Explore the AutoPavilion

The Kariega plant has been building Volkswagen vehicles since 1951; over 4 million vehicles have been built here to date. VWSA is also the largest private employer in Nelson Mandela Bay and contributes actively to skills development, community upliftment, and the economy in the region.

The history and legacy of Volkswagen in South Africa is a large part of the experience.
Our AutoPavilion features:

• The history of over 70 years of Volkswagen in South Africa: This special exhibition showcases some of the many Volkswagen icons built locally over the past seven decades, starting with Bongo – the first Beetle assembled in Kariega in 1951!
• Our resident collection of Freaks in the “Meet the Freaks” exhibition: Take a peek at a Swedish model built in Kariega, or East Germany’s popular family car, or meet the car that was never produced – a South African prototype tipped to succeed the Beetle. Come and Meet the Freaks – our exhibition of cars you didn’t know were part of Volkswagen’s history.
• A selection of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle family, including the fabulous Foxy Lady, the film star Herbie and the beautiful Nomhle, to name a few.
• The Volkswagen FactoryTours, which give you a VIP view into how the Polo and Polo Vivo are built.