VWSA Archives Page 2 of 2 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Volkswagen plant in Kariega produces 400 000th Polo

vuyi on June 28, 2021

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) celebrated another production milestone today, when the 400 000th unit of the current Volkswagen Polo rolled off the production line in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage).

By the time the 400 000th Polo rolled off the production line, the plant had produced a total of 61 635 Polos and 10 373 Polo Vivos this year.

This is a proud moment for our team, who have proven their dedication to delivering for our customers in abroad and in South Africa.
– Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director, VWSA

This achievement comes less than four years after the plant began manufacturing the current Polo model in September 2017. Of the 400 000 Polos manufactured locally since 2017, 73 786 vehicles were made for the local market and 326 214 were built for export. 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 is a proud moment for our team, who have proven their dedication to delivering for our customers in abroad and in South Africa,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at VWSA. “I would like to thank every employee, whether on the production line, in the office or working from home, for continuously striving for excellence. This milestone could not have happened without their contributions.”

Get ready for the new VW Golf 8 GTI, coming to a dealership near you

vuyi on April 30, 2021

The Golf 8 GTI, Volkswagen’s highly anticipated hot hatch is set to launch in the third quarter of this year.

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

Volkswagen’s launch plans for the Golf 8 GTI include a digital South African premiere and countrywide customer events which will allow enthusiasts to be among the first to experience the new Golf GTI.

“The Volkswagen Group has been impacted by the global shortage of the semiconductor chips and all vehicles built on the MQB platform have been affected. For this reason, the launch of the Golf 8 GTI in South Africa will now move to the third quarter,” said Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.

“We are working closely with our German counterparts to ensure that we get as many Golf 8 GTI units for the local market as possible. A few Golf 8 GTI units started arriving in the country from mid-April. These units will be stockpiled until we have enough vehicles for the launch at the beginning of the third quarter,” added Knapp.

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 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.

WATCH: Ignition GT promo – Vuyi Mpofu chats about the VW Mswenko and Peugeot 2008

vuyi on March 26, 2021

Thank you so much for being part of the panel Vuyi. We appreciate it and hope to see more of you throughout the year.
– Zimkhita Kweza, Junior Producer, Ignition gt

The next episode of Ignition GT featuring our Editor Vuyi Mpofu debuts on Saturday 20th Feb at 10:30am on DSTV channel 189.

In it, she has a hilariously animated discussion with the panel about the decals on the VW Mswenko and gets taught how to pronounce ‘Peugeot’ when talking about the Peugeot 2008.

Read about the VW Mswenko here: https://heelsandhorsepowermag.com/polo-vivo-range-gets-a-stylish-special-edition-derivative/

Other broadcast dates of this episode are as follows:

SAT 20 Feb	10:30	IGNITION GT
SUN 21 Feb	16:30	IGNITION GT
MON 22 Feb	00:30	IGNITION GT
MON 22 Feb	10:30	IGNITION GT
TUE 23 Feb	04:30	IGNITION GT
WED 24 Feb	05:30	IGNITION GT
WED 24 Feb	20:30	IGNITION GT
THUR 25Feb	08:30	IGNITION GT
THUR 25 Feb	17:30	IGNITION GT
FRI 26 Feb	14:30	IGNITION GT

Fasten your seatbelt and get ready for the VW Golf 8 GTI

vuyi on March 8, 2021

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

Launched at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt 45 years ago, South Africa is one of the biggest Golf GTI markets outside of Europe with 34% of the total seventh generation of Golf sales being the GTI derivative.

The Golf model range was also the best-selling in the A Hatch segment in South Africa last year with a 29.1% segment share. The current generation Golf GTI has sold 14 252 units since its launch in South Africa in July 2013.

Unmistakably GTI

The GTI’s formula for success is that its DNA has never changed. It still has a clean design, front-wheel drive, an agile running gear, a powerful petrol engine and insignias like the red stripe in the radiator grille.

At the front, the wide air intakes, low-positioned standard LED headlights and unmistakable signature light on the radiator grille are particularly distinctive. The latter is illuminated for the first time by a narrow LED strip, which flows on the left and right into the headlight modules. The LED headlights feature 22 individual LEDs per headlight matrix signal. Drivers can customise their cars with the optional and sliding turn indicators.

At the rear, the roof spoiler, diffuser and two round tailpipes located at the outer sides are striking distinguishing features of the new GTI.

Digital and innovative

The Golf GTI’s ignition lock has been replaced by an engine start/stop button (standard equipment), which is notable in that once the doors are opened, it pulses red until the engine is started.
This is the first generation of Golf GTI to have a completely digitalised interior landscape of displays and controls.
The digital displays of the standard InnoVision cockpit and infotainment system start up as soon as the doors are opened.
The previous three-spoke sports steering wheel has been transformed into a new multi-function leather sports steering wheel with touch controls.
The interior is optimised through the standard InnoVision Cockpit (digital display) which is 10.25 inches wide.
The conventional controls for the headlights as well as fog lights have been changed to a digital panel.
The new Golf GTI features a smaller gear knob as a result of adopting a shift-by-wire system.
Swiping actions are also required to change the volume and temperature.
Ambient lighting is also a standard feature which gives drivers 30 interior colours to choose from.
The Golf 8 GTI will be the second model in the Volkswagen range to come available with the optional Harmon Kardon sound system with a 12-channel amplifier with 480W output as well as eight speakers, one centre speaker and a subwoofer.

Standard and optional equipment

The Golf 8 GTI in South Africa only comes in one derivative. Standard features include; 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, Lights and Vision Package including high-beam control light assist, Climatronic air conditioning, heated leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel with touch control and shifting paddles, GTI Vienna leather seats, keyless locking and starting system, Composition Media Radio, multi-colour InnoVision Cockpit, App-Connect, Cruise Control with speed limiter, Park Distance Control, mobile phone interface with inductive charging function as well as 30-colour ambient lighting.

Optional features include; panoramic sunroof, mechanically swivelling trailer hitch, IQ Light: LED Matrix Headlights, Black Styling Package with black 18-inch Bergamo alloy wheels, Head-up Display, Adaptive chassis control including driving profile selection, smokers package, 19-inch Adelaide alloy wheels, Harmon Kardon sound system, Discover Pro Radio (Satellite Navigation, USB, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control), Park Assist (parallel parking assistant), Rear Assist with rear view camera, Blind spot monitor (Rear Traffic Alert and Lane Assist including Electronically Folding Mirrors), Travel Assist (Lane Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control) and Adaptive cruise control with Front Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

The new Golf GTI will be available in three solid paint exterior colours (Pure White, Urano Grey, and Moonstone Grey), four metallic colours (Dolphin Grey, Atlantic Blue, Kings Red and Reflex Silver) and two pearlescent colours (Deep Black Pearl and Oryx White Pearl).

Networked and with active driving dynamics.

The iconic Golf has been given 11kW more power than its predecessor. The 2.0l turbocharged front-wheel drive engine now develops 180kW and a torque 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.

Pricing for the new Golf 8 GTI will be announced closer to the launch date.

Volkswagen, still the most awarded brand in the history of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards

vuyi on February 18, 2021

Volkswagen won three category awards at the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards which were broadcast on national television on 15 February 2021.

….as Volkswagen we are proud of how our customers continue to put their trust behind our incredible range of vehicles
– Mike Glendinning, Director: Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Group South Africa.

The wins at the 2020/2021 Consumer Awards come after a record-breaking 2020, where the Volkswagen brand in South Africa achieved a 21.6% passenger car market share, the highest in the history of the brand as well as the highest of all Volkswagen markets worldwide.

“With 50% of the final scores being based on after-sales data that incorporates customer feedback from South African vehicle owners, as Volkswagen we are proud of how our customers continue to put their trust behind our incredible range of vehicles,” said Mike Glendinning, Director: Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Group South Africa.

Widely regarded as South Africa’s most definitive and prestigious automotive awards programme, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, which are supported by WesBank, have become a highlight in the automotive calendar since the inaugural event six years ago.

Volkswagen’s first win of the night was the Compact Hatch category which went to the Polo. The Polo has won this category for the last three years. The Polo is also South Africa’s second best-selling passenger car with 16 335 units sold in 2020.

The second award for Volkswagen went to the Golf GTI TCR which is a final swansong of the Golf 7 model range. With less than a year on sale in South Africa, the Golf GTI TCR won the fiercely contested Hot Hatch category. This is the fifth time in the six-year history of the Cars Awards that the Golf GTI has won this category.

With less than two years since being introduced in the local market, the T-Cross defended its Compact Family Car title with a back-to-back win. The T-Cross has also become Volkswagen’s best-selling imported vehicle with 5 693 units sold in 2020.

“The fact that the locally-manufactured Polo has won the Compact Hatch category for three years in a row, is a testament of our world-class manufacturing facility in Uitenhage. I am also incredibly proud of the how our compact SUV, the T-Cross, has managed to not only defend its title with another win this year, but has become a dominant player in the A0 SUV segment. As Volkswagen gears to launch the Golf 8 GTI in South Africa from the second quarter of this year, the win by the Golf GTI TCR is a fitting tribute to the Golf 7 range in South Africa,” concluded Glendinning.

The Volkswagen brand still holds the record of the most category wins in the history of the Cars Awards; since inception Volkswagen has won 19 categories at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.

Volkswagen Group South Africa tops passenger car market in pandemic-hit 2020

vuyi on January 25, 2021

Despite a year that was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA), which consists of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles brands as well as Audi, ended 2020 as the passenger car market leader in South Africa.

“2020 was a challenging year not just for our brands but for the motoring industry as a whole and to come out of 2020 still holding onto our leadership of the passenger car market, is an incredible feat,” said Mike Glendinning, VWSA Sales and Marketing Director.

According to naamsa, 380 449 vehicles were sold in South Africa last year, a 29.1% decline when compared to 2019. “VWSA was severely affected by the pandemic which ground vehicle sales to a halt in April; our 2020 sales are down by 28.9% year-on-year when compared to 2019,” said Glendinning.

In what was been an unprecedented year, VWSA’s performance in 2020 is thanks to our dedicated Dealer Network who pushed for every sale.

“Despite the difficulties we faced in 2020, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand posted a record market share last year; the 21.6% market share achieved by the brand in 2020 is 1.2% higher than the one in 2019 and is the highest market share in the history of the brand as well as the highest market share of all Volkswagen markets across the world,” added Glendinning.

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand recorded total sales of 53 319 units last year. With 19 750 units sold in 2020, the locally-manufactured Polo Vivo is not only Volkswagen’s top-selling vehicle, but it is also the South Africa’s best-selling passenger car. The compact SUV, the T-Cross, is now Volkswagen’s best-selling imported vehicle with 5 693 units sold in 2020. With less than two years since being launched in South Africa, the T-Cross is now sitting in second position in the A0 SUV segment in the local market.

In a year that was particularly challenging for the premium market, the Audi brand increased its market share by 0.3% when compared to 2019 and recorded full-year sales of 5 819 units last year. The Audi Q2 was the best-selling model range for the premium brand last year posting sales of 1 131 units.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, which is responsible for vehicle derivatives like the Amarok, Caddy, Kombi, Caravelle, Panel Van and the Crafter, posted total sales of 4 344 and ended the year with a 3.7% market share in 2020. The Caddy was the brand’s best-selling derivative with 1 730 units sold in 2020.

I’d also like to thank our loyal Audi and Volkswagen customers who continue to ensure that VWSA is South Africa’s most loved passenger brand year after year.

“In what was been an unprecedented year, VWSA’s performance in 2020 is thanks to our dedicated Dealer Network who pushed for every sale. I’d also like to thank our loyal Audi and Volkswagen customers who continue to ensure that VWSA is South Africa’s most loved passenger brand year after year,” concluded Glendinning.

Looking ahead at 2021

This year, Volkswagen South Africa will be turning 70 years old in August. The first Volkswagen rolled off the production line in Uitenhage in 1951. Besides Volkswagen’s special birthday, there are also some exciting vehicles making their way to South Africa this year. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand will start off the year with a bang with the launch of the highly-anticipated hot hatch, the Golf 8 GTI. A Tiguan facelift, as well as the Golf 8 R, will also be launched in the local market this year.

2021 will also be an action-packed year for the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand as they kick off the year with sales of the most powerful bakkie in South Africa, the Amarok 190kW, from the first quarter of this year. New model introductions include the T6.1 Kombi, Crafter Auto, as well as the fifth generation of the best-selling Caddy model range.

Besides the introduction of a totally refreshed and extensive R and RS performance range (new RS4, RS5, RS6, RS7, RSQ8, RSQ3, R8 are all due in 2021), key model introductions for this year for the Audi brand in South Africa include the all-new Audi A3 model range. The Audi Q5 and Q2 model ranges are also due for a facelift in 2021 as well.

Polo Vivo range gets a stylish, special edition derivative – the Mswenko

vuyi on September 29, 2020

Volkswagen has updated the Polo Vivo model range by adding a stylish special edition to the range

With 261 285 units sold since its market introduction in March 2010, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch has been the best-selling passenger car model in South Africa for the past decade. Being the only locally manufactured model in the competitive A0 segment, the Polo Vivo has been a dominant brand in the entry-level hatch segment in spite of new models being launched on a regular basis.

Polo Vivo’s key product attributes such as affordability, German build quality, safety, space and comfort have a set an unparalleled benchmark in the segment. The cost of ownership over a 3-year cycle makes Polo Vivo one of the most affordable cars to own in the South African market.

Image courtesy of Quickpic
Image courtesy of Quickpic
Image courtesy of Quickpic
Image courtesy of Quickpic

“The Polo Vivo Mswenko, which is based on the 1.4 63kW Comfortline manual, is a fashion-inspired derivative which features unique styling details and serves to appeal to customers that are dynamic and young at heart,” said Mike Glendinning, Sales and marketing Director for Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA).

In the interior, the Polo Vivo Mswenko differentiates itself from the rest of the range with unique standard features

Mswenko (pronounced m-swe-nkoh) is the isiZulu expression for the slang word “swag”. Swag is an expression of attitude and confidence. A self-confident and stylish person is said to have swag. Mswenko, which is unique to South Africa, refers to a person’s style, attitude and general demeanour.

In the exterior, the Polo Vivo Mswenko is easily recognisable by the Mswenko side decals, a chrome tip exhaust, 16-inch Portago alloy wheels in Anthracite, a black painted roof, privacy glass and mirror covers in two colour variants.

In the interior, the Polo Vivo Mswenko differentiates itself from the rest of the range with unique standard features such as the new Ocean Blue seats, Anthracite headliner, silver dashboard inserts,
App Connect, six speakers and a leather package (leather multi-function steering wheel, gearshift lever and gear knob).

Image courtesy of Quickpic
Image courtesy of Quickpic
Image courtesy of Quickpic

This special edition model will only be available in the following exterior colours; Pure White, Reflex Silver, Limestone Grey and Reef Blue. The Polo Vivo Mswenko will be available at Volkswagen dealers from October 2020.

The Polo Vivo Mswenko comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. A Volkswagen Maintenance Plan as well as a Volkswagen Service Plan are available as options. Service interval is 15 000km.

Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included)

Polo Vivo Mswenko 1.4 63kW Comfortline R246 900

New Directors Appointed at VWSA

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has welcomed a number of new directors to their Board of Management.

Thabo Nkoane has been appointed as the new Human Resources Director, effective from 1 June 2020. Nkoane joins VWSA from AEL Mining Services, and boasts extensive experience in the mining and manufacturing sectors in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa. He holds an MBL and an Honours degree in Industrial Psychology.

VWSA is proud to welcome these new directors, and I am sure our business will benefit in many aspects from their knowledge and contributions,
– VWSA Chairman and Managing Director Thomas Schaefer

Nkoane replaces Percy Smith, who has held the title of Human Resources Director since 2008. Smith is retiring at the end of July after 30 years spent in service of VWSA.

The Board of Management has seen several changes in recent months. In December 2019, Rochelle Reddy took up the reins as the Director for Sub Saharan Africa, a new position that oversees Volkswagen’s interests in this region. Reddy has more than 15 years’ experience in international strategy development, most of which was gained in emerging African markets.

In March 2020, the company also welcomed a new Finance Director, Gustavo Dozo. Prior to joining VWSA, Dozo was Head of Finance for Volkswagen Argentina, and he has spent over 22 years working for the Volkswagen Group. Dozo replaced Henning Jens, who returned to Germany.

The Board also welcomed Reverend Nomgando Matyumza as its newest independent non-executive Board member in March 2020. Rev Matyumza has extensive management experience, having held positions with South African Breweries, Transnet Pipelines and Eskom. She has also served on the Boards of several other organisations, including Transnet and WBHO Ltd. She currently serves on the Boards of Standard Bank and Sasol. Rev Matyumza is a Chartered Accountant and holds B.Compt Honours and LLB degrees. She is a Presiding Elder and Pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

“VWSA is proud to welcome these new directors, and I am sure our business will benefit in many aspects from their knowledge and contributions,” said VWSA Chairman and Managing Director Thomas Schaefer. “I also want to thank Percy Smith for his decades of dedicated service and the impact he has made in the lives of our employees. I wish him all the best for his retirement.”

Jaguar I-PACE wins 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year

vuyi on July 8, 2020

The Jaguar I-PACE EV400 AWD SE is the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year!

This is the first time that the competition has been won by a Jaguar and also the first win by an electric car.

The accolade is the latest in a long line of victories for the all-electric I-PACE. It won the 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car awards (the I-PACE was the first model ever to win three World Car titles in the 15-year history of the awards). It also claimed the European Car of Year title last year.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE400d 4Matic was placed second while the Toyota GR Supra 3.0T came third.

The win by a Jaguar and an electric car were two firsts for the contest, which is organised by the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists. Given the lockdown, the winner of the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year was announced during a virtual awards ceremony that was streamed live – this was another first for the AutoTrader South African Car of the Year.

Performance Car: Toyota GR Supra 3.0T
Performance Car: Toyota GR Supra 3.0T

There are a number of category winners in the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year, and these winners were announced as well.

Watch the 2020 Auto Trader South African Car of the Year Announcement

The winner in the Urban Category was the Hyundai Atos 1.1 Motion. This category covers compact budget-friendly passenger vehicles that are ideal for in-town driving. Buyers of these cars typically rate practicality over luxury and performance.

The next category – Family – is especially popular. It consists of mid-size sedans. Buyers of these vehicles expect quality, practicality and comfort –with an element of advanced handling dynamics thrown into the equation. The winner in this category was the Toyota Corolla Hatch 1.2T XR CVT.

URBAN CATEGORY WINNER: HYUNDAI ATOS 1.1 MOTION
URBAN CATEGORY WINNER: HYUNDAI ATOS 1.1 MOTION

Family: Toyota Corolla Hatch 1.2T XR CVT

The third category – Leisure – was won by the Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI Comfortline 85kW DSG. This category covers sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). Owners of these SUVs and MPVs enjoy the freedom of driving both on and off-road. This – combined a high seating position and flexible cargo space – makes this a popular category amongst the buying public.

Leisure: Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI Comfortline 85kW DSG

The Lifestyle Utility Vehicles Category was won by the Ford Ranger Raptor. These vehicles typically offer supreme 4×4 ability and can be either an SUV or a single or double-cab bakkie.

The highly contested Premium Car Category was won by the overall winner, namely the Jaguar I-PACE EV400 AWD SE. Buyers of these prestigious mid to large vehicles want powerful engines, luxury features and high-end trim options.

The Premium SUV Category caters for vehicles that offer a combination of versatility, comfort, style and performance both on- and off the road. Boasting genuine 4×4 ability without low range, these vehicles are luxurious, spacious and refined. This category was won by the Mercedes-Benz GLE400d 4Matic.

The final category – sport/performance – was won by the Toyota GR Supra 3.0T. Whether it’s a sportier flagship of an existing passenger range or a pure stand-alone model, vehicles in this category have one common trait: superior performance. Accordingly, thoroughbred sports cars are included in this category.

The South African Car of the Year trophy, which has been awarded since 1986, is the country’s most highly respected and sought-after motoring accolade. While the competition has evolved over the years (categories were only introduced recently), one thing has remained true to the contest; it celebrates and rewards automotive excellence. Both the category and overall winners are considered to be benchmarks within their categories. The 2020 competition was no exception, with many of the winners having already achieved international acclaim.