Volkswagen 75-year milestone celebrations for Simola Hillclimb

Volkswagen Group Africa is celebrating a major milestone in 2026, marking 75 years of manufacturing people’s cars locally for customers around the world.

Volkswagen returns to the Simola Hillclimb in 2026 as a Tier 2 Manufacturer for the fifth consecutive year and is set to deliver an exciting lineup for King of the Hill, reinforcing its status as a leading automotive manufacturer in South Africa and one of the most committed to motorsport.

“The Simola Hillclimb is a challenge like no other and is unique in South African motorsport. It takes place in an area without a dedicated motorsport facility, and fans from around the country are always eager to see the cars in action in this spectacular setting,” says Mike Rowe, Head of the Volkswagen Driving Experience.

“This event gives us an opportunity to showcase our brand to dedicated motoring and motorsport enthusiasts, and this year our focus is on celebrating our proud ‘75 Years of Manufacturing’ legacy,” Rowe adds. “For the first time, we have an incentive programme with our dealers for the Simola Hillclimb. We will host the winners at the event, which will make it even more special and memorable.”

Volkswagen has raised the calibre of the Simola Hillclimb in recent years, bringing superstar international drivers Petter Solberg and Johan Kristoffersson to compete for King of the Hill glory in 2023 and 2025 respectively, with two championship-winning World Rallycross cars. Having secured top-three results in both instances in the fiercely competitive Modified Saloon Car category, Volkswagen has opted for a different approach for the 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb, which takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026.

Local is lekker

“This year we are building something special, designed and produced here in South Africa to take on King of the Hill,” Rowe says. “To continue with the ‘local is lekker’ theme, the car will be driven by Jonathan Mogotsi, and this event is almost on the eve of his exciting opportunity to race at the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hour.”

In addition to this all-new contender for King of the Hill, Volkswagen has entered its trusted SupaCup Polo ‘Chassis 01’ - the concept car that formed the foundation for Volkswagen’s SupaCup championship-winning Polo in South Africa, which is now also exported to Germany to compete in the domestic Polo Cup championship. “Chassis 01 will be driven for the last time by Graeme Nathan, who was closely involved in building the concept car, so it is fitting that he gets to drive it in competition one last time,” Rowe says. Thereafter, this historically significant car will be preserved for special events but will no longer be used in competition.

Volkswagen has also entered two latest-generation Golf GTI 8.5 models in the standard production vehicle category, which will be driven by Rory Atkinson, the 2025 Astron Energy Polo Cup champion, and Matt Merton, who operates the Volkswagen Advanced Driving facility at Zwartkops Raceway.

Additionally, a pair of Golf R models will be used for VIP runs up Simola Hill on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Volkswagen merchandise will also be available for fans to purchase at the event.

“Volkswagen has been an outstanding partner and supporter of the Simola Hillclimb since 2022 and has played an important role in elevating the status of our event, both locally and internationally, by bringing legendary world champion drivers and cars to compete here,” says Ian Shrosbree, Managing Director of the Knysna Speed Festival, which owns and runs the Simola Hillclimb.

“We are delighted that the 16th Simola Hillclimb will be one of Volkswagen Group Africa’s key events during its ‘75 Years of Manufacturing’ celebrations, highlighting the platform the event offers our partners to launch new products, activate their brands, and celebrate achievements and milestones. That Volkswagen is building a serious King of the Hill contender further reinforces the company’s exceptional commitment to supporting local motorsport.”

The 16th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 30 April to 3 May 2026.