Volkswagen Ghana has marked a significant milestone, celebrating its fifth anniversary with the launch of the redesigned T-Cross compact SUV. The event, held in Accra, brought together industry leaders, car enthusiasts, and media to unveil the latest addition to VW’s locally assembled lineup.
A Testament to Resilience and Growth
According to Jeffrey Oppong Peprah, CEO of VW Ghana, the company’s five-year journey has been a testament to its resilience and growing acceptance in the Ghanaian market. Despite challenges, VW Ghana has assembled over 2,600 vehicles at its Tema plant, which boasts an annual capacity of 5,000 units.
Expansion Plans and Job Creation
The CEO outlined plans to introduce multiple production shifts in alignment with the government’s 24-hour economy policy, aiming to accelerate industrialization, create more jobs, and drive Ghana’s economic transformation. VW Ghana currently employs 12 engineers directly at the facility, with total operations supporting 81 jobs.
Local Assembly and Market
VW Ghana currently assembles five models: Virtus, Tiguan, T-Roc, Touareg, and Amarok. The new T-Cross targets younger buyers and families with its compact design, affordability, and efficiency. Available in Comfortline and Highline trims, the T-Cross comes with a range of features, including LED headlights, a 10-inch infotainment system, wireless charging, and advanced safety features.
A Call to Action
The CEO urged Ghanaians to shift their mindset away from imported used vehicles toward locally built new ones, emphasizing that driving local means driving jobs, skills, and technology. He stressed the need for government, private sector, and public collaboration to change perceptions and promote local manufacturing.
Ghana’s Strategic Importance
VW Ghana’s CEO reaffirmed Ghana’s strategic importance to Volkswagen’s regional vision, stating that the country is poised to become the center of the West African auto industry. With its locally assembled vehicles, VW Ghana is well-positioned to drive sustainable industry growth and contribute to Ghana’s economic transformation.
