dxg Posted December 10, 2007 Report Share Posted December 10, 2007 Now this is interesting. It's pretty much accepted that VAG factory performance is "patchy" at best when it comes to quality with marked inconsistency in the solidity of indentical product emerging from different plants. The mid-range Polos, for example, that come the Spanish factory haven't exactly got a reputation for build quality - I know as I owned one. Whereas, the three cylinder (and the GT while it lasted) Polos that come from the Solvakian factory (alongisde the Skodas) have a great reputation for being built well. So do we expect from a completely new operation being set up in India? This does cause me some concern...Volkswagen has been struggling here in the US, but in emerging markets the German automaker is among the best. VW has been a big player in China since way before it was cool, and now Mr. Winterkorn and co. are focusing their attention on the booming India market. VW is planning on producing 240,000 vehicles per year in India by 2012, and it's using two small cars to supply much of the volume. The size and price of the Polo compact and the upcoming Up! minicar are perfect for the India market, and Europe's largest automaker plans on building both vehicles at its new plant in Chakan. Up! will go head to head with its low-cost Indian market competition with a price tag in the $7,500 price range.The Passat has already been on sale in India since November, the next generation Jetta and the ultra-luxury Phaeton are scheduled to hit India's VW dealerships in the next couple years. With VW's vast expertise making and selling its cars in low-cost markets, the company that created the original Beetle has a great chance to make hay in the land of Gandhi and the Taj Mahal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDGM Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 If the Up! is to be a cheap as promised, it's sure to be a let down on the materials front. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartagram Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 If they build them and they last in India you have nothing to worry about. Cars here don't see a quarter of the abuse they see over there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcarroll Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 At least they aint called it the VW Rickshaw. It Looks like the small Pugs and Citrons = NOT GERMAN. Could be fun with a 1.8T in the front though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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