The much anticipated Volkswagen Ameo has hit production with the first car of the model range rolling off the production facility in Chakan, Pune. Developed specifically for the Indian market, the new compact sedan has cost VW an investment of 720 crore. The production of the new model will be drastically ramped up now to build up enough inventory before the product’s official launch.
Read : Volkswagen Ameo variants and features leaked ahead of official launch
The first Ameo to roll out of the Chakan plant gets a Blue Silk shade and is the 1.2 litre 3-cylinder MPI petrol version. The Ameo will also be made available with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder TDI engine, with a manual or DSG auto transmission as options. The pre-launch bookings for the Ameo have opened for some time now, and the German car maker claims that the “interest has been immense”. The company has already added a third shift at the plant expecting high demand.
In the official statement about the car rolling out of the company’s plant, Volkswagen asserts that it has “focussed intensely on customer requirements while finalising the Ameo. The requirements and needs of Indian customers have been thoroughly studied and implemented in the car.”
The Ameo gets dual front airbags and ABS as standard fitment across all variants, with segment-first features such as cruise control, rain sensing wipers and static cornering lights.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, said “It is not only a matter of pride for Volkswagen but for all of Maharashtra and I would like to share my heartiest congratulations with the company. This roll-out means a lot to us as it explains to the world what ‘Make in India’ actually means.”
Commenting on the roll out, Dr. Andreas Lauermann, President and Managing Director, Volkswagen India Private Limited, said, “The Ameo symbolizes yet another first as it has specifically been created for the Indian customers.”
Would the Ameo be able to shake up the entry level, compact sedan segment? Why, why not? Do share your thoughts with us via comments and social mentions.
