Volkswagen of South Africa
Proud History
Volkswagen has a long history of involvement in transformation of the way that people live in South Africa. Since the first Beetle rolled off the line on 31 August 1951, Volkswagen has become one of the leading passenger car manufacturers in the country.
Pioneering steps in Volkswagen’s journey to create a better future and life for all in the country include:
- 1949
- 18 February The official opening of South Africa Motor Assemblers and Distributors (SAMAD).
- 1951
- 31 August The first Beetle is produced.
- 1956
- A controlling interest in the Company is bought by Volkswagen AG.
- 1966
- The Company is renamed Volkswagen of South Africa.
- 1970
- Volkswagen was one of the first companies to officially recognise a Black Trade Union and was also the first company in South Africa to appoint full time Shop Stewards even though trade unions were not recognised at the time.
- 1974
- Volkswagen of South Africa becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG.
- 1978
- The Volkswagen Golf is introduced.
- 1979
- The end of the Beetle era as the factory ceases production of this iconic vehicle.
- 1981
- Volkswagen qualifies the first black artisan in South Africa, a motor mechanic. Volkswagen then qualified the first black toolmaker in South Africa a month later.
- 1982
- Volkswagen is instrumental in getting the first black students enrolled at Port Elizabeth Technikon, pioneering the racial integration of tertiary institutions in South Africa.
- 1989
- The Volkswagen Community Trust, which is jointly administered and controlled by representatives from the trade union, employees and management of the company, is formed. This Trust administers Volkswagen of South Africa’s Corporate Social Investment commitments.
- 1990
- Volkswagen signs an extensive Recognition Agreement with the National Union of Metalworkers (NUMSA) which includes detailed standards renouncing any advantage provided by apartheid laws, the continued payment of employees detained under Security or Emergency Laws, agreeing to the Protected Right of Strike and setting out detailed commitments on Employment Equity and Affirmative Action. This agreement was drawn up and signed well before the changes to the South African Labour Law were introduced during 1995/1996.
- 1992
- Volkswagen wins the South African Rally Manufacturer’s Championship.
- 1995
- President Nelson Mandela visits the Volkswagen of South Africa factory.
- 1997
- Jannie Habig, driving a third generation Golf, wins the South African Rally Driver’s Championship.
- 2001
- Volkswagen celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first South African Volkswagen, a Beetle, to leave the assembly line in Uitenhage.
- 2004
- The AutoPavilion is opened and the Technology Support Centre at Volkswagen of South Africa’s Service Centre is launched.
- 2005
- Volkswagen is the passenger market leader for the year of 2005.
- Volkswagen Driving Academy is opened at the Kyalami racing circuit in Midrand, Johannesburg.
- Volkswagen announces its sponsorship of First Division Premier League Soccer side Moroka Swallows.
- BP Volkswagen Rally team celebrates winning the 2005 South African Rally Driver Championship.
- 2006
- Volkswagen is the passenger market leader for the year of 2006.
- Citi celebrates its 21st birthday with a facelift.
- BP Volkswagen Rally team celebrates winning the 2006 South African Rally Driver Championship.
- Volkswagen announces its ‘People for the Future’ initiative, with the Company investing more than R400 million in training and skills development between 2006 and 2010.
- Guest of Honour President Thabo Mbeki officially opens the motor manufacturer’s new state-of-the-art Paint Shop.
- 2007
- Volkswagen is the passenger market leader for the year of 2007, the third year in succession.
- Volkswagen of South Africa celebrates the production of 2.5 million cars, and becomes the exclusive title sponsor of ground-breaking South African band, Freshlyground.
- 2008
- Managing Director David Powels announces that Volkswagen of South Africa will export in excess of 40 000 vehicles in 2008 including a new export contract for 10 260 fifth generation Jettas to countries including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Great Britain and Ireland.
- Volkswagen of South Africa is awarded a R12 billion contract to supply the Volkswagen Group with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) for the next five years.
