Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has appointed Marc Stephan as its new production director, placing him in charge of manufacturing operations as the company prepares to introduce a third model at its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape.
Stephan assumed the position on August 1, succeeding Ulrich Schwabe, who led production at the facility from April 2021 until July 2026.
He joins the South African operation from Volkswagen’s Zwickau plant in Germany, where he served as head of production. During his tenure, Stephan oversaw the facility’s transition into the Volkswagen Group’s first manufacturing plant dedicated entirely to electric vehicles.
The Zwickau facility produces several battery-electric models, including the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5, Audi Q4 e-tron and Cupra Born.
READ: VW unveils electric ID.Polo GTI amid questions over SA launch
Stephan has more than 20 years of experience within the Volkswagen Group and has occupied positions in Wolfsburg, Germany; Chattanooga, United States; and Pamplona, Spain. He holds a qualification in engineering and economics.
One of his immediate responsibilities will be overseeing preparations for the start of production of the Tengo, which will become the third Volkswagen model manufactured at Plant Kariega. His mandate will also include preparing the facility for future products and supporting the expansion of Volkswagen’s manufacturing network across Africa.
VWGA chairperson and managing director Martina Biene thanked Schwabe for his contribution, particularly to the group’s African manufacturing expansion and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Plant Kariega achieved a production record of 167,084 vehicles in 2024 under Schwabe’s leadership.
READ: Volkswagen’s Kariega plant sets new monthly production record
Biene said Stephan’s international production experience would be important as VWGA enters its next manufacturing phase and prepares to add the Tengo to its local production line.
- Marc Stephan was appointed as production director of Volkswagen Group Africa's Kariega plant on August 1, succeeding Ulrich Schwabe.
- Stephan previously led production at Volkswagen’s Zwickau plant in Germany, the group's first electric vehicle-only manufacturing facility.
- Stephan has over 20 years of experience within Volkswagen Group, having held positions in Germany, the United States, and Spain.
- He will oversee preparations for the production start of the Tengo, the third Volkswagen model to be manufactured at Plant Kariega.
- Under Schwabe’s leadership, Plant Kariega set a production record of 167,084 vehicles in 2024.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has appointed Marc Stephan as its new production director, placing him in charge of manufacturing operations as the company prepares to introduce a third model at its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape.
Stephan assumed the position on August 1, succeeding Ulrich Schwabe, who led production at the facility from April 2021 until July 2026.
He joins the
READ: VW unveils electric ID.Polo GTI amid questions over SA launch
Stephan has more than 20 years of experience within the Volkswagen Group and has occupied positions in Wolfsburg,
One of his immediate responsibilities will be overseeing preparations for the start of production of the
VWGA chairperson and managing director Martina Biene thanked Schwabe for his contribution, particularly to the group’s African manufacturing expansion and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Plant Kariega achieved a production record of 167,084 vehicles in 2024 under Schwabe’s leadership.
READ: Volkswagen's Kariega plant sets new monthly production record
Biene said Stephan’s international production experience would be important as VWGA enters its next manufacturing phase and prepares to add the
