About 11 million cars worldwide were affected. Volkswagen said it planned to spend US$18.32 billion to rectify the issue. "Volkswagen wants to strengthen its presence in emerging markets. That is why Africa ranks high on our agenda," said Volkswagen brand chief Herbert Diess. The German auto company said it may use electric versions of the VW Golf in the Rwandan mobility services business. The goal is for VW to complete its market research in Rwanda by May, said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen South Africa, at a Kigali press conference. An assembly plant could be set up in Kigali by the end of 2017 that produces at least 5,000 vehicles a year, New Times reported. Volkswagen South Africa is leading the initiative in Rwanda together with Volkswagen's Kenyan partner, DT Dobie. Africa is the final frontier for the global automotive industry with enormous growth potential, according to Deloitte.