Volkswagen has given the Polo a golden jubilee party like no other. To mark 50 years of Polo, the brand unveiled an electrifying short film – 50 Years of Polo: Project Drift. Shot in Nelson Mandela Bay, the video pays homage to the Polo’s South African roots, while showcasing its global appeal.
The high-octane film has already gone viral, capturing audiences worldwide with its mix of speed, style, and storytelling.
Nelson Mandela Bay: Home of the Polo Legacy
The Volkswagen Plant Kariega (formerly Uitenhage) takes centre stage in the film. Since 1996, it has been the proud home of Polo production, exporting the beloved hatchback to Europe and Asia-Pacific markets. The Transnet Port Terminal (TPT) in Gqeberha also plays a starring role, highlighting the export hub that connects South Africa to the world.
This is more than a video – it’s a salute to the thousands of employees who bring the Polo to life every day.
Drift Royalty Meets Polo Icons
The star of the video? None other than Johan Kristoffersson, Sweden’s seven-time FIA World Rallycross Champion. Kristoffersson takes viewers on a high-speed ride through the Kariega plant, drifting past iconic Polo models, including the Polo R WRC, the Polo R Supercar (in the legendary Harlequin livery), and the futuristic electric Polo RX1e.
And just when you think it couldn’t get better, the film teases the ID. Polo – a near-production concept EV that’s set to make its global debut at IAA Mobility in Munich.
Looking Back. Driving Forward.
“This video stands for everything that is quintessentially Polo. A small car that can do great things and is geared for the future,” says Jens Katemann, Head of Communications for the Volkswagen Brand.
Kristoffersson echoes the thrill: “It was a great experience to drive all the super-sporty Polo models one after the other and really push them to their limits. Their characters are very different, but they all performed equally well.”
Pride of a Nation
For South Africa, the Polo is more than just a car – it’s part of the cultural fabric. Andile Dlamini, Head of Group Communications at Volkswagen Group Africa, summed it up perfectly:
“We are proud to be such a big part of the Polo success story. The 50 Years of Polo video is a great source of excitement for the employees who build these cars every day. A special thanks to everyone who made this project possible.”
Read more: Volkswagen Expands the T-Cross Line-Up with New Entry Models
