German auto giant starts production of Africa-focused SUV in South Africa after $241 million investment, even as it plans 50,000 global job cuts in biggest-ever overhaul

Volkswagen Group Africa has started full-scale production of its new Tengo compact SUV at its Kariega plant in South Africa, marking a historic shift for the German automaker's 75-year-old manufacturing facility as it prepares to launch the model in early 2027.