In response to calls for the complete implementation of the automotive policy, Volkswagen launches the Virtus sedan in Ghana.

An important turning point for Volkswagen Group Africa and the Ghanaian car sector was the introduction of the new Volkswagen Virtus in Accra.

To fully realize Ghana’s potential as a premier hub for auto manufacturing in West Africa, Martina Biene, Managing Director and Chairperson of Volkswagen Group Africa, underlined during the launch ceremony how important it is to implement the Ghana Automotive Development Policy (GADP) to the letter. The African Association of Automobile Manufacturers (AAAM) president, Biene, commended the policy for drawing Volkswagen and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to Ghana with their investments.

She did, however, emphasize the importance of full implementation, particularly about import taxes on used automobiles and prohibitions on older vehicles that are ten years of age or older.

Biene’s speech at the Virtus launch emphasized how crucial it would be to fully implement the GADP to establish Ghana as a pioneer in the production of modern cars in West Africa. She pointed out that, if every provision of the strategy is implemented, Volkswagen’s present $54 million investment would result in an annual manufacturing capacity of 140,000 automobiles in Ghana.

According to Jeffrey J.O. Peprah, CEO of Volkswagen Ghana, the Virtus sedan is the company’s fourth vehicle line built at the Tema site. Peprah gave the Virtus high marks for its eye-catching exterior and roomy cabin, which included a sizable 521-liter cargo area. A 6-speed automatic transmission is mated to a 1.6-liter MPI engine in the car, which produces 152 Nm of torque and 81kW of power.

Biene voiced confidence about the potential for new automobile sales in Ghana to rise despite obstacles like the flood of salvaged and used cars. She cited Volkswagen Ghana’s accomplishment of selling 6,000 cars the previous year and predicted that, with the complete implementation of the GADP, this figure may rise to 30,000–50,000.

The goal of the Ghana Automotive Development Policy (GADP) is to make Ghana a hub for the competitive West African car industry. In order to promote investment and employment growth in the industry, it provides incentives such as corporate tax holidays, import duty exemptions, and financing schemes.

The South African High Commissioner, Ms. Grace Janet Mason, praised VW’s dedication to automobile assembly in Africa and its role in making Ghana a major hub for manufacturing in the area.