Volkswagen, in partnership with the German government, will convert its plant in Neave, Port Elizabeth, into a temporary medical facility that will treat COVID-19 patients.

In collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Volkswagen South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Eastern Cape Department of Health, Volkswagen’s Neave plant will be converted into a temporary overflow medical facility that will accommodate up to 4 000 beds to assist in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Neave plant was previously used by Volkswagen for the manufacture of component parts but the facility is no longer in use and has been standing vacant for several months. With a funding injection of 5.2-million Euros or R107-million from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the 66 000m² facilitywill be converted and the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be procured for the regional tertiary hospitals, primary care clinics and COVID-19 test centres in the region.

The Eastern Cape Department of Health in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will manage and operate the facility and the plant will be made available to government until March 2021.

Volkswagen South Africa has committed R28-million to the project while also providing project management for the conversion and management of the procurement of PPE.

The conversion of the facility will take place in phases and the first preparation phase is expected to take between 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Volkswagen has also produced ventilators, respirators and masks in partnership with local businesses to bolster medical care in the greater Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.

Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director: VWSA commented, “Solidarity is crucial in a crisis – and Covid-19 is an unprecedented global threat. Through collaboration we will be able to achieve the position of strength we will need to fight the Covid-19 virus.

“VWSA has devoted its time to finding innovative ways in which we can combat the scourge of Covid-19 and prepare the Metro to care for those who are infected. We are highly appreciative of the financial support from the BMZ/GIZ as it will help us to continue to offer support to protect our citizens and our country.”

Dr Gerd Müller, the German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, commented: "We will either beat Covid-19 worldwide together or not at all. That is why I support Volkswagen South Africa's plan to turn a currently unused factory into a facility for Covid-19 patients. Our contribution forms part of our worldwide Emergency Covid-19 Support Programme. It aims to strengthen and expand health infrastructure, provide emergency aid to stabilise regions in crisis and refugee camps, safeguard jobs and food supply."

Buy a Volkswagen on Cars.co.za

Related Content

Now may be the best time to buy a new car

Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2020) Specs & Price