Volkswagen India aims 15 per cent production hike with the Ameo

Volkswagen might still be reeling from the aftershocks of its diesel emissions scandal but the Indian arm of the German giant is still ebullient about its prospects in the country, thanks to the impending launch of the Ameo. The highly anticipated compact sedan, tentatively scheduled for a July launch, is expected to usher in a 15 per cent rise in Volkswagen’s production volume in India this year, according to the carmaker. Volkswagen India manufactured 1.23 lakh vehicles last year.

To be manufactured solely for the Indian market for now – with additional volumes for export set to follow later -- the VW Ameo is a compact sedan that will play ball with the likes of the likes of Maruti DZire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and Ford Figo Aspire in a burgeoning segment with prices ranging between Rs 5.2 to Rs 8.57 lakh. Borrowing the characteristic VW design philosophy as seen on the Polo and Vento, the Ameo measures in under 4 metres in length, and resembles a shortened Vento from the side profile thanks to the extended rear section after the C-pillar that allows for extra boot space.

Motive power for the Vento comes from a choice of both petrol and diesel engines; the former a 1.2-litre mill that produces 75PS and 110Nm, while the diesel is a 1.5-litre affair that pumps out 90PS and 230Nm. Both variants will come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, and a DSG gearbox option for the higher models is expected to follow after the car’s launch.

Speaking about the expected hike in production, Volkswagen India President and Managing Director Andreas Lauermann said, “There is an increase of about 15 per cent in production volume expected at the Volkswagen Pune plant in 2016 as compared to 2015.” VW’s Chakan plant's maximum production capacity in two-shift system stood at 1,23,000 cars per annum last year.

Also, despite cutting jobs and taking stringent measures to stay profitable globally, Volkswagen made it clear that it wouldn’t be cutting any jobs or firing personnel at its Pune plant. "Volkswagen India recently announced the start of third shift to support the additional production volumes... To meet these higher production volumes, Volkswagen India has also hired additional workforce at its plant in Chakan and the company is not willing to cut down on the workforce." added Lauermann.

Bookings for the petrol variant of the VW Ameo will begin tomorrow, May 12.