On the occasion of shipment of over 185,000 cars made in India for the global markets, Volkswagen India is celebrating its five-year export journey in India. The company has grown as an exporter to over 35 countries across Asia, Africa, North America and South America. Volkswagen started its export operations from India within two years of establishing its production plant in the country in 2009. Initially, South Africa was the company’s first single export market. Mexico has been the single largest export market for Volkswagen India where over 80% of the export volume was shipped in 2015.
The first shipment to South Africa from Volkswagen India reached its destination exactly five years ago in 2011. At that time, the export volumes only contributed approximately 6.4% of the total production. In 2015, Volkswagen India exported over 55% of its cars produced in Pune to over 35 countries across four continents. It also served as the hub for parts and components to Malaysia. The company exports left-hand drive as well as right-hand drive Polo and Vento cars.
Speaking on the occasion the President & Managing Director, Volkswagen India Private Limited, Andreas Lauermann, expressed that Volkswagen has set up its Indian operations especially for the domestic Indian market and continues to focus primarily on local customers and their demands. However, with fluctuations in the domestic demand and the currency exchange, it has become necessary for the company to establish a second strong leg of operations in India. He further added that since a Volkswagen vehicle made anywhere in the world follows the same quality and engineering standards, they are able to impress several export markets and create a demand there with their cars built in India. The acceptance and rising demand from a variety of markets and consumers from Asia to America stands a testimony to the global standards and state-of-the-art manufacturing that is undertaken at the Pune Plant.