Following the proposed ban on the importation of salvaged vehicles and of used cars of more than 10 years to encourage the local assembly industry, Volkswagen AG has started assembling cars in Ghana.
The German carmaker through its authorized distributor, Universal Motors Limited, has started assembling of its vehicles for the African market in Accra’s North Industrial Area. The cars are of international standard, offering the newest models, but thought through regarding the available fuel quality. Offered are mainly three trims: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline or even Premium.
The main changes are minor interior features and the tyres, something suiting for everyone’s taste and budget. VW’s have a service interval of only every six months or 10.000km, which proves the long lasting quality of parts and strong constitution of the cars.
The VW cars to be assembled in Ghana are important for three (3) vital reasons, which are:
- For Ghanaians to easily have access to vehicles, that can withstand the harsh tropical climate or conditions. The West African climate is particularly characterized by hot weather conditions and quite a dusty atmosphere, especially during the season of Harmattan. VW Cars are built for use in tropical zones and super hot countries. Obvious implications are: special heat insulating windows, some models have tinted windows in the rear, additional dust seals and heat resisting rubbers, especially along the doors. Deeper in detail the cars have an inbuilt stronger AC with additional dust filter, the suspension is adjusted, and many more. Volkswagen is thus poised to manufacture vehicles that can withstand the shocks of the hot and harsh climatic conditions.
- To provide affordable vehicles, that would have otherwise been exorbitant due to import duties. With cash prices beginning from GH¢ 60,000.00 for newest models, one can get a brand-new vehicle to enjoy a comfortable driving experience including the typical three year warranty or 100.000km- which ever comes first. ”Volkswagen” means translated “People’s Car” and they are proving they try to fulfill their name with the Assembly Plant as a pioneer.
- To establish Ghana as the new frontier in the automotive industry. The Ghana Automotive Development Policy will make the country an automotive hub for West Africa’s 380 million people. According to Chief Executive Officer at Volkswagen Ghana, Jeffrey Oppong Peprah, in future Ghana will have the installed capacity to produce 300,000 new cars a year.
VW Car Models to be assembled in Ghana
The VW car models to be assembled in Ghana include passenger cars saloon or hatchback, SUVs, Station Wagon and Pickups for the time being. These will be the initial focus with models ranging from Passat, Amarok, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace, Teramont and Polo Hatchback.
However, models like Polo Sedan, Jetta, T-Cross,T-Rock, Touareg and Caddy are ordered as Fully Built Units (FBU’s).
Passat
The Passat, which is the winner of many awards, also the 2014 Golden Steering Wheel, is embedded with the latest driving and connectivity technology, that gives a smooth and sporty drive and a powerful overall performance. It is the perfect symbiote of comfort, elegance, and dynamics for people who set priorities in life. The Passat was first built in 1973, the development and reliability is known all over the globe. Other features include:
2.5L Petrol Engine, 5 Cylinder
6-Speed DSG Clutch Gearbox (Automatic)
Max Power: 125kW/170 BHP
Push start/stop button
ABS, ASR, Cruise control, EDL, ESC
Park Distance Control
Voice Control
Bluetooth connectivity + phone preparation
Reverse camera
Extended pedestrian protection measures
Tilted/slide sunroof
Sports comfort seat and many more
Tiguan and Tiguan All Space (7-Seater)
With an interior as impressive as its exterior comes an uncompromising comfort and technology. This exquisite ride was made for everyday life. Whether you want to take this sweet ride on an adventure or just a family trip, this ride offers an uncompromising versatility. It is suitable for a variety of roads and challenging conditions. Other features include:
2.0L Turbo petrol engine
7-Speed automatic, Tiptronic and sports mode
Max Power 132kw/176hp
4 motion all-wheel drive
Vienna leather seating surfaces
Driver personalization
Active control
VW digital cockpit
6.5” touch screen sound system
8” touch screen navigation system
Park assist and camera for Highlines and many more
Teramont – Station Wagon – Spacious 7 seater
This is a masterpiece driving technology with family and friends. Built for comfort and versatility, Teramont helps you keep total control whether you are driving in mud, snow, or anything in-between. The Volkswagen Teramont has loads of room for passengers, cargo, or both. The Teramont seats 7 and is fixed with massive digital connectivity, entertainment, and more. The Teramont is the thrill you need. Specifications include:
3.6L FSI Engine 4WD, V6, 8-Speed automatic transmission
Climatronic plus auxiliary heater HV/Max Power: 206kw/276HP,
Max Torque: 360Nm
Ground clearance: 206mn
Cruise Control, 8 speakers
18” aluminum-alloy wheels
Multi Collision brake
Park assists
Adaptive cruise control
Blindspot detection with rear cross-traffic alert
Ventilated front seats
Driver personalization
Safety Optimized for head restraint
Tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof with a rear panoramic sunroof
Rear seat bench/backrest, split-folding with center armrest and 2 seats in 3rd row of seats
Amarok
Economical, reliable, and powerful, the Amorak was made for any terrain without encountering any loss in comfort. The Amorak is a master of all-terrain and due to its size, strength, and robustness, impossible tasks are like a mustard seed. The special point about the Amarok is the double suspension at the back, it makes you feel like sitting in a saloon car during a 4×4 ride and the fitting of a pallet in the back. Specifications include:
2.0L Turbo-Diesel engine,
6-speed manual transmission and 8-speed automatic transmission
Climatic air-conditioner
Power: 103kw/138HP132kw/176HP,
Max Torque: 420Nm
80L tank, up to 1000km driving fun
16” up to 18” steel and alloy rims
Large rear bucket size with hooks fits a whole pallet
USB, Aux, iPod port, 6 Speakers
Keyless entry, electronic operating mirrors, and windows
Heavy-duty rear suspension/shock absorption
Different lock
Park distance control in front and rear
Central locking with radio remote controls and safe lock.
Fully imported units at this stage
Polo Sedan
Bring back the thrill of driving with the Polo Sedan and know what it means to be impressed over and over again. Equipped with sleek and safety features such as Bluetooth, rear-view camera, front airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and childproof locks on the rear doors, the Polo Sedan is more than just a car. It is a vehicle for everyday practicality. Specifications include:
1.6L Petrol Engine
6-speed automatic transmission
Low fuel consumption
Multifunction steering wheel
Touchscreen radio/CD/ Mp3 player
USB jack
ABS with EBD
Dust and pollen filter
Electronic operating windows and mirrors
Ground clearance: 168mm
Electrical headlight adjustment
Additional front and upper body guard and many more
Jetta
VW cars to be assembled in Ghana, ghanatalksbusiness.com
The Jetta is laced with beauty and comfort that offers a unique driving and fulfilling experience. Specifications include:
1.6L Petrol engine
6-speed DSG Clutch gearbox (automatic)
Max Power 115HP
Low fuel consumption
Multi-function steering wheel
Touch screen radio/CD/Mp3 player
Hands-free Bluetooth connectivity
Climatic air conditioner
Ground clearance:163mm
Side airbag in front with curtain airbag
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Standard pedestrian protection measures
Rear shock absorption, heavy-duty version
Touareg
With luxury design and advancement in technology, Touareg was specially designed “for those who won’t settle at the top of their game because they know there’s always more to explore in this journey of life.” If you’ve ever asked the question “Where to from here?” this SUV was created and built for you. Specifications for this model include:
3.0 V6 TFSI OPF 4 Motion turbocharger var. nozzle (VTG) with intercoder
8-speed automatic transmission Tiptronic
Max Power: 250kw/340HP
Max Torque: 550Nm
Reverse camera
Front and rear sensor
Electronic operating mirrors + folding
Push start/stop button & Keyless entry
Dual-zone Climatronic air-conditioner
Innovision cockpit
Driver Assistance systems
Ergo comfort seats in front
Easy open-sensor controlled luggage compartment opener and delayed electric closing and many more
Caddy Panel Van or 5-seater
The Caddy Panel Van has an impressive volume and range of loading options that make it versatile and practical as a courier/delivery van as well as a mobile workshop van. Features include:
1.6L or 2.0L Diesel and 1.6L Petrol engine
6-speed Manual transmission
Keyless entry
Low fuel consumption
Speed-sensitive power systems
The protective side molding, 6 speakers
Interior light in headliner incorporating LED Technology
Austin cloth upholstery/ 3-seater bench in 2nd row of seats (folding, folding/tipping and removable)
Heat insulation windscreen
Offers an ample load compartment volume of 3.2m cube
Air care Climatronic with 2-zone automatic control with an allergen filter
Bi-xenoin headlamps with LED separate daytime running light, dark-tinted rear combination lamps and many more
At the unveiling ceremony, held at the Kempinski Hotel, on Monday, 3rd August 2020, the Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, said motor vehicles were among the top elements of Ghana’s import bill of about $10 billion annually. Given the establishment of the vehicle assembly plant for VW cars to be assembled in Ghana, our import bill is expected to decrease. This will create an opportunity for us to earn significant amounts of foreign exchange, Alan Kyeremanten said.
“There’s absolutely no doubt that this effort is going to help us save scarce foreign-exchange resources,…creating jobs, next to other benefits” he added.
