Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL) announced on Thursday that the export of vehicles manufactured at its Chakan facility in Pune has exceeded 600,000 units. SAVWIPL serves as the Indian subsidiary of the renowned German automotive conglomerate, Volkswagen Group.

Responsible for overseeing the operations of various Volkswagen Group brands in India, including Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini, the company has achieved considerable success in its export endeavours.

Notably, the vehicles produced in India have garnered substantial demand in regions such as Mexico, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and various Asian markets. This trend contributes significantly to bolstering the global presence of the Volkswagen Group, as highlighted in an official company statement.

Piyush Arora, the Managing Director and CEO at SAVWIPL, emphasized the pivotal role of exports from India in the company's global strategy. He underscored the achievement of surpassing the 600,000-unit mark as a momentous milestone. Arora attributed this success to India's advantageous geographical location and the exceptional engineering capabilities present in the country.

Volkswagen Group's foray into Indian exports began in 2011, with the Volkswagen brand's Polo and Vento models leading the way. These vehicles transformed India into a notable export hub for the group. Arora further commented that the legacy of successful exports, initiated by the India-made Polo and Vento, has been carried forward by newer models like the Taigun, Virtus, and Kushaq.

The Kushaq model, notably, marks a significant milestone as the first Skoda vehicle to be exported from India. Arora revealed that the forthcoming export destinations for Skoda's Kushaq and Slavia models include Vietnam, facilitated by the transportation of parts and components. This accomplishment exemplifies the company's steadfast commitment to the "Make in India" initiative, which encompasses both the domestic market and international endeavours. The focus remains on engineering each product to achieve international excellence.

Anticipating the year 2024, SAVWIPL disclosed plans to commence the export of Kushaq and Slavia models. To support this expansion, the company is in the process of constructing an advanced dedicated facility spanning 16,000 square meters at the Chakan site. This move highlights the company's dedication to enhancing its production capabilities and contributing to the "Make in India" campaign.