Volkswagen India celebrates five years of export success

Starting with South Africa as the first single export market in 2011, Volkswagen India has expanded its exports to over 35 countries across four continents by 2016

Over the five years, Volkswagen India has ramped-up its export business to form a strong second leg of its business operations in India

In 2015, 55% of production at the Volkswagen Pune Plant was exported to support the growing demand from 

its global markets

by Shrutee K/DNS

Pune, March 17, 2016: Volkswagen India is celebrating its five-year export journey in India with the shipment of over 185,000 cars made in India for the global markets. Starting with South Africa as the first single export market, Volkswagen India has rapidly grown into an exporter to over 35 countries across Asia, Africa, North America and South America.

Starting export operations from India within two years of establishing its production plant in the country in 2009, Volkswagen India has spent the last few years strengthening its domestic portfolio while also growing its export business to further strengthen its local story. The first shipment to South Africa from Volkswagen India reached its destination exactly five years ago in 2011. At that time, the export volumes only contributed approximately 6.4% of the total production. In 2015, Volkswagen India exported over 55% of its cars produced in Pune to over 35 countries across four continents while also having served as the hub for parts and components to Malaysia. The range of cars being exported includes left-hand drive as well as right-hand drive Polo and Vento cars. Mexico has been the single largest export market for Volkswagen India where over 80% of the export volume was shipped in 2015.

Dr. Andreas Lauermann, President & Managing Director, Volkswagen India Private Limited said, “Volkswagen set up its Indian operations especially for the domestic Indian market and we still continue to focus primarily on our local customers and their demands. However, with fluctuations in the domestic demand and the currency exchange, it became necessary for us to establish a second strong leg of our operations here in India. Since a Volkswagen made anywhere in the world follows the same quality and engineering standards, we were able to impress several export markets and create a demand there with our cars built in India.” He further added, “The acceptance and rising demand from a variety of markets and consumers from Asia to America stands a testimony to the global standards and state-of-the-art manufacturing that we undertake here at the Pune Plant.”

About Volkswagen Group India:The Volkswagen Group is represented by five passenger car brands in India: Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, ŠKODA, and Volkswagen. The Volkswagen Group has been present in India for the last 14 years and began its India journey with the entry of the ŠKODA brand in 2001. The Audi brand and Volkswagen brand entered India in 2007, while Porsche brand and Lamborghini brand followed in 2012. Each brand has its own character and operates as an independent entity in the market. Volkswagen Group India has over 25 models in India, over 240 dealerships and is operating two plants – Pune and Aurangabad. The Pune Plant has a manufacturing capacity of 130,000 cars per year (in current two-shift system) and is currently manufacturing Volkswagen Polo and Vento and ŠKODA Rapid. The Aurangabad Plant assembles various premium and luxury models of Audi, ŠKODA and Volkswagen sold in India and has an annual capacity of approximately 89,000. Volkswagen Group India is a part of Volkswagen AG, which is globally represented by 12 brands - Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Ducati, Lamborghini, Porsche, Scania, SEAT, ŠKODA, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, MAN and Volkswagen Passenger Cars.