The VW AutoPavilion, Place of Cars and Legends, was established in 2004 in Uitenhage, after the need for a more modern, hi-tech facility to replace the existing museum which was housed in the old Drosdty Museum, was realised. The newer and more technologically advanced museum provides visitors with a truly unique attraction, as it is the only automobile discovery centre in Africa, and one of only five of its kind worldwide. The main intention of the AutoPavilion is to introduce those who visit, to the history of the Volkswagen brand in South Africa, as well as to create a brand awareness amongst the youth of the nation. The automobile manufacturer also aims to provide a platform whereby it can educate younger generations about modern and future technologies in an entertaining, yet still educational process. This is achieved through the viewing and explanation of the centre's many new and interesting interactive exhibits.

The AutoPavilion located in the Eastern Cape automobile production hotspot of Uitenhage, features three galleries, the first of which highlights the history of Volkswagen in South Africa. The Volkswagen Brand experience is sub-divided into a number of areas, for example the "Technology of the Future" zone, which features a hologram type PC screen which seems to float in the air, and is accessed by either pointing at it with your finger or waving your your hand in the air- the first of its kind in Africa. The second area at the pavilion is the Volkswagen Group Gallery, which provides an innovative and rather informative showcase for the entire range of brands manufactured by the group. The gallery exhibits include displays of Bentley, Lamborghini, Audi, Skoda, Seat, as well as the Motorsport division of the group. The final section of the complex houses the Nostalgia zone, where visitors take a glimpse into the past, viewing amongst others the first models of Kombi and Beetle produced in South Africa.

The AutoPavilion features an enormous and varied collection of cars, which include numerous unique vehicles, a number of prototypes and some vehicles which have broken records over the years. Highlights include a vertical cross section of a new model Beetle, as well as a VW Nardo W12 concept supercar, which beat the 24hour speed record in Italy on two separate occasions. Other highlights of the Volkswagen AutoPavilion include twenty seven static and graphic displays and over twenty interactive exhibits. Examples of exhibits featured at the complex include brain teasers, general knowledge quizzes about cars, a hydrogen manufacturing demonstration housed in the "Future Technology" section and much more. Other exhibits at the pavilion have been imported from various locations across the globe, and are some of the first of their kind to be seen in South Africa.

The interior design and exhibits of the AutoPavilion have been carefully planned and undertaken with the assistance of renowned exhibition designers Seipone Exhibits from Cape Town. The company has gaine an excellent reputation as leaders in their field, and have gained much international experience working on numerous famous theme parks which include the Epcot Centre at Disneyworld in the United States, Ratanga Junction in Cape Town, and various exhibits in Dubai and EuroDisney, to name but a few. Technological aspects are brought to the AutoPavilion via a network of monitors, and video screens which display continuous visual loops and moving features, while spectacular light technology provides visitors with an added element of excitement. Fragrance machines, ambient lighting and atmospheric sound machines all work together to add an extra special touch to the specific moods of certain exhibits. These features all combined create a memorable experience for visitors by exercising all of their senses simultaneously.

Extensive research and planning have resulted in the Volkswagen AutoPavilion displaying a totally unique purpose, structure, and overall appearance, all of which come together in the form of a facility which is easily capable of competing on a global level. The distinctive building is based on the Autostadt - the Volkswagen Group's motoring theme park in Wolfsburg, Germany, and has been featured in a number of well known Architectural magazines. The VW AutoPavilion, Place of Cars and Legends certainly leaves a lasting impression of those who visit it. This is further re-enforced by the fact that the AutoPavilion sees a total of more than 2,000 visitor pass through its door each month, making it surely one of the most appealing attractions in Uitenhage.

AutoPavilion, Place of Cars and Legends is open weekdays from 08:30 to 16:00, first Saturday of each month from 10am to 1pm, and is closed on all other weekends and public holidays. The entrance fee for adults is R5,00 and for children under 16 & pensioners R2,00. For more information call (041) 994 5941or fax any queries to (041) 996 6093. Located at Algoa Rd, Uitenhage.