Last year, we reported that Volkswagen Group had signed a contract for the assembly of selected vehicles in Algeria. And now the German automaker has confirmed that it will build not only the Golf and Caddy in Algeria, but the Polo, too.
The Polo, of course, is currently also produced at Volkswagen South Africa’s Uitenhage plant, which is expected to switch to the new-generation model in the near future.
With local partner SOVAC, the recently completed assembly plant in Relizane will produce “up to 200 units” a day on four assembly lines. Other models to be produced in Algeria include the Seat Ibiza and Skoda Octavia, with the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia to be added in 2018.
“The African continent offers considerable growth opportunities for the Volkswagen Group. With the new plant in Algeria, we are expanding the presence of Group brands in North Africa together with our partner SOVAC,” said Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.
“We are bringing leading modern technology to Africa, especially with the Volkswagen Golf. In Africa, too, the Volkswagen brand will write a major new success story.”
Interestingly, the Volkswagen Group holds a minority stake in the joint venture company. More than 550 people are already employed at the new factory, with the VW Group saying “up to 1 800 jobs” will eventually be created at the Relizane plant.
