Volkswagen Africa

KARIEGA – Volkswagen Group Africa’s Reabetsoe Kgoedi was named runner-up in this year’s Energy Professional of the Year Awards hosted by the Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) in Johannesburg.

The award is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the energy profession and to the candidate’s community in various areas of society.

Kgoedi, an Environmental Sustainability Technical Specialist at Volkswagen Group Africa, was recognised for her contribution to energy efficiency measures at the Kariega plant where the Volkswagen Polo and Vivo are built. The company has reduced energy consumption by 54% since 2010. In her portfolio, Kgoedi plays a key role in finding solutions to further reduce consumption.

She explains that energy-saving projects such as process optimisation, detecting and fixing leaks in compressed air systems and energy efficiency projects such as installing energy efficient lighting and equipment are instrumental in achieving efficiency. “We are consistently monitoring processes and influence mindsets towards energy consumption, such as air conditioner usage,” said Kgoedi.

Volkswagen’s global Go to Zero strategy further promotes the reduction in energy with the goal of achieving a zero-carbon emissions factory by 2030.

Over the past 10 years Kgoedi worked in various industries and developed a passion for energy. Being named runner-up in the Energy of the Year Professional category, inspired Kgoedi to do even more, especially in the community.

“Being recognised as the Energy Professional of the Year runner-up is an incredible honour that reflects not only my dedication to the energy sector over the past decade, but also the collaborative efforts of those around me. This award symbolises the impact I’ve made in driving energy management initiatives across various sectors over the years, including consulting, government, property, and now the automotive industry. It reinforces my commitment to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability in our communities. I am particularly grateful for the unwavering support I received from Volkswagen Group Africa after hearing of my nomination, as it highlights the importance of teamwork in achieving our shared goals. This recognition inspires me to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy management and to contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change,” said Kgoedi.

The Energy Professional of the Year title went to Mark Vorster from SEM Solutions, an energy engineering company.

Bridget Harpur, Head of Marketing for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brands, has been honoured with the coveted Marketing Leadership and Innovation Award at the Loeries held on 10 October 2024. This recognition marks another significant milestone in Harpur’s illustrious career and demonstrates her exceptional contributions to the Volkswagen brand and marketing in South Africa.

Bridget Harpur, a seasoned marketing professional with over two decades of experience, has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in brand development, campaign execution and team leadership. Her innovative approach to marketing has played a pivotal role in maintaining Volkswagen’s position as one of South Africa’s most awarded automotive brands for creative advertising.

Reflecting on her journey, Harpur shared: “My career started in 1998 in the advertising industry, where I held various roles across media, strategy, and account management. I worked on the Volkswagen account, and that’s where my love affair with the brand began. In 2009, I joined Volkswagen South Africa, working in marketing and sales, and then in our rental division, before returning to marketing three years ago. Our recent campaigns, such as The Blind Spot and VW Night School, have been passion projects for the team, driven by our commitment to road safety and our ability to make a difference in saving lives.”

Harpur’s work has not only made a profound impact on the South African audience but has also gained her significant industry recognition. Last year, she was named Marketer of the Year at the 2023 Assegai Awards, cementing her reputation as a leader in the competitive automotive sector. Harpur’s innovative marketing strategies continue to take the Volkswagen brand “Beyond the Drive,” making meaningful connections with consumers and driving the brand’s impact on and off the road.

Vicki Buys, Managing Director of Ogilvy South Africa, commented on the win: “Everyone across Ogilvy South Africa is ecstatic that Bridget has been recognised for her consistent belief in creative advertising that has helped drive the Volkswagen brand forward in SA. Having had the personal pleasure of working closely with Bridget for many years, I know that she’s not done yet!”

The Loeries’ Marketing Leadership and Innovation Award is given to individuals in recognition of their marketing achievements over an extended period. Notably, the first recipient of this award was former Volkswagen Group Africa’s Sales & Marketing Director, Mike Glendinning, in 2008.

Commenting on Harpur’s achievement, Glendinning said: “I’m so proud to see the Volkswagen brand continue to grow and the award come full circle. Congratulations to you, Bridget, for the incredible work you have done for the Volkswagen brand. Keep the magic rolling.”

Harpur’s relentless passion, creativity, and dedication have helped elevate the Volkswagen brand to new heights, making a lasting impact both within the automotive industry and beyond. Her visionary leadership has ensured that the Volkswagen brand remains one that captures the hearts of many South Africans.

Volkswagen has partnered with the former South African national soccer captain, Lucas Radebe to drive social change and empower the youth of South Africa.

Lucas Radebe, a renowned public figure and national soccer legend, joins Volkswagen as a brand ambassador of the VW Train 4 Life programme. The programme aims to empower young girls through football and life skills education. As part of his ambassadorial responsibilities, Radebe will mentor this generation of young female leaders, reinforcing Volkswagen’s commitment to cultivating talent and fostering personal growth.

“I am incredibly honoured to be part of the Volkswagen family and to support the brand’s youth empowerment initiatives,” said Radebe. “I am passionate about youth empowerment. Through the VW Train 4 Life and other brand’s youth empowerment initiatives, we are shaping strong, confident future athletes who can make a real impact in their respective communities.”

Volkswagen’s Head of Marketing, Bridget Harpur, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lucas Radebe into the Volkswagen family as our brand ambassador. His values of leadership, resilience, empowerment and service align perfectly with Volkswagen’s mission to ‘Move People Forward’ and our goal of supporting our communities ‘Beyond the Drive’.”

Radebe has taken delivery of a Volkswagen Tiguan, to symbolise the start of a journey that promises to drive change and inspire greatness.

“Through its partnership with Lucas Radebe, Volkswagen reaffirms its commitment to South Africa’s youth empowerment, and creating opportunities with meaningful impact,” added Harpur.

Fedilitas Secondary School in Diepkloof Soweto has been crowned as the 2024 VW Train 4 Life soccer tournament champions. Fedilitas defeated Fons Luminus Secondary School in the penalty shoot-out during the finals hosted at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus on 17 September 2024.

The VW Train 4 Life initiative is an education and sports programme that features an under 15 girls’ soccer tournament and a comprehensive life skills curriculum aimed at empowering and upskilling Grade 8 and 9 female learners.

Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Lucas Radebe, Soweto-born soccer legend and VW Train 4 Life ambassador, said, “It’s incredible to see how much these young girls have gained from this programme. The opportunity they’ve had to learn valuable life skills through sport is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with them forever. Volkswagen has truly created something special here, and I feel honoured to be part of it.”

In recognition of their victory, Fedilitas Secondary School was awarded soccer training kits and equipment for their school. The top four schools – Fedilitas Secondary School, Fons Luminus Secondary School, DiepDale Secondary School, and Madibane Secondary School – each received soccer boots for all participating learners, sponsored by Volkswagen.

Bridget Harper, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Head of Marketing, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “At Volkswagen, we are highly committed to empowering young female learners in South Africa. It’s been a privilege to witness firsthand the positive impact that VW Train 4 Life has had on these young women. It has been an honour to be a part of their journey, helping equip them with the tools, skills, and inspiration they need to dream big and realise their ambitions.”

In addition, four outstanding learners were selected for the mentorship programme: Matsie Semela Happy from Madibane High School, Mooch Karabo Zinhle from Fons Luminus Secondary School, Keitumetse Mochadibane from DiepDale Secondary School, and Mpho Khuthpma from Fedilitas Secondary School. These exceptional young women will be mentored by well-known Sowetans Lerato Phago (SuperSport Football Broadcaster) and Xoli Zondo (5FM Sports presenter), who come from similar environments and circumstances as the girls in the programme. In addition to the mentorship, the learners will also participate in a soccer training programme with the University of Johannesburg’s 1st Team Ladies Soccer Team, providing them with both fitness development and professional guidance.

Lerato Phago, speaking about her role in the programme, said, “I am so honoured to mentor these young girls through the VW Train 4 Life initiative. Growing up in similar environments, I understand how important it is for these girls to have someone believe in them and their dreams. This opportunity to guide them and help build their confidence is truly a privilege.”

Desiree Ellis, the current South African National Women’s Team Coach, echoed these sentiments, adding, “For these girls to have access to a programme like VW Train 4 Life is fantastic. It not only helps them grow as soccer players but also empowers them as individuals with dreams and ambitions. It’s a rare opportunity, and I’m proud to see the difference it’s making in their lives.”

Harper added, “Volkswagen remains committed to empowering young girls in our communities. Through initiatives like VW Train 4 Life, we aim to inspire and foster personal growth by combining sports, education, and life skills. With the addition of the mentorship programme this year, we are thrilled to further assist talented young girls in achieving their dreams.”

The third-generation Tiguan looks set to build on the success of Volkswagen‘s top-selling global SUV package. Volkswagen has sold more than 7.4 million units of this model since it was first introduced in 2007.

The Tiguan has been in the market for over a decade in South Africa and sold over 41 000 units since its local launch in 2009. The all-new Tiguan redefines SUV aesthetics with a confident and modern design.

Expressive design and improved aerodynamics

The confident design is typically Tiguan and typically Volkswagen but still completely new. A distinctive feature is the higher, more powerful-looking front end with the integrated LED headlights. In-between, a glass-covered horizontal bar with an integrated LED strip replaces the traditional radiator grille adding emphasis to the unmistakeable Tiguan design.

The cleanly designed front highlights the fact that the drag coefficient has improved from 0.33 to 0.28. Athletic shoulder sections above the wheel housings dominate the silhouette. The wheels are up to 20-inch in size. A horizontal LED strip between the tail light clusters emphasises the width of the Tiguan’s new rear end.

The new Tiguan is available in three new colours, Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic and Oyster Silver Metallic.

New cockpit and infotainment system generation

Volkswagen has also completely redesigned the interior of the new Tiguan. With its high-quality materials and high finish standard, it breaks down conventional class boundaries. In addition, the components of the latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB4) are merged on board to create a clearly designed and closely integrated cockpit landscape that is intuitive to operate. The modules include the new Digital Cockpit (digital instruments with anti-reflective coating in tablet landscape format), a large infotainment screen with a completely new menu structure and graphics (standard display: 12.9-inches, optionally (15-inches), a new optional head-up display and a new multifunction driving gear shift with an integrated OLED display.

Seats for long distance

The new ergoActive Plus leather seats with pneumatic four-way lumbar adjustment and a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure massage function are a perfect match for the high-quality character of this SUV. These leather seats are optional on the Life derivative but come standard on the R-Line derivative.

HD headlights in the Tiguan for the first time      

The new Volkswagen Tiguan is optionally available with the new IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights; this high-tech lighting system with 38,400 multi-pixel LEDs (19,200 multipixel LEDs per headlight) has been derived from the new Touareg.

The new Tiguan is the first MQB model to be launched with the newly developed IQ.LIGHT HD matrix healights. HD stands for High Definition, meaning a high resolution of the light sources.

Larger luggage compartment in the Tiguan

The new Tiguan has increased in length by approximately three centimetres. The height, width and wheelbase remain practically identical to the predecessor. The luggage compartment capacity of the new generation shows just how good the use of space is, although the SUV is only slightly longer, its luggage compartment capacity has increased by 37 litres to 652 litres (when loaded up to height of the rear seat backrests).

IQ.Drive, including Park Assist Plus

The new Tiguan comes standard with Park Assist Plus. Park Assist Plus is a system that is already familiar from other Volkswagen models: it allows assisted driving into or out of parallel or bay parking. The Volkswagen models take over control of acceleration, braking and steering for this purpose.

The driver assist systems of the new Tiguan at a glance are:

• Trailer manoeuvring system (Trailer Assist)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Hill Start Assist
• Park Distance Control (front and rear)
• Electronic Stability Control with Electromechenical brake booster
• Travel Assist
• Driver Alert System
• Park Assist Plus
• Proactive occupant protection system
• Rear view camera system
• Lane Assist
• Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and exit warning system
• Area View including rear view camera system

The new infotainment system in detail.

The new digital centre of the MIB4 (fourth-generation modular infotainment matrix) is the touch display of the infotainment system. The graphic interface, structure and menu navigation have been redesigned. The aim was to make operation simple, self-explanatory and customisable. To achieve this, the display has been divided into two touch bars at the top and bottom of the screen as well as the home screen. The driver can assign favourite direct access functions to large areas of the top bar and home screen. The individually configured top bar and static bottom bar remain continuously displayed when the driver opens various functions in the form of apps on the home screen. This considerably simplifies operation. Additionally, the new backlit touch sliders are located under the infotainment system display and are used to adjust functions such as cabin temperature and volume.

The large home screen in the middle combines the content of the most important apps on differently sized graphic tiles. Alongside classic content such as navigation, telephone or media, the tiles offer new functions as suggestions from the new voice assistant. If one of the menu options from the top or bottom bar is activated, this app is also displayed in the individually configuarable home screen.

The bottom bar on the display provides access to the air conditioning and seat functions and has a home button in the middle of the bar that lets the driver return to the central home screen at any time. This means the air conditioning menu, temperature settings for the driver and front passenger and configurable air conditioning functions can always be accessed directly.

The digital cockpit in detail

The latest MQB models have digital instruments on board as standard, with a display diagonal of 260 mm. The graphic interface was also newly developed and the range of functions extended. Using the corresponding buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, the driver can select different basic graphic configurations (views) that can in turn be individually assisgned functions. There will be a choice of four views: Classic, Progressive, Navigation and R-Line.

Tiguan specification highlights

The Tiguan features 17-inch Bari alloy wheels Eco LED Headlights, 10 colour Ambient Lighting Dashboard, 12.9-inches Composition Media Touchscreen Radio, Bluetooth and Wireless App-Connect with 2 USB-C ports in the front, Life Seat upholstery in fabric, Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shifting paddles, 3-zone Climatronic automatic climate, Multi-colour Digital Cockpit, Park Assist Plus with Park distance control

Life specification higlights

The Tiguan Life includes the following standard features: Park Assist Plus with Park distance control, Light Assist (main-beam control), Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shifting paddles, Wireless App Connect, electrically folding exterior mirrors, exterior ambient lighting (illuminated door handles and motif projection from the exterior mirror housings) and 17-inch Bari alloy wheels.

R-Line specification highlights

The R-Line is characterised by additional features such as LED Plus Headlights (standard from Life models) with auto High-beam, Sport Varrena leather seats with R-Line logo, new R-Line interior and exterior design change, ErgoActive seats in front with power adjustment, massage program, memory feature and active climate seats ,19-inch Coventry alloy wheels, Silver anodised roof rails, 30 colour ambient lighting dashboard and doors.

Black Style Package

The Tiguan R-Line can also be customised with a Black Style Package. Among other things, this includes black 20-inch York alloy wheels in black, black roof rails, black coloured exterior side mirrors, black chrome elements on the grille and diffuser and privacy glass for side and rear windows.

Engine

At launch, the new Tiguan will be offered with the 1.4 TSI 110kW engine mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The engine develops maximum torque of 250 Nm available between 1500 and 3500 rpm. This engine sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 207 km/h.

The new Tiguan 2.0 TDI 110kW DSG and 2.0 TSI 140kW DSG engines will be available for sale in November 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, respectfully.

Retail Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)

The Volkswagen Tiguan comes standard with a 3 year / 120 000 km warranty, 5 year / 90 000 km EasyDrive Service Plan including a 12 year anti corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km

KARIEGA – The Volkswagen Community Trust proudly announced the disbursement of R800 000 in funding to several registered non-profit organisations (NPOs). These NPOs cover a diverse range of initiatives, including youth development, sports, and social support programmes.

Volkswagen Group Africa Corporate and Government Affairs Director, Nonkqubela Maliza, highlighted the Trust’s dedication to meeting the extensive needs within the community. “The needs in the community are great,” said Maliza. “Requests for support flow in daily from across the country and we believe we can make a significant difference in the communities we support.”

Aligned to the Volkswagen Community Trust strategy, the funded NPOs are committed to contributing to the economic and social progress of the country. “That is why we invest in critical areas such as education, youth development, health, community wellbeing, and the environment. By supporting these organisations, the Community Trust aims to foster positive change and sustainable development within the communities they serve,” Maliza added.

This year’s beneficiaries include Missionvale Care Centre, an NPO established to uplift the community of Missionvale, believing that developing youth can break the cycle of poverty.

Another beneficiary is the Lincoln Mali Leadership Foundation, which aims to develop the next generation of young leaders through sports development, leadership training, youth development, and feeding schemes in informal settlements.

Meanwhile, Uviwe Child and Youth Services received funding to support their education and social support programmes for vulnerable youth in Nelson Mandela Bay’s northern areas.

In Khayamnandi, Despatch, the Foundation Academy Day Care Centre, which caters for children with special needs, was the fourth beneficiary. This funding will support the school in providing for disadvantaged special needs children.

The Qhagqiwa Football Association (QHAFA) focuses on amateur football administration and development in the surrounding areas of Kwa-Nobuhle, Despatch, Rocklands and Kariega. They also work on developing responsible young men and women who can add value to the communities. The funding will assist the organisation in efficiently executing their development programmes.

Lastly, Sakha Amathuba received funding to support their efforts in empowering unemployed youth. The organisation strives to alleviate youth unemployment by providing skills that help youth become employable.

Additional funding was distributed in smaller amounts to various other NPOs, bringing the total number of organisations who received support this year to 40. Maliza noted that registered organisations with a good track record are eligible to apply for funding.

The new Volkswagen Touareg will be available for sale in South Africa from 1 August 2024. The Touareg, Volkswagen’s premium SUV has received an update that includes new design elements and high-tech features.

Volkswagen has revamped the front end of the Touareg, giving the whole upper radiator grille an empasis on vehicle width. Particularly striking are the new IQ.Light HD matrix headlights with three LED modules and three L-shaped LEDs for the daytime running lights, as well as the new illuminated center horizontal strip that extends from both sides of the Volkswagen logo.

The new lighting system. Another advantage of the new IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights is the glare-free main beam: this continuous main beam can permanently be left switched on outside of towns because the interactive LEDs make sure that the masking area for oncoming traffic and vehicles driving in front is more precise than ever before.

Sharpened design. The new premium SUV can be recognised immediately by the new front and rear design. At the front, the unit formed by the radiator grille, headlights and the front apron have been given a new look. The design of the rear end is also sharper: it now has a continuous horizontal LED strip for the taillight clusters and incorporates a Volkswagen logo which is illuminated in red.

Update for the interior. The standard equipment of the new Touareg has been enhanced. The standard voice control has also been improved. USB-C connections with a charging capacity of 45 watts (previously 15 watts) permit significantly faster charging of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. In addition, by evaluating customer feedback, the high-quality level of the Touareg interior has been further improved. For example, the centre console trims are now softer than before, providing extra comfort.

Efficient driving assistance systems. The Touareg is equipped with several convenience and assistance systems as standard. In addition, an extensive range of optional systems is available.

These include among others the following technologies.

• Travel Assist (assisted driving up to maximum speed)
• Area view camera (assistance with checking blind spots when parking)
• Night Vision (assistance for night drives)

The Volkswagen Touareg comes in two trims: the Elegance, and the R-Line.

The updated equipment on the Elegance and R-Line include:

• New IQ. Light HD matrix headlights
• New IQ. Light LED tail light clusters with dynamic brake and turn signal functions, as well as an illuminated Volkswagen logo.
• 30 colour ambient lighting with adjustable colour settings. across three zones, now with footwell and drink holder illumination.
• Updated interior trims featuring a specific design.
• New radiator grille with a specific design.
• Electrically adjustable leather seats.
• Updated alloy wheels in a specific design.
• New bumpers with a specific design
• New Volkswagen logo projection via exterior mirror housings, providing surrounding lighting.

Engine. The new Touareg will be offered with the 3.0 TDI 190 kW engine paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and the 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive.

New Touareg retail price (VAT and emissions tax included)

• 3.0 V6 TDI 190kW (Elegance): R1 457 900
• 3.0 V6 TDI 190kW (R-Line): R1 763 900

The new Touareg comes standard with a 5 year/100 000km Maintenance Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and space saver spare wheel. Service Interval is 15 000km.

KARIEGA – The Volkswagen Group announced their 2024 Best Apprentices at a ceremony held in Wolfsburg, Germany at the end of June. This accolade is given every year in recognition of outstanding performance from apprentices who are training to become qualified artisans.

This year 49 Volkswagen Group trainees from 41 locations and 19 countries worldwide were ceremoniously honoured.

Kariega-based Melony Els-Thom is the proud recipient of this year’s Best Apprentice award at Volkswagen Group Africa. The 42-year-old embodies tenacity and unwavering determination. Her career began at Volkswagen Group Africa as a temporary employee in 2005, where she worked as a Quality Inspector. Although she pursued teaching at Midlands College for Early Childhood Development at the end of her contract, her heart remained in motor manufacturing.

In 2017, she returned to Volkswagen Group Africa, seeking opportunities to grow in the manufacturing sector, and within a year, she secured permanent employment. This pivotal move allowed Melony to pursue her long-awaited dream—an apprenticeship in mechatronics at the Volkswagen Technical Learning Academy. Her successful application in 2020 marked the start of her apprenticeship journey. Now in her final year, she thrives on mechanical, electrical, and robotics challenges. Simultaneously, she gains practical experience and on-the-job training at the plant.

Part time, Melony continues her Diploma in Management Operations at PMI Institute and N4 Electrical Engineering studies at the PE College Struandale campus in Gqeberha, expressing a desire to delve deeper into Programmable Logic Control (PLC) Programming.

Melony said the Best Apprentice Award is about teamwork. She was one of five team members in her group and the only female. “The award boosted my confidence in achieving my career goals. I am extremely grateful to my instructors, mentors, and fellow team members for their unwavering support. Even though I was named Best Apprentice, I feel my team helped me to achieve this recognition,” said Melony.

Despite her initial ambition to become a radiographer, Melony discovered her true passion later in life—a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a fulfilling career.

The Volkswagen Technical Learning Academy was established to create a pool of qualified artisans from within the company and from the community. Russell Coleman, Volkswagen Group Africa Human Resources Director, said people development remains the company’s key priority. “We create an environment for continued learning. Our apprentices and artisans are able to compete globally against the best. We are proud of Melony’s achievement. Her determination and hard work have delivered superior results,” said Coleman.

Cairo/Kariega – Building upon the progress and mutual understanding achieved under the agreement signed in November 2023 – to work together to develop a feasibility study on a shared automotive painting facility within the East Port Said Industrial Zone in the East Port Said Automotive Zone (EPAZ) in Cairo – Volkswagen Group Africa and the Government of Egypt have signed a new agreement.

In the new strategic co-operation agreement, Volkswagen Group Africa and the Government of Egypt are broadening their collaboration, to develop a feasibility study for the construction and utilisation of the Body Shop and Assembly buildings, which will be located within the EPAZ.

The new agreement was signed by the Chairman of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone, Waleid Gamal Eldien, Chief Executive Officer of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt; Ayman Soliman, Vice President of the East Port-Said Development Company; Dr Ahmed Fikry and Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA), Martina Biene in the presence of the Prime Minister of Egypt, Dr Mostafa Madbouly.

The signing ceremony which took place during the first day of the Egypt-EU Investment Conference hosted in Cairo on 29-30 June 2024, was also witnessed by Dr Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy; Eng. Tarek El-Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Dr Hala El-Saeed, Minister of Planning and Economic Development; Dr Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation; and Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Trade.

The prior agreement laid the groundwork for the collaborative endeavours aimed at deepening the localisation of the automotive industry in Egypt through a shared facility. This underscored the commitment of the Government of Egypt to bolster its automotive industry. In June 2022, the Government of Egypt announced the introduction of the Automotive Industry Development Programme (AIDP), which aims to foster the local value addition, increase vehicle production volume, boost and attract investment, and improve emission standards in the automotive sector.

The Government of Egypt aims to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to construct the buildings for the Body Shop and Assembly Line. Volkswagen Group Africa has expressed interest to utilise these facilities to assemble vehicles for the Egyptian market, after the successful completion of the feasibility study and its findings confirming viability.

Biene commented: “The new strategic co-operation agreement with the Government of Egypt offers Volkswagen Group Africa an asset-light investment model, which shifts the investment focus from capital expenditure to operational expenditure. The agreement also presents Volkswagen Group Africa with the opportunity to progress its long-term plans to establish its presence in Egypt. Furthermore, Volkswagen is emboldened by the willingness of the Government of Egypt to explore an ingenious approach to realise the viability of the feasibility study. We are fully committed to working with the Government of Egypt to make this project viable.”