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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
11 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Everything you need to know about the new VW Golf GTI Edition 50
Volkswagen has unveiled its new Golf GTI Edition 50. Built to celebrate the German hot hatch's golden anniversary, it is the fastest and most powerful production GTI model to date, thanks to a specially tuned 2.0 l four-cylinder turbocharged engine making 239kW and 420Nm of torque. It comes paired to a seven-speed DSG transmission. The Edition 50 rides 15mm lower than the standard GTI and is available with an optional Performance package that drops the chassis an extra 5mm lower to the asphalt for even better cornering characteristics. Ticking this box also gives you higher spring rates, adapted spring mounts, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system and 19" 'Warmenau' forged wheels shod with newly developed Bridgestone 235 Potenza Race semi-slick tyres. The latter, according to VW, are 1.1kg lighter than a standard tyre. On the outside, the Edition 50 differentiates itself from its lesser GTI sibling with a black roof, black exterior mirror housings and black exhaust tailpipe finishers. Other exclusive garnish includes a GTI 50 logo on the roof spoiler and insides of the exterior mirrors, special trim on the door sills and a side stripe on the side members with a colour gradient from black to Tornado red. Five striking exterior colours are on offer: Pure White, Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black Metallic, Dark Moss Green Metallic and Tornado Red. The cabin features a racier ambience with sport seats upholstered in a check pattern that pays homage to the original GTI that broke cover in 1976. Other tasty mods come in the form of red seat belts and a multifunction leather sports steering wheel with a GTI 50 logo. Though VW hasn't dropped any official performance figures, it has confirmed that the Edition 50 set a lap time of 7:46.13 seconds around the Nürburgring Nordschleife with racing driver Benny Leuchter behind the wheel. That's quicker than Leuchter's previous record in the 245kW Golf R '20 Years' edition in 2022 by just over a second, and more than three seconds faster than his 2016 lap in the GTI Clubsport S (228kW). Impressive stuff. Production of the Golf GTI Edition 50 will begin at the end of 2025 with first deliveries expected to commence at the start of its anniversary year from the first quarter of 2026.
The Herald
16 hours ago
- The Herald
Updated Haval H6 pushes value agenda in crowded segment
And then we had a short turn with the flagship of the H6 range, the electrified GT model, on a private circuit. Boasting rakish coupé-like lines, the model is armed with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It also uses the 1.5 l but with a 35.4kWh battery and electric motor enabling a combined output of 321kW/762Nm. Haval claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds. The all-wheel drive GT plug-in hybrid is remarkably quiet and drama-free as it dashes off the line, without a hint of wheelspin. According to the brand, it can be driven on electric power for up to 180km, able to cruise at 120km/h in zero-emissions mode. The new H6 is served in Luxury, Super Luxury, Ultra Luxury and GT trims, with pricing kicking off at R495,500; topping out at R799,900 for the plug-in hybrid GT. A seven-year/200,000km warranty and seven-year/75,000km service plan is included. The hybrids get a separate eight-year/150,000km warranty for the associated high-voltage components. The H6 plays in a tough segment, with familiar favourites such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5. But there are also Chinese rivals such as the JMC-sourced Ford Territory and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. As before, pricing for the H6 remains competitive. This, coupled with the fresh design and healthy list of amenities, should keep the model towards the top of shopping consumers' lists.
The Herald
a day ago
- The Herald
Volkswagen welcomes 540 young trainees through YES programme
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has announced an intake of 540 young unemployed graduates for its 2025 Youth Unemployment Services (YES) programme. The YES programme was initiated by the government in 2019 to alleviate youth unemployment. The company said 296 trainees will work for VWGA: 232 at will be stationed at Kariega in Gqeberha, where the company assembles the VW Polo and Polo Vivo models; 62 are headed to its Gauteng headquarters in Sandton; and two will be absorbed at the company's satellite parts warehouse in the Western Cape. Another 244 trainees will be deployed with external partners in October. This intake brings the total of YES trainees who have benefited from VWGA's involvement in the programme to 3,650. 'We know today's youth will be tomorrow's leaders, but we also believe in playing an active role in developing those leaders and innovators,' said Nonkqubela Maliza, VWGA's corporate and government affairs director. 'Through our participation in the YES programme, we want to offer youth the space to become economically active and gain invaluable skills on which they can build successful and fulfilling careers.' Since its inception, VWGA has supported the initiative by providing employment opportunities and work experience for youth at its sites, in addition to opportunities in the dealer network and SME partners. TimesLIVE
