Volkswagen Group Africa appoints Marc Stephan as new production boss

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has announced the appointment of Marc Stephan as its production director, taking charge of manufacturing operations at Plant Kariega from 1 August 2026, as the company prepares to start production of its third model at the plant.

Stephan succeeds Ulrich Schwabe, who served as production director from April 2021 to July 2026. The leadership change comes as VWGA prepares for the production launch of the Tengo and considers developing Plant Kariega for future models and expanding Volkswagen’s African production network.

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VWGA chairperson and managing director Martina Biene says Stephan’s experience will be important as the company enters its Tengo production phase.

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“I also want to extend a warm welcome to Marc, who we believe will lead our production teams into our Tengo chapter and beyond,” Biene says.

Stephan joins VWGA from Volkswagen’s Zwickau plant in Germany, where he was head of production and led its transformation into the Volkswagen Group’s first fully electric vehicle manufacturing facility. The plant produces the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Cupra Born.

Having more than 20 years of Volkswagen Group experience, Stephan has also held positions in Wolfsburg, Chattanooga, and Pamplona. He holds qualifications in engineering and economics.

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Biene also credits Schwabe with strengthening the company’s manufacturing operations, noting that Plant Kariega reached a record production volume of 167 084 vehicles in 2024.

“I am excited to see how his expertise will progress VWGA’s production capabilities to the next level.” Biene says.

The appointment places Stephan at the centre of VWGA’s next production cycle and the future development of its African manufacturing footprint.

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