Volkswagen India has started production of the Ameo compact sedan at its Chakan plant. The carmaker plans to rapidly ramp up production of the Ameo, which was globally revealed at the Auto Expo in February 2016, to build up enough inventory before market introduction.
The Ameo is available in both petrol (1.2-litre three-cylinder MPI) and diesel (1.5-litre four-cylinder TDI). The car has been designed and developed for the Indian market, following extensive feedback from domestic market customers. With safety being one of the top priorities for Volkswagen, the Ameo comes equipped with dual front airbags and ABS as standard across all variants. The compact sedan also gets segment-leading features such as cruise control, rain sensing wipers and static cornering lights.
Commenting on the start of production, Dr Andreas Lauermann, president and managing director, Volkswagen India, said: “This day marks an important event in the journey of Volkswagen in India. The Ameo symbolises yet another first as it has specifically been created for Indian customers. Due to the expected high demand for the Ameo, we have recently added a third shift to support the extra production volumes at our plant. We are committed to ensuring that our customers get their Ameo as soon as possible.”
Also present was the chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, who said: “Volkswagen India adds yet another feather in its hat as the all-new made-for-India and made-in-India Ameo is rolled out today. 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.” He added, “Be it in the area of skill development among the youth, employment generation and Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan to make Maharashtra drought-free by 2019, Volkswagen is playing an active role in all aspects and I am thankful for this.”
Bookings for the Ameo have been open across all VW showrooms in India for the last two weeks.
Volkswagen has invested approximately Rs 720 crore in the development of the Ameo, setting up new equipment for its production as well as ramping up the manufacturing. Since 2007, the total investment by Volkswagen in India currently stands at approximately Rs 5,720 crore (around 825 million euros).
The Chakan plant currently manufactures the VW Polo, Vento and the Skoda Rapid. The Volkswagen models are manufactured for both domestic and export markets in right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive versions.
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