Volkswagen has begun trial production of its new Polo hatchback at the Chakan plant on April 27 with the first finished bodyshell being approved.

This is part of the German carmaker’s plan to start commercial production of the Polo from December this year. Present at the event was the Minister for Economics, Labour and Transportation of the German Federal State of Lower Saxony, Dr Philipp Rösler, who officially gave the go ahead for the rollout of the first welded body. Rösler, who is also a member of VW's supervisory board, was accompanied by a delegation of 30 business representatives of the German Federal State.

They were received by Joerg Mueller, president and managing director, Volkswagen Group India; Dr John Chacko, managing director technical, VW India and K K Swamy, vice- president and managing director, VW India. Speaking on the occasion Rösler said, “the VW Group is one of the world’s largest car manufacturers providing employment to many. The VW plant in Pune is a true example of German excellence meeting Indian spirit and I would like to congratulate the management on the commendable initiative.”

In addition, Jörg Müller, said: “This event marks the next successful step of the Volkswagen team in India. With the first body of the Polo taking shape today, we are well on our way to fulfilling our commitment to Indian customers.”