PUNE (TIP): Volkswagen India (VWI) has commenced exporting the Volkswagen Vento to Mexico which, in the future, will become the single largest export market for VWI with every second car produced for exports at the Pune plant being sold there. Volkswagen India commenced export of cars manufactured at Pune in 2011 with exports to South Africa. It entered the Left-Hand Drive (LHD) market in 2012 with exports to West Asian countries. The next big step in the growth strategy of Volkswagen India is the expansion of exports of the Left-Hand Drive Vento to the Mexican market. The production of LHD Vento cars for the Mexican market has commenced with the first lot of cars having already reached there. The model will be officially introduced in the Mexico market in the beginning of November. The Vento will be offered in three drivetrain options in the Mexican market. “The Vento was specifically designed and built for Indian customers. However, its success in a competitive market like India has opened the doors for its export to various other markets,” said Mahesh Kodumudi, President & Managing Director, VWI. “With the increase in export of fully-built cars, Volkswagen India can tackle the volatility in the domestic automotive market and in the currency,” Kodumudi said, adding that the primary focus area for the company would continue to be the domestic Indian market. VWI’s Pune plant currently produces the VW Polo and Vento, and the Skoda Fabia and Skoda Rapid. The exports from here include the RHD Polo and both RHD and LHD Vento.
Volkswagen India begins exporting Vento to Mexico
