Volkswagen Group South Africa says the 200 000th example of the sixth-generation Polo has rolled off the production line at its Uitenhage plant in the Eastern Cape.

The local arm of the Wolfsburg-based firm says 153 582 units were exported and 46 418 were produced for the SA market, with production of this generation starting in September 2017. That means the milestone has been reached in two years, with the 200 000th unit taking the shape of a red Polo GTI.

The Polo is exported to all right-hand markets worldwide, with the factory furthermore supplementing production of left-hand-drive Polo units for European markets.

Between January and August 2019, the plant has built 110 265 units, covering the Polo (including Polo GTI) and Polo Vivo ranges. The Uitenhage facility plant has been building Polos since 1996, when it started local production of the Polo Classic. In total, Volkswagen has manufactured 1 053 600 vehicles for export since 1994.

“This milestone could not have been achieved without the dedication of our employees,” said Thomas Schaefer, Volkswagen Group South Africa chairman and managing director.

“Our success, both locally and overseas, benefits our workforce and the local economy. We intend to keep achieving these milestones and contributing to the economy of Nelson Mandela Bay.”

Original article from Car