After a remarkable 40-year run, Volkswagen has officially ceased production of the Polo in Europe. The iconic small car, which has been a staple in the brand's lineup for decades, will now be manufactured exclusively in Kariega, South Africa. This shift in production comes as part of a broader strategy for VW to focus on electric vehicles and optimize its manufacturing facilities.
While the Polo has seen a decline in sales in recent years, it remains a significant model for Volkswagen. In the first eight months of 2024, just over 90,000 units were sold, securing it a place among the top 10 best-selling cars in Europe. The Polo's production in Pamplona, Spain, began in 1984, and over the past four decades, an impressive 8.4 million units have rolled off the assembly line. However, with the growing popularity of models like the T-Roc, Volkswagen has determined that maintaining production of the Polo in both Spain and South Africa is no longer feasible.
To accommodate the shift towards electric vehicles, the Pamplona plant is undergoing a significant transformation. Beginning in 2026, the facility will focus on the assembly of two all-electric small SUVs. One of these SUVs will be sold under the Volkswagen brand, while the other will be a Skoda-branded model.
The two new electric SUVs will utilize a shortened, front-wheel-drive version of the MEB platform, which is already used by a variety of other Volkswagen models. The Volkswagen-branded SUV will be named the ID2all and will be positioned below the ID.3 in the company's lineup. A hatchback version of the ID2all is also planned and will be produced alongside the Cupra Raval at Volkswagen's Martorell plant in Spain.
Skoda's small electric SUV will be known as the Epiq and is expected to have a starting price of around €25,000. These new electric models will help to solidify Volkswagen's position in the growing market for electric vehicles and demonstrate the company's commitment to sustainability.
The end of Polo production in Europe marks the end of an era for Volkswagen. While the iconic small car will no longer be available in the region, its legacy will live on through the millions of vehicles that have been produced over the years. As Volkswagen continues to focus on electric vehicles, the company is positioning itself for a future that is both sustainable and exciting.