Volkswagen South Africa’s (VWSA) plant in Uitenhage produced more than 9 900 cars in August, which resulted in an all-time production record, the company said on Thursday.
These included more than 3 300 new, fifth-generation Golfs.
“We also anticipate an all-time annual production record in 2004. Should the planned target be achieved, for the first time in history, we will build in excess of 90 000 vehicles in our plant in Uitenhage. Of the 90 000 units, approximately 30 000 will be built for the export markets,” VWSA communication general manager Bill Stephens noted.
He added that demand in the domestic market continues to strengthen.
VWSA forecasts an all-time record passenger market of approximately 317 000 vehicles in 2004. The previous highest domestic passenger market was in 1981 with total passenger sales of 301 000 units, according to VWSA.
“Initial sales of the new, fifth-generation Golf in South Africa are extremely encouraging with in excess of 1 300 units sold in its debut month — August.”
“The New Golf export programme is well under way with over 2 000 units exported in August alone to countries in the Asia Pacific region — in particular Japan and Australia,” Stephens said.
Due to the strength of the domestic market, the substantial New Golf, Polo and engine export orders and demand for Citi Golf necessitating a two-shift pattern, VWSA has employed an additional 1 200 people in 2004. Of these, 188 have been employed on a permanent basis.
The balance has been contracted on a temporary basis for up to 12 months. Depending on domestic and international demand, these temporary appointments will be reviewed at the end of the contracted period.
The group said all temporary employees are given full training and skills development.
Should their contracts not be renewed at the end of the period, they will be well equipped to enter into the job market, the group added. — I-Net Bridge