There’s a reason you see so many VWs in South Africa. Volkswagen has a knack for building cars that feel like they were made just for you.
The history of Volkswagen dates back to 1937, when it was established by Adolf Hitler’s German Labour Front (DAF).
The goal was to create “the people’s car”, a vehicle that more Germans could afford. And to build special roads for motor vehicles (autobahns).
At the time, cars were a luxury. Most Germans could only afford bicycles or motorcycles. Only 1 in 50 Germans owned a car. To fund the new factory, the DAF made payroll deductions from workers. In return, each worker was promised a new Volkswagen once production began.
But in 1939, just as the factory and the first Beetle were ready for mass production, WWII began. The Nazi government repurposed the factory to build military vehicles instead.
Table of content
VW Beetle production and Post WWII revival
After the war, the factory came under British control. It was seen as a political tool, created by the Nazi regime and used for war production. Because of this, there was talk of dismantling it.
Major Ivan Hirst repainted one of the factory’s vehicles and presented it to Army leadership. The army placed a reluctant order for 20,000 cars.
Hirst, along with German engineer Henrich Nordhoff, who previously worked for BMW and Opel, revived the factory and scaled production.
The first models of the VW Beetle produced were gifted to the British army officers. These officers took the cars with them when they returned home to Britain.
Rejection and regeneration
From 1946 to 1948, despite growing production in Wolfsburg, the VW factory was offered for free to major automakers like Ford, Rootes, and several others across Europe and the US. All declined.
Left to its own devices, VW rebuilt. Under Nordhoff’s leadership, production of the Beetle (Type 1) the van, pick-up, and camper grew. By 1955, it had sold over 1 million units globally.
By the early 1970s, Beetle sales had surpassed 5 million, earning it the title of the world’s most-produced car model. It became an icon of post-war German regeneration.
Volkswagen Golf: A worthy successor
The one-model policy, driven by Nordhoff, focused Volkswagen’s resources on the Beetle.
But by the 1960s, competitors were producing more modern and efficient vehicles and VW’s market share was in a steady decline.
They knew they had to ramp down the production of the beetle but didn’t have a worthy successor to replace it.
So, VW launched the Type 3 and Type 4, but while those models didn’t fail, they also didn’t catch on.
After acquiring Audi/Auto Union, VW used Audi’s engine tech and front-wheel drive systems to build the Passat, Scirocco, Golf, and Polo. The Passat and Scirocco did okay, but the Golf was a smash hit. It finally allowed VW to phase out the Beetle.
Volkswagen Polo: The Ultimate hatchback
In 1975, VW launched the Polo. The first generation was essentially a rebadged Audi 50. It quickly carved its own path, answering growing demand for smaller, practical cars.
It was smart, sporty, and reliable. Alongside the Golf Mk1, the Polo became a staple in South Africa. This gave birth to the Citi Golf, which was designed specifically for the local market.
Polo Vivo and Golf GTI Legacy in South Africa
As VW moved away from its one-model strategy, the Golf remained a mainstay in its line-up. In the mid-70s, six VW employees pitched a high-performance version called the “Sport Golf.”
The management board greenlit the idea and the result was the Golf GTI. Premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it entered full production the following year. Although VW aimed to sell 5,000 units, it ended up moving over 461,000.
In South Africa, the Citi GTI with a 1.8-litre 82kW engine was introduced to South Africa. It could hit a top speed of 180km/h and became the fastest Golf produced as of the 80s.
A decade later, VW launched the Polo Vivo for the South African Market to appeal to younger drivers aged 18 to 28. At the time, the average car buyer in SA was 47, and the Golf Mk2 wasn’t selling in the South African market.
Vivo was funky, affordable, and fun. It wasn’t intended as a direct Citi Golf replacement, but the Citi quietly disappeared after Vivo’s launch.
VW Touareg: Volkswagen’s first SUV
In the early 2000s, Volkswagen had no plans to go into the SUV market. But while working in a joint venture with Porsche to develop the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7, they relented and built the Touareg.
All three models shared the same platform called the PL71 platform. The Q7, the wheelbase was stretched for a third row to allow 7 passengers.
In 2006, the VW Touareg famously towed a 155-tonne Boeing 747 showing off its powerful V10 engine.
It became a pioneer of extremely successful SUV lines from VW. And if you look closely, you’ll notice most VW SUVs still carry traces of the Touareg DNA in their design.
VW Tiguan: The SUV That Made SUVs Sexy
After the Touareg, VW introduced the Tiguan, previewed at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. Launched in 2007, it became VW’s top-selling model worldwide, with over 8 million sold till date.
The Tiguan brought Golf-like comfort to an SUV. It was stylish, safe, fuel-efficient, and perfect for families.
Today , there’s even a Tiguan R, which blends that practicality with performance, achieving 0 to 100 under 5 secs.
VW T-Cross & T-Roc: Cool Crossover
In 2012, VW announced a compact SUV concept to the world: the Taigun. But internal tests showed it was too small, so they pivoted and created a Polo-based SUV: the T-Cross.
Launched in 2019, the T-Cross hit a sweet spot with young professionals. It blended Polo DNA with SUV height and presence to give the best of both worlds.
The T-Roc, built on the Golf platform, brought flair. It’s sleek, coupe-inspired design made it a standout. In 2023, both models got tech upgrades in infotainment and safety.
VW Golf R, Golf R32, and Other Performance Icons
The Golf R is the GTI’s meaner sibling. It adds AWD, more power, and subtle styling. From the legendary R32 to today’s Golf 8 R, these cars deliver serious speed.
If you’ve ever seen one fly past you on the N1, you know: it means business.
Volkswagen in South Africa
Volkswagen has woven its story into the fabric of SA since 1951. Its Kariega factory is one of the biggest in Africa, and builds the Polo, Polo Vivo and engines for export.
From citi golfs and Playas to Touaregs and Kombis, we grew up with the VW. We pass them down, we tune them up, we name them. They’re dependable, stylish, easy to resell, and loved by mechanics everywhere.
Whether you’re 18 or 58, there’s a VW that fits your life.
VW SA also runs incredible initiatives like Driver Training Academy to promote safer driving.
VW Timeline: Through the Decades
| Decade | VW Milestone |
|---|---|
|
1930s |
Volkswagen founded (1937) |
|
1940s |
Post-WWII Beetle production starts |
|
1950s |
Global sales hit 1 million |
|
1970s |
Launch of Golf Mk1, Polo Mk1, and the GTI |
|
1980s |
GTI gains cult following in SA |
|
1990s |
Polo Playa and Jetta dominate local sales |
|
2000s |
Touareg debuts; Polo Vivo hits SA roads |
|
2010s |
Amarok, T-Cross, and Tiguan expand SUV offerings |
Book a VW on Tarlen
At Tarlen, we’ve got everything from the humble Polo Vivo to the T-cross and Tiguan. Whether you need a ride for a weekend away or want to try before you buy – Tarlen’s carsharing marketplace has you covered.
Want more stories like this? Check out:
Let us know which VW you fell in love with first. Was it the Beetle? The GTI? Or your current Polo? Share your story, we’re listening.
