 8 R also comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 5 year/ 100 000km EasyDrive Maintenance Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km

VWSA welcomes new Human Resources Director & Board Member

vuyi on March 16, 2022

By H&H Admin

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has appointed a new Human Resources Director and Board member.

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has appointed a new Human Resources Director and Board member, to be based in Kariega, Eastern Cape.

Russell Coleman will join the VWSA Board of Management from 1 April 2022. Russell brings with him over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing space, both in the automotive and FMCG industries.

Russell Coleman joins VWSA Board of Management

Born and raised in Gqeberha, he joins VWSA from Beiersdorf in KwaZulu Natal, where he held the position of HR Director Southern Africa. Before this, he occupied various Human Resources positions with companies such as Danone, Parmalat, Mondelez International and Faurecia Automotive.

“We are excited to welcome Russell to the Board of Management,” said VWSA Chairman and Managing Director, Robert Cisek. “I have no doubt that his decades of knowledge and experience of people operations within a manufacturing environment will greatly benefit VWSA and our employees.”

Here is the pricing of VW’s popular Polo DSG derivatives

vuyi on February 14, 2022

By H&H Admin

The Polo 1.0 TSI 70kW manual and Polo GTI derivatives went on sale at the beginning of January 2022 and from the end of February 2022, South Africans will now be able to purchase the Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG.

The Polo Life 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG comes standard with a digital dashboard display, Park Distance Control (front and rear), electric folding mirrors, lumbar support for the driver and front passenger, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles as well as 15-inch Essex alloy wheels.

The Polo R-Line 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG distinguishes itself from the other Polo versions by its striking ‘R’ design. In addition to the standard features of the Polo Life, the Polo R-Line is offered with 16-inch Valencia alloy wheels, Composition Media infotainment system with inductive mobile charging and a two-zone climatronic air-conditioning system.

Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included)

Polo 1.0 TSI 70kW Manual R311 800

Polo Life 1.0 TSI 70kW Manual R350 000

Polo Life 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG R370 700

Polo R-Line 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG R421 900

Polo GTI 2.0 TSI 147kW DSG R489 400

The new Volkswagen Polo comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 3 year/ 45 000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

The service interval is 15 000km. Customers have the option to extend EasyDrive Maintenance and EasyDrive Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000km.

100 000th Polo Vivo rolls off production line at VWSA plant in Kariega

vuyi on January 28, 2022

Starting 2022 off on a strong note, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) celebrated a production milestone this week, with the 100 000th unit of the current Polo Vivo rolling off the production line at the plant in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage).

The Vivo is built exclusively in Kariega for the South African market and this milestone comes just over four years after the plant began manufacturing the current Vivo model in 2018.

Prior to this, VWSA built the first generation Vivo from 2010 to 2017, with a total of 254 683 units built in this generation. This means the plant has built just over 354 000 Vivos to date.

In turn, South African consumers have shown their appreciation consistently for this uniquely South African vehicle: the Vivo has been the best-selling vehicle in the passenger car market every year since its introduction in 2010.

A total of 350 289 Vivos have been sold between 2010 and 2021, of which 251 726 were during the first generation and 98 563 of the current model (up until December 2021).

The best annual sales performance for the current Vivo model was recorded in 2019 when VWSA sold a total of 29 618 Vivos in one year. In terms of monthly performance, the Vivo proved most popular in October 2018, when 3 009 Vivos were sold in a single month.

The Vivo is one of two vehicles currently being built at the Kariega plant, the other being the Volkswagen Polo. The Polos built in Kariega are exported to all right-hand-drive markets worldwide, while VWSA also supplements production for left-hand-drive markets.

“This milestone means a lot to our team, both in Production and in the rest of the company,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at VWSA. “Given the challenges of our industry and of the Covid-19 pandemic, this achievement is a proud moment that sets the tone for a successful year ahead. I am grateful to every VWSA employee for their dedication, and the part they played in making this milestone a reality.”

VWSA welcomes Marubini Raphulu as newest Non-Executive Director

vuyi on January 25, 2022

Press Release: Volkswagen Group South Africa

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has welcomed Marubini Raphulu to their Board of Management.

Raphulu, who serves as a non-executive Director, joined the Board effective 1 December 2021. He is an entrepreneur with extensive experience across various industries, including the energy sector. His most recent role was as the Chief Executive Officer of Hulisani, a company he also co-founded.

In addition to this, Raphulu is an admitted attorney. He holds a B.Proc. and LLB degree, as well as an LLM degree in Tax.

Raphulu is one of two non-executive Directors currently serving on the VWSA Board of Management. The Board also welcomed Reverend Nomgando Matyumza as non-executive Board member in March 2020.

“We are proud to welcome Mr Raphulu to our Board of Management, and we firmly believe our business will benefit greatly from his input,” said VWSA Chairman and Managing Director Robert Cisek.

Black Style Package added to the Polo Vivo range

vuyi on November 12, 2021

Press Release: Volkswagen South Africa

The Polo Vivo is the latest model in the Volkswagen range to offer the popular Black Style Package.

The Black Style Packages were introduced in the Tiguan and Touareg in 2019.

“The Black Style Package is a popular optional package and its success in the Tiguan and Touareg models motivated our decision to also introduce it in the new Golf GTI and now the Polo Vivo,” said Steffen Knapp, head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.

The Black Style Package is available on the Polo Vivo Comfortline and Highline derivatives. It is only offered in Pure White, Reflex Silver, Flash Red and Reef Blue exterior colours.

In the Polo Vivo range, the Black Style Package includes black 16-inch Portago alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, a gloss black painted roof, gloss black B and C pillar covers, black side sill covers, body-coloured boot spoiler, privacy glass, chrome exhaust tip as well as anthracite headliner and sun visors.

The Black Style Package on the best-selling Polo Vivo is now available from Volkswagen dealers and retails for R9 000.00 on the Comfortline and R8 250.00 on the Highline.

In the Golf 8 GTI, the Black Style Package features piano black side mirrors, a piano black chrome strip on the front grille as well as black 18-inch Bergamo alloy wheels. The Black Style Package in the Golf 8 GTI retails for R8 000.00

In the Tiguan, the Black Style Package comes with a body coloured bumper and lower door parts, black air intakes with fins on the radiator grille, black decorative trim on the side windows, black exterior mirror housings, privacy glass, black roof rails, a black headliner, sport suspension and black 20-inch Suzuka alloy wheels. The Black Style Package in the Tiguan costs R28 000.00.

In the top-of-the-range Touareg, the Black Style Package features blackened out chrome elements, an ‘R’ style bumper, body-coloured bumper and lower door parts, black roof rails, black decorative trim on the side windows, black side mirrors, black radiator grille and black 21-inch Suzuka alloy wheels. The Black Style Package in the Touareg, which is only available on the Executive model, retails for R45 200.00.

Over 55 000 Volkswagens sold in the first 10 months of 2021

vuyi on November 9, 2021

Press Release: Volkswagen South Africa

In a year that has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as a global shortage of semi-conductor chips, Volkswagen has remained South Africa’s best-selling passenger car brand in the first 10 months of 2021.

In the first 10 months of 2021, the Volkswagen Passenger Car brand has sold 51 381 vehicles in the local market. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is the best-selling model with 18 241 units sold (2 747 more units when compared to the same period last year). The T-Cross, the leader of the A0 SUV segment, is now the best-selling imported model with 5 912 units sold from January to October.

“Despite the vehicle supply challenges our Brand is experiencing, our dealer partners, which account for over 75% of total Volkswagen sales, displayed resilience to ensure that we maintain our leadership in the passenger car market in South Africa,” said Steffen Knapp, head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.

The Volkswagen model range was bolstered by the market introduction of the new Tiguan in July and new Golf GTI in September. The new Tiguan, which is Volkswagen’s second best-selling SUV, has sold 1 301 units since its launch. Meanwhile, the new Golf GTI has sold 201 units during its first two months of retail.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has improved its market share to 3.7% when compared to the same period last year. The brand delivered 4 356 units to customers in the first 10 months of 2021.

The Amarok double cab is the best-selling model with 1 485 units sold and accounted for over 30% of the Brand’s sales. The T6.1 Kombi and Caravelle also reported good sales of 853 units during this period.

2022 will be an exciting year for Volkswagen. The Brand will introduce the new Polo, all-new compact SUV, the Taigo, and the new Polo Sedan. Performance will be taken to the next level with the market introduction of the new Golf 8 R and Tiguan R.

For Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, 2022 will also be an important year with the market introductions of the new Caddy and the highly anticipated new generation Amarok.

The Golf 8 GTI is now officially on sale in South Africa

vuyi on September 10, 2021

The Golf 8 GTI officially went on sale on 1 September 2021.

The Golf 8 GTI officially went on sale on 1 September 2021 and AVIS was Volkswagen South Africa’s first customer.

2021 is a special year for Volkswagen and AVIS as we celebrate our 50-year partnership.
– said Rebone Motsatsi, AVIS Executive: Car Rental Operations

“Part of our success as a brand is attributed to sales to the rental industry. Volkswagen has the highest passenger car share of the rental market which is 34%. AVIS remains a key strategic partner for the Volkswagen brand because it accounts for 50% of our rental channel sales,” said Steffen Knapp, head of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand.

Over 7 000 units are sold to AVIS each year, which is approximately 10% of Volkswagen’s total annual vehicles sold in South Africa.

AVIS remains a key strategic partner for the Volkswagen brand because it accounts for 50% of our rental channel sales.
– Steffen Knapp, head of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand

The partnership between Volkswagen and AVIS began in January 1971 with the delivery of 96 Beetle 1300s. A year later, Avis tripled the order which included 1600cc Beetles, Type 4s and Microbuses. By 1981, Volkswagen has sold its 10 000th car to AVIS which was a Golf.

In 1996, AVIS became Volkswagen’s biggest customer when a record number of 3 805 vehicles were delivered to them during that year. In 2008, Volkswagen delivered the 100 000th vehicle to AVIS and to date over 200 000 units have been delivered to AVIS.

“2021 is a special year for Volkswagen and AVIS as we celebrate our 50-year partnership. We are proud of how the partnership between the two organisations has grown since the humble beginnings in 1971. We are also excited to be the first customer to take delivery of the Golf 8 GTI in South Africa which will be an important model of our AVIS Luxury Cars fleet,” said Rebone Motsatsi, AVIS Executive: Car Rental Operations.

In 2020, the Golf range was No.1 in the A Hatch segment with a share of 29.1%. The Golf 8 GTI is set to continue the success of the hot hatch and to date over 1 000 customers have shown interest in the GTI since pre-orders went live on 19 July 2021.

Volkswagen South Africa teases with images of Golf 8 GTI

vuyi on August 12, 2021

The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI will be launched in South Africa from the third quarter of 2021.

The Golf 8 GTI is Volkswagen’s highly anticipated vehicle launch this year. South Africa is one of the biggest Golf GTI markets outside of Europe.

The Golf 7 GTI has sold over 14 000 units since its launch in South Africa in July 2013. The Golf was also the best-selling model range in the A Hatch segment in South Africa last year with a 29.1% segment share.

The most digitally advanced Golf GTI has been given 11kW more power than its predecessor. The 2.0l turbocharged engine now develops 180kW with a torque peak of 370Nm.

The four-cylinder engine is coupled with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It takes 6.4 seconds to complete the 0 – 100km/h sprint.

Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included): Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 180kW DSG® R669 300

The Volkswagen Golf GTI comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 5 year/ 90 000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km.

VWSA opens Covid-19 vaccination centre for its Kariega employees

vuyi on August 12, 2021

To empower its employees and the larger community in the fight against Covid-19, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has begun vaccinating its employees in Kariega against the virus.

The VWSA vaccination centre, which was set up at the VW PeoplePavilion near the plant in Kariega, began administering the Pfizer vaccines to VWSA employees on 2 August. In its first week, the centre vaccinated 426 employees, with plans to vaccinate 150 employees per day from this week onwards.

The process to establish this vaccination centre started a few months ago, with the centre being approved and accredited by the Department of Health as a workplace vaccination site. The centre is staffed with four professional nurses, some of whom are contract staff and some from the company’s Wellness Centre, as well as two administrators.

As one of the largest employers in the Eastern Cape, we take the responsibility of protecting our employees and the community against Covid-19 seriously
– Dr Robert Cisek, VWSA Chairman and Managing Director

At the current pace and envisaged planning, it would take the vaccination centre approximately 16 working days to vaccinate all willing employees who have not yet received both doses of the vaccine, after which the company plans to expand the vaccination programme to VWSA’s on-site service providers and then the loved-ones living in the same household as VWSA employees.

VWSA employee Siphiwo Alwyn receiving his first Covid-19 jab from Sister Zanele Mboniswa

The vaccination centre functions separately from the Covid-19 testing facility which was set up by VWSA last year, and which continues to provide free drive-through Covid-19 testing for employees in Kariega. By the end of the first week of August, the facility had performed in excess of 6 800 tests since its opening.

“VWSA has played an instrumental role in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic so far,” said Dr Robert Cisek, VWSA Chairman and Managing Director. “As one of the largest employers in the Eastern Cape, we take the responsibility of protecting our employees and the community against Covid-19 seriously. This vaccination centre is an important part of fulfilling that duty, and I am proud of each employee who supports us in our duty by choosing to vaccinate.”

Volkswagen Announces Pricing for the new Golf 8 GTI

vuyi on July 19, 2021

The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI is coming to South Africa soon and we have the pricing.

The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI will retail in South Africa from 1 September 2021 and we have the pricing.

The most digitally advanced Golf GTI has been given 11kW more power than its predecessor. The 2.0l turbocharged engine now develops 180kW with a torque peak of 370Nm. The four-cylinder engine is coupled with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It takes 6.4 seconds to complete the 0 – 100km/h sprint.

Volkswagen’s launch plans for the Golf 8 GTI includes a digital South African premiere in July as well as countrywide customer events which will allow enthusiasts to be among the first to experience the award-winning Golf GTI.

Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included)

Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 180kW DSG® R669 300

The Volkswagen Golf GTI comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 5 year/ 90 000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km.

Peace-of-mind driving with Volkswagen EasyDrive Vehicle Plans

vuyi on July 8, 2021

Volkswagen’s EasyDrive Vehicle Plans offer a comprehensive service and maintenance programme designed to give customers the best value in terms of hassle-free motoring.

Volkswagen’s EasyDrive Vehicle Plans offer a comprehensive service and maintenance programme designed to give customers the best value in terms of hassle-free motoring.

“The EasyDrive Vehicle plans give our customers peace-of-mind motoring and benefits like protection against inflation as prices are fixed at today’s rates for future servicing and maintenance costs, transferability from the current owner to a new owner and enhanced resale value with a full service history,” said Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.

Customers have the option to extend the EasyDrive Maintenance and Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000km.

The EasyDrive Vehicle plans give our customers peace-of-mind motoring

– Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand

We offer a seamless after sales customer experience

– Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand

The comprehensive EasyDrive Maintenance Plan covers all costs (parts and labour) associated with scheduled vehicle services, repairs of defective components and wear and tear items (excluding tyres) that need to be replaced as well as 24/7 Roadside Assistance. The EasyDrive Service Plan covers all manufacturer-specific scheduled service requirements, including parts and labour costs.

You might also like : https://heelsandhorsepowermag.com/age-vs-mileage-which-is-more-important-when-buying-a-pre-owned-vehicle/

“At Volkswagen, we offer a seamless after sales customer experience. Included in our EasyDrive Maintenance and Service Plans is access to and the technical expertise of the 109-strong Dealer Network in Southern Africa, over 40 000 genuine Volkswagen vehicle parts which are available in the country as well as customer care in the form of 24-hour Roadside Assistance,” added Knapp.

The added benefit of the vehicle plans is the availability of parts in South Africa; Volkswagen has one of the biggest footprints when it comes to vehicle parts in Southern Africa. In South Africa, Volkswagen has 32 000m² Parts facilities in Cape Town and Centurion, Pretoria with more than 40 000 genuine parts available.

Volkswagen Connect: Application with Dataplug

Simplified and Digitalised Service Experience

Using the WeConnect Go App, Volkswagen drivers are able to book a vehicle service on the app. Using the digital Service Cam feature, a first and an innovation for the dealer network in South Africa, a technician is able to diagnose an issue on the car and show this to the customer via video, the customer is then able to give approval before repairs are made on the vehicle.

The Volkswagen Dealer Network uses expert and world-class master technicians who utilise cutting-edge tools and equipment for repair work and to update the latest available software so that drivers can enjoy the best performance and driving dynamics.

The 24-hour Roadside Assistance also offers Volkswagen customers benefits like towing, fuel (for the customer’s account) and jump-starting in the unlikely event of a flat battery.