VW Group India begins production of LHD Ventos for export

Pune, July 9, 2012: Volkswagen Group India has begun production of the left-hand-drive (LHD) version of the Vento model for export to Middle East and African countries. The first LHD car, a white Vento, is also the 200,000th car produced at the Chakan plant. Exports are planned to start from the second half of 2012. The Chakan plant currently produces the VW Polo, Vento, Skoda Fabia and Skoda Rapid.

According to Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Board of Management for the Volkswagen Brand with responsibility for R&D, “The success of the Vento in a competitive market like India makes us confident that this product would be well accepted in other markets with similar needs.”

The Vento is being exported to South Africa since last year. Dr John Chacko, Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India and president and managing director, Volkswagen India, said: “Our export of the Vento to South Africa confirms that we are able to produce high-quality cars in India at competitive costs. This shows our potential to further extend our export to new markets in the Middle East and African countries.”

Describing the strategy of the Volkswagen Group India, he further added: “Our focus is clear on the Indian market; however export is one tool to face volatilities in the automotive market and currency.”