German car company Volkswagen is ready to launch hatchback model of Polo in the first half of 2010. It will later launch the sedan version in second half of the year. The company is currently testing Polo for Indian conditions and preparing for a proper launch of the car in the Indian market. Volkswagen Polo will be available in both petrol and diesel models. it will be manufactured at the 500-acres manufacturing unit at Chakan near Pune which has an annual capacity of 110,000 units. It will have 50 percent localization which can be further increased.
"To start with, we are planning to source 50 per cent of Polo's components from the domestic market. We are open for more localisation but it will depend on the quality and availability of the components, said Member of the Board and Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Neeraj Garg.
Volkswagen currently sells Passat and Jetta in India. It also plans to introduce Volkswagen Beetle in India by end of this year or early next year. The company has already invested nearly Rs. 3000 crores in India to set up its manufacturing unit. Volkswagen would also be expanding its network in cities like Nagpur, Nashik and Vijayawada.
