AutoPavilion — Attraction in Nelson Mandela Bay Ward 46

This was a tough rating to give.

The museum and shop is well set up. On arrival, reception told us to browse and that we would be found before the tour starts. Since we couldn't find anyone in uniform, we continued like this until 13h12. That was when a man rudely stopped to ask what I was doing in the museum and could he help. The tone was impolite, despite the words.

I was then told to run and fetch everyone as the tour was leaving.

We had our reflective vests and protective glasses thrust on us.

We were seated in cute little cars to be driven through the factory. Despite being warned that we had to be buckled up, no-one in my car could get theirs on as they were all too small.

The same tour guide then took us through the plants and showed us the manufacturing process (excluding engine and paint-this is due to being highly technical, sensitivity to foreign matter, etc)

It was fun to see the people working alongside the robots. I have a polo on order, we got to see parts of the polo and polo vivo being assembled, which was of great interest to me obviously.

We were surprised by the friendliness of the people assembling the vehicles, who took time to wave. The air was relaxed, with the staff laughing and chatting with each other.

Our tour guide used his outside voice to get people out of his way. And we noticed the traffic gridlock he caused by not giving right of way to incoming vehicles, then scraping past their vehicles.

Go for the tour. Hopefully, your guide understands better that he is a representative of the Volkswagen brand, and does not leave you feeling as bullied as we felt.

*No cellphones allowed on tour, but can be used...

For years I have wanted to see how cars are manufactured and finally got the opportunity to do so. Be warned however to phone in and book as space is limited and there aren't tours everyday. You will be carted carted around in a customized 7seater VW Polo golf cart and shown how the parts are pressed out, welded and assembled into a brand new vehicle - absolutely amazing. On returning to Auto Pavilion you can take a walk through memory lane through the museum and the science center explains how engines and aerodynamics work. Even a few sit in car games allowing the younger ones a virtual experience of riding a car. Expect to spend at least 3 hours for both tour and museum, making this a great...

If you have a off day or looking for something to do in the Port Elizabeth vicinity you should definitely go and visit AutoPavilion. AutoPavilion offers you a tour inside the Volkswagen Uitenhage factory plant and where you will be able to experience step by step what the manufacturing proses entails of the Volkswagen Polo and Polo Vivo. After the factory tour you can walk around in the VW museum where you will find everything in Volkswagens history from the earliest models right through to new futuristic models and also retired racing cars. A very nice outing for the whole family and best of all...