The first Vento was rolled out of the VW Chakan Plant today, August 4th 2010. Volkswagen India began production of the highly awaited mid-sized sedan, last evening. Vento, according to Volkswagen India, is the first car to have been designed while keeping in mind the needs and preferences of the Indian customers. The car will be manufactured in india exclusively. The turnaround time for the Vento has been amazing. The car has been developed and produced in record time, as it’s only been a year since the Chakan based plant went functional.
Volkswagen targets to achieve eight to ten percent in the next four to six years with its three Volkswagen Group brands, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen in India. The Vento is the 18th model from the Volkswagen Group in India of which 3 are fully produced (in Pune) and 8 are assembled (in Aurangabad). Mr Mueller said that the full ramp up of the VW Chakan facility will be achieved by the end of 2011 where the plant will start producing 110,000 units annually. A month ago the second shift was introduced and there was an increase in the number of employees to more than 2000 to satisfy the continuously high demand for the Polo and the expected additional demand for the Vento.
The Vento, as the company’s press release reads, boasts the longest wheel-base in the premium mid-size sedan segment. If that’s really the case, it should offer great legroom to its customers. “It will be positioned at the upper-end of the country’s mid-sized sedan segment”, reads the press release, which means that the pricing will tilt more towards the Honda City, and not the lower segment which comprises the likes of the Swift DZire.
Expressing his gratitude to the employees on the occasion Mr. Joerg Mueller, Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India and President & Managing Director Volkswagen India Private Limited said, “The Vento is a true reflection of our motto “Best Hands behind the Best in Class”. It would not have been possible for us to start the production of the Vento in record time without your hard work and support. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to every single employee who has contributed in making the Vento a reality in India and helping us write another glowing chapter in Volkswagen’s India journey.”
Volkswagen also announced the introduction of a second shift of production of the Polo. With a total financial commitment amounting to Rs. 3,800 crores (580 million Euros), the Volkswagen plant in Pune is the largest investment to date by a German company in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Joerg Mueller, said “The Production of the Vento reflects our motto ‘Best Hands behind the Best in Class’.” “India is a strategic long-term growth market for the Volkswagen Group. The start of production of the Vento is more than just the roll-out of a car. Not only does it mark another milestone in our journey together into a successful future for the Volkswagen Group but also reiterates Volkswagen’s commitment to India. In fact, in the last 3 years, the Volkswagen Group has launched a new model in India every two months which reflects our strong belief in the potential of the market here” he added