VW AutoPavilion celebrates decade
ONE of the most popular tourist places in Uitenhage is Volkswagen Group South Africa's (VWSA) popular heritage centre – the AutoPavilion.
This month the centre celebrated 10 years of educating and enthralling visitors.
VWSA opened the doors of the only automobile discovery centre in Africa and to date more than 450000 school groups, students, foreign and local tourists have been arriving in droves to enjoy the latest technology and edu-tainment offered.
The AutoPavilion – the place of cars and legends – takes visitors through a journey of Volkswagen's history in South Africa.
The museum also features a collection of cars, including unique vehicles, high-tech prototypes and record-breaking cars. Highlights include a cut-through Volkswagen Beetle that opens and closes, the Karmann Ghia, the last Volkswagen Citi Golf, the last Beetle manufactured in the Uitenhage plant, as well as 27 static and graphic displays and more than 20 interactive exhibits.
"It is a remarkable achievement that the AutoPavilion has been providing motoring enthusiasts with the opportunity to learn more about Volkswagen and get to experience some of the great exhibits we have to offer, ", AutoPavilion manager Buyile Gqubule said.
Combined with an exciting factory tour twice a day, the AutoPavilion is the place to be for all motoring enthusiasts visiting Nelson Mandela Bay.
Last year more than 35000 people from all over the country and abroad experienced the thrill of a factory tour coupled with learning more about the largest vehicle manufacturer in Africa at the AutoPavilion.
The multimillion rand centre has played host to some important visitors over the years like Alec Irwin (former trade and industry minister), Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn (chairman of the board of management of VWAG), Hubert Waltl (VWSA chairman), Nosimo Balindlela (former Eastern Cape premier) and recently Jimmy Tau (former Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates player).
In celebration of the 10-year anniversary, all visitors to the AutoPavilion will get in for free during this month.
The AutoPavilion is open weekdays from 8.30am to 4pm. Factory tour bookings can be made online at www.autopavilion.co.zaor by e-mailing autopavilion@vwsa.co.za Alternatively you can call (041) 994-5941.
