Exporters Eastern Cape has noted the news that Martina Biene, Volkswagen Group Africa Chairperson and Managing Director, will leave the company to take up a new assignment as Board Member for Sales and Marketing for Škoda Auto.
Biene, who was the first female MD at VWGA, served in this position for four years and had a significant impact on the company and its role in local industry during this time.
In 2024, the VWGA plant in Kariega achieved an all-time record production volume of 167 084 vehicles. The locally-built Polo remains one of the most exported vehicles from our city’s ports. The plant will soon also begin exporting their new model, the Tengo, to African markets, and the start of production for this vehicle was pulled forward as a result of the plant’s preparedness. Production of the Tengo was also preceded by a R4 billion investment in the plant, announced in 2024.
As a business leader in Nelson Mandela Bay, Biene led by example. Her work outside of VWGA, notably her involvement in the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and her tenure as President of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), gave her the platform to lobby for changes that benefit not only VWGA but the business community of the metro, and the automotive industry at large.
We were also fortunate to work closely with her and her team, through VWGA’s involvement with Exporters Eastern Cape and the local business community.
“On behalf of Exporters Eastern Cape, I would like to thank Martina for her contribution to Nelson Mandela Bay in the past four years,” said Quintin Levey, Exporters Eastern Cape Chairman. “Organisations are built on more than products and performance. They are built on people, relationships and a lasting commitment to excellence. Martina’s passion for the Bay and for Volkswagen Group Africa will have a lasting impact.
“I wish her all the best in her next role, and we also look forward to welcoming her successor, Christiane Zorn, and supporting her journey as the next leader of Volkswagen Group Africa.”
