Following a successful launch of the sixth generation Polo and new Polo Vivo at the beginning of the year, Volkswagen South Africa marked this occasion by celebrating with its employees and their loved-ones.
The 2018 Family Day was attended by 15 823 employees and their loved-ones at the Volkswagen manufacturing plant in Uitenhage.
The event had two key messages, that is, to show gratitude to Volkswagen employees and their loved-ones for their support of the successful launch of the new Polo models and ‘The Future’ as a positive point of departure for the largest private employer in the Eastern Cape. The concept behind the event ensured that employees were treated as guests in their “second home” and that not only family members were invited, but that single employees or those without children could bring those closest to them.
The highlight of the Family Day was ‘The Future Display’ which gave employees and their families a glimpse into Volkswagen’s future. Guests were treated to experiential displays, Volkswagen electric vehicles, latest technologies, 3D printer, robotics as well as the Volkswagen’s Sub Saharan Africa Mobility App, Move.
Additional focus areas were Volkswagen Group brands, like Audi, Bentley, Ducati, Lamborghini, MAN Trucks and Porsche on display to wow guests and special work displays by employees to show their loved-ones where they work and what they do.
uMhlobo Wenene’s Mafa Bavuma was the MC and the likes of 2014 South African Idols winner Vincent Jones, Stef the Hypnotist and Magician Brandon Peel provided the entertainment. Not to be outdone, Volkswagen employees also showcased their talents on the stage with dancing, DJ’ing as well as singing acts.
A gymkhana in association with the Volkswagen Driving Academy and 2017 Volkswagen Driver Search winner Raais Asmal was on hand to take speed junkies on a spin in the ultra-fast Audi RS3, the super quick Golf R as well as the locally manufactured new Polo GTI.
Future Volkswagen drivers, also known as under 16s, were kept entertained in the Kids Zone with craft activations, face painting, pedal karts and various jumping castles.
Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa commented about the day’s event: “The hard work of the organising team produced an unbelievable Family Day that was enjoyed by our employees and their loved-ones who all contributed to our success. I am very proud to be part of this team.”
“We invested over R6 billion into upgrading of the Uitenhage factory, to be ready to manufacture the sixth generation Polo and new Vivo. There was also an incredible amount of work done and effort put in by Volkswagen employees in order for us to achieve our goal of exporting the new Polo to our international customers in key markets like Britain and Japan, amongst others. Through the Family Day, we wanted to express our gratitude to our employees, as well, as their loved-ones, who made this possible,” added Schaefer.
Since the launch of the sixth generation Polo and Polo Vivo in the first quarter of 2018, over 97 000 units have been manufactured in Uitenhage factory to date.
Interesting facts about the 2018 Volkswagen Family Day
- 16 800 meals were served
- 1km of bunting was put up
- 5km of cable was used
- 18 employees performed acts on the day
- Over 450 staff were on duty
- 927m of ground was covered in tents/ marquee
Alan Straton
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