Volkswagen begins pre-series production of ‘Polo’ at Chakan
Business — By The Desk on April 28, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Sakaal Times: Volkswagen India began the pre-series production of its mid-segment model ‘Polo’ at Chakan. The Minister for Economics, Labour and Transportation of the German Federal State of Lower Saxony, Dr Philip Rosler, formally signaled the start of the production.
Along with a 30-member German delegation, Dr Rosler visited Volkswagen premises.
Describing India as an imperative market, he said that with a strong German business community based in Pune, the visiting trade contingent is exploring investment and collaboration opportunities in Pune as well as other parts of the region.
When quizzed whether price factor could play spoilsport when compared to Nano, he said that there couldn’t be a comparison between the two products as both the cars belonged to a different class and are targeted for different segments.
Responding to a query on investment, he said that the German industry, particularly the mobility sector, chemical segment, life sciences etc, could offer Indian markets the best of businesses.
“We are finalizing investments and equipment to make the Pune plant completely operational for the production series. At the moment we are starting with 50 per cent indigenous process for the manufacture of ‘Polo’ and would try to localize it as much as possible with the passage of time,” said President and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group India Jorg Muller.
Communications spokesperson Kurt Rippholz said that the ‘Polo’ model (Two petrol and one diesel versions) would have its ground clearance, wiper and horns adaptable to Indian conditions.
Besides, the first 80 cars produced under the pre-series programme would be to test competence and durability of the equipments and the cars.
By the end of 2009, commercial production would start and ‘Polo’ India version would be displayed at the auto exhibition to be held in the National capital in the first quarter of 2010, Kurt added.
The plant was inaugurated on March 31, 2009.
