CHENNAI: Volkswagen India has announced that its export programme has now hit critical numbers. "Since the inception of its export business, Volkswagen India has been able to ramp up the export volumes and in just two and a half years, 50,000 cars have been shipped to various countries," the company said in a statement.

Volkswagen India now exports cars to 32 countries across three continents. It started the export of cars from its Pune plant in 2011. The big breakthrough for its export business came with the successful entry into the Mexican market with the Indian Vento in October 2013.

"Originally developed for Indian market, Vento became an instant success in the sedan segment in the North American country as it replaced the Jetta Classico," said the company statement. "This year, almost every third car manufactured at the Volkswagen Pune plant will be shipped to Mexico."

Mahesh Kodumudi, chief representative, Volkswagen Group India and president and MD of Volkswagen India, said, "The rising demand from Mexico mirrors the positive customer feedback of Vento. Not only does this success help us in tackling the volatilities in the domestic market, but it also strengthens our export leg of the business in a sustainable way. With the success of our highest quality cars in this key market, we can further increase our scope of export to more countries in the near future."

Volkswagen entered India with a long term strategy and a strong focus on the domestic market. "Volkswagen Vento was the first Volkswagen model that was completely custom-designed for the Indian consumer. However, with its timeless design, robust build quality, highest safety and comfort and adequate space, Vento became a testimony for German engineering made in India worldwide," said the statement. Besides the Vento, even the Volkswagen Polo, made in Chakan is being exported to various destinations.

Additional to the completely built units, the parts and components of Volkswagen Vento and Volkswagen Polo cars manufactured at the Pune plant have been shipped to Malaysia since April 2013. These parts and components are assembled in Malaysia for their local market.