VW's export LHD Vento production starts at Chakan plant

As India continues to thrive as manufacturing hubs for export products for major car manufacturers, news had emerged from Volkswagen Group India’s Chakan plant that the company has started production of the left-hand drive (LHD) version of its Vento model for export to Middle East and African Countries.

Incidentally, the first LHD car, a white Vento, was also the landmark 200,000th car produced at the Chakan plant. The export is planned to start from the second half of 2012.

The Vento’s success in a competitive market like India has apparently spurred Volkswagen’s ambition to export the car to similar markets abroad. The sedan has also been successfully exported to South Africa since last year. Volkswagen is increasingly looking at India to produce quality cars at highly competitive costs, especially for exports.

The on-going strategy of the Volkswagen Group as stated by the company is to continue focussing on India while using exports to handle volatilities in the domestic automotive market and the rupee.

The Volkswagen plant in Chakan currently produces the Volkswagen Polo, the Volkswagen Vento, the Å KODA Fabia and the Å KODA Rapid.