Volkswagen India starts manufacturing Ameo at Pune

Volkswagen India has started the production of its compact sedan Ameo, which was premiered at the Delhi Motor Show in February, from Chakan plant in Pune. The company has also rolled out its first car from the plant on Wednesday.

Volkswagen has invested about ?720 crore in the development of the Ameo, setting up new equipment for its production as well as ramping up the manufacturing of this compact sedan at its Chakan plant. The pre-launch bookings for the Ameo have been open at all Volkswagen showrooms in India for the last two weeks.

''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,'' chief minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis said.

''This roll-out means a lot to us as it explains to the world what 'Make in India' actually means.''

At present, the Pune plant manufactures Polo and Vento and Rapid for sister concern Skoda. The current Volkswagen models are manufactured for both domestic and export markets in right-hand drive as well as left-hand drive versions.

Volkswagen's total investment in India stands at about ?5,720 crore.

''The Ameo symbolises yet another first as it has specifically been created for the 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,'' Andreas Lauermann, President and Managing Director, Volkswagen India said.

Ameo is available in two fuel options (1.2-litre 3-cylinder MPI and 1.5-litre 4-cylinder TDI engine), and comes equipped with dual front airbags and ABS as standard fitment across all variants. It also has features such as cruise control, rain sensing wipers and static cornering lights.

The Volkswagen Group is represented by five passenger car brands in India (Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Skoda and Volkswagen). The company has been present in the country for the past 14 years.