Volkswagen starts making Africa-focused SUV at South Africa plant

By Reuters News

By Nqobile Dludla

- Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has begun full-scale production of its new Tengo compact sport utility vehicle at its Kariega plant in South Africa, ahead of its launch in early 2027.

  • The Tengo is the first Volkswagen VOWG.DE SUV to be built at the Eastern Cape plant in its 75-year history and will become the third vehicle manufactured at the facility alongside the Polo and Polo Vivo

  • The start of production marks the culmination of a 4 billion rand ($241 million) investment announced in 2024 as Volkswagen seeks to expand across Africa, where demand for compact and affordable SUVs has been growing

  • Based on Volkswagen's Brazil-built Tera, the Tengo was developed specifically for African markets through collaboration between VWGA and Volkswagen do Brasil

  • Volkswagen said about 45% of its components are sourced locally, supporting South Africa's automotive supply chain

  • The model's name was selected through a competition involving Volkswagen employees and customers across several African countries

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