Volkswagen Jetta facelift

Volkswagen India to ramp up localisation of its 1.5-litre diesel engine

Localisation often becomes key to success for manufacturers in their market of operations. This ‘rule of thumb’ is no different for carmakers across the world. However, it is even more vital for those who cater for a cost-conscious market such as India. Volkswagen India has understood this and have put in place a structured localisation movement based around their Chakan plant in Pune. This includes several key phases and currently, the German carmaker is focussing on the second phase.

Volkswagen 1.5 TDI

The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder diesel unit powers many VW cars in India.

The second phase involves Volkswagen India selecting local suppliers to provide parts. These 15 important engine components are to meet their destination, which is the 1.5-litre TDI engine. Volkswagen India currently sources some engines parts and components from Sansera Engineering, Honeywell Turbo Technologies India, Rane Engine Valves and Mahabal Group. These firms are just part of the 18 different local suppliers that make and provide engine parts to the carmaker.

New 2014 Volkswagen Polo 1.5 TDI Engine bay

The 1.5-litre TDI mill, this time, under the bonnet of a VW Polo.

Phase one included Volkswagen India taking delivery of some 25 components that make up this 1.5-litre oil burner from 18 local suppliers. These important bits and pieces include the engine brackets, turbocharger, flywheels, conrods, oil sumps and vacuum lines amongst others. These select 18 suppliers were picked from a slew of local suppliers that had signed their names for the bidding process.

2015 Volkswagen Vento Rear badging(26)

The Vento saloon is also powered by the 1.5-litre four-banger diesel motor.

Volkswagen India currently has two massive facilities in Aurangabad and Pune. Their latest engine assembly plant in the Chakan facility required an investment of INR 240 crore and sprawls across an area of 3450 square metres. All of this investment and localisation efforts are an attempt to attain operational profitability. As for the engine itself, it can be currently seen under the bonnet of the Volkswagen Polo, Vento and the Skoda Rapid. All of these three vehicles are manufactured at the Chakan facility. The 1.5-litre mill itself is available in several states of tune and can put out as much as 103bhp.

via ACI

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