Volkswagen has rolled out its first “Made in India” sedan Ameo from the Chakan plant in Pune. Before this, the German makers have made three other cars in India – Polo, Vento and Skoda Fabia.
This is the first sub-4 meter compact sedan in the country, and it costs the company Rs. 720 crore right from development to production. The car was manufactured on the same platform as the Polo, but developed and designed for the local market.
The pre-launch bookings opened two weeks ago and the car is still gaining attention. The car comes in two variants: a three-cylinder 1.2L petrol engine (75 hp power and 110Nm torque) and a four cylinder 1.5L diesel engine (similar to that of Polo). The diesel engine, however, will be rolled out later this year. The car is equipped with dual front airbags. The most attractive features include cruise control and rain sensing wipers along with static cornering lights.
Being one among 13 foreign car manufacturers (one of two German), the company has invested Rs. 5,720 crores in the Indian market. This is the maximum investment done by any German company. With this car, Volkswagen becomes one of the early risers in the ‘Make in India’ campaign.
The production of their cars is not done only for the purpose of selling within the country. Of the 123,456 units produced by the company last year, 65% was exported; most of which was sent to South-America. The name Ameo comes from the Spanish word “amo”, which means “I love”.
