Volkswagen Ghana launches new Touareg, pledges commitment to local auto industry

Volkswagen Ghana has officially launched the new Volkswagen Touareg, reaffirming its commitment to the Ghanaian automotive industry with local assembly and long-term investment in vehicle financing to enhance affordability.

At the launch event last Friday (February 28, 2025) in Accra, the CEO of Volkswagen Ghana, Jeffrey J.O. Peprah, highlighted the company’s vision for sustainable growth in Ghana and the wider West African market.

"VW is not just a car brand—it is a heritage. Generations upon generations have trusted Volkswagen for mobility, and we are here to deepen that legacy in Ghana," he stated.

Since commencing local assembly operations in 2020, Volkswagen Ghana has successfully introduced models including the Polo, Tiguan, Passat, T-Cross, Amarok, and now the Touareg. The latest launch marks a significant step towards enhancing Ghana’s automotive industry and positioning the country as a hub for vehicle manufacturing in the sub-region.

"We are assembling world-class vehicles right here in Ghana with the same high standards as in Germany or South Africa," Peprah emphasised.

He revealed that Volkswagen is also targeting neighbouring markets, such as Togo, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, with Ghana as the regional hub.

Acknowledging concerns over affordability, Peprah announced that Volkswagen Ghana is working with the government and financial institutions to introduce a structured vehicle financing scheme.

"We are engaging the government and the Ghana Automotive Development Programme (GADP) to introduce a financing scheme that will make it easier for Ghanaians to own brand-new vehicles instead of used imports," he explained.

Currently, most vehicles in Ghana are purchased on a cash basis, making affordability a challenge for many citizens. Volkswagen’s proposed financing scheme aims to address this by offering lower interest rates and flexible payment plans.

"We must change the perception that brand-new cars are out of reach. When you compare the costs of maintaining used imported vehicles with no warranty to purchasing a locally assembled brand-new car with full warranty and service support, the latter is a smarter choice," Peprah added.

Volkswagen Ghana is also advocating for the full implementation of the government’s automotive policy, including the ban on salvage vehicle imports.

"The used car market dominates because of affordability concerns. However, if we phase out salvage imports while growing local assembly, Ghanaians can transition to quality vehicles with better safety standards," he explained.

Volkswagen’s long-term goal is to support the establishment of a local automotive value chain, including component manufacturing, to further industrialisation and job creation.

The Volkswagen Touareg, now assembled in Ghana, is an ultra-modern SUV featuring advanced technology, premium interiors, and powerful performance.

"This is not just a luxury SUV; it is an innovation. From wireless charging to NFC 3.0 and enhanced driving stability, the new Touareg offers cutting-edge features that rival even high-end sports SUVs," Peprah remarked.

The new Volkswagen Touareg is now available for test drives, with special promotional offers for early buyers. The official sales campaign kicks off immediately.

Volkswagen Ghana’s latest launch reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to Ghana’s auto industry. With local production, financing initiatives, and expansion into neighbouring markets, Volkswagen is poised to transform the vehicle ownership experience for Ghanaians.

"VW Ghana is here to stay, and we are ready to drive the future of Ghana’s automotive industry," Peprah concluded.