Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) reached a historical milestone on Monday, 11 June 2018 when it produced its one millionth EA111 engine.
Production of the EA111 engine started back in January 2010 when the first engines for the then new Polo and Polo Vivo were produced for the local market which was followed by producing engines for export markets including China, India, Taiwan, Mexico and Malaysia.
Apart from assembling the engine locally, the grey cast iron cylinder block for the engine as well as the bearing cap for the block is also machined in-house.
“This is the most successful line that we have run in the Engine Plant since it was opened in 1981. It’s still operating flawlessly and at an output performance level far exceeding the initial target,” said Richard Reid, Unit Head: Engine Plant.
The foundation of the EA111 engine‘s success is its reliability and fuel economy provided by the strong and flexible design concept that underpins it. Some 350 000 local customers have taken delivery of a Polo or Polo Vivo since 2010.
The production line is designed in such a way that the output capacity can be adjusted without affecting the quality or stability. The Engine Plant is currently producing over 450 engines and just over 470 machined engine blocks per day with a two shift pattern run by 192 operators and setters.
"The Engine Plant‘s continued dedication to meeting the strict quality standards set by the Volkswagen Group and continuous achievement of volume targets is a credit to their great team work. They are a great example of a team that live our Volkswagen Values of Respect, Integrity, OneTeam and Excellence, “said Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa.
The EA111 engine which started production in 2010 is fitted to the latest generation Polo Vivo built in Uitenhage. The EA111 engine is manufactured in two derivatives, namely a 1.4l and 1.6l available with both manual and automatic transmissions. The EA111 engine continues to be exported to India.
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FAQ
Q: What is the Volkswagen EA111 engine and which cars use it?
The EA111 is a 1.4-litre petrol engine that Volkswagen South Africa has been producing since 2010, and it powers the Polo and Polo Vivo models sold locally and exported to markets like China, India, Taiwan, Mexico and Malaysia.
Q: How reliable is the Volkswagen EA111 engine?
The EA111 engine has proven extremely reliable, with over 350,000 local customers taking delivery of Polo or Polo Vivo models since 2010, and VWSA's production line has been running flawlessly while exceeding initial output targets.
Q: Where is the Volkswagen EA111 engine manufactured?
The EA111 engine is manufactured at Volkswagen Group South Africa's Engine Plant in Uitenhage, where they also machine the grey cast iron cylinder block and bearing caps in-house.
Q: How many EA111 engines does Volkswagen South Africa produce daily?
VWSA's Engine Plant currently produces over 450 EA111 engines per day and just over 470 machined engine blocks daily, operating with a two-shift pattern run by 192 operators and setters.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo with EA111 engine worth buying in South Africa?
Yes, the Polo Vivo with the EA111 engine is worth buying as it offers proven reliability, excellent fuel economy, and represents one of the most successful engine lines VWSA has produced since 1981, making it a solid choice for South African driving conditions.
Should You Buy It?
While this article focuses on VWSA's engine production milestone rather than a specific car review, if you're considering a Volkswagen Polo Vivo with the EA111 engine, the answer is a definitive yes. The best compact hatchback under R280,000 in South Africa remains the Polo Vivo, and with over one million EA111 engines produced and 350,000 satisfied local customers since 2010, you're getting proven German engineering built right here in Uitenhage. The EA111's track record of reliability and fuel efficiency, combined with VWSA's commitment to strict quality standards, makes any Polo Vivo a smart buy for South African roads.
