On their visit to the Hannover Messe 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed several key topics regarding Volkswagen (VW) and their involvement in India. One of the major issues of discussion was the Volkswagen Vento which was purpose-built for and manufactured in India. The Vento is exported to over 30 countries from VW’s plant in Chakan. Speaking at the event, Martin Winterkorn, CEO, Volkswagen, said, “India is and will remain an important strategic growth market for the Volkswagen Group. We are convinced that Volkswagen will take on a key role in the Indian automobile market in the long term. We are driving localization in India forward with our new engine assembly plant in Pune”
In addition to the production and export of the Vento, another topic of discussion was VW’s approach towards dual vocational training that is currently being undertaken at their Chakan plant. Volkswagen trains 75% of its apprentice strength of 18,500 worldwide and emphasized the importance of training and technical talent development in India.
