he Volkswagen plant at Pune turned five on 31st March 2014. A fine example of German Engineering in India, the plant at Chakan near Pune, is spread over 575 acres. Built with an initial investment of Rs 3,800 crore, the plant has rolled out more than 367,000 cars and employs 3,400 people. Built in a short time of 17 months, the Chakan plant covers the entire automotive production process. From press shop through body shop and paint shop to assembly. Futuristic technologies like diode laser welding and in-line measurement processes highlight Volkswagen India's emphasis on include German Production Technology and German standards of manufacture. Having come to turn out Volkswagen and Skoda brand of cars, the plant has adhered to the rule of producing the highest quality cars without exception. This has not only helped Volkswagen ensure highest international product quality standard, it has enabled the company to export cars to markets like South Africa. Starting with the export of Vento in 2011, Volkswagen caters to over 32 countries across three continents of Asia, Africa and North America, which include left-hand drive markets like Mexico and AGCC (Arab Gulf Cooperation Council). Also, as part of the export activities, Volkswagen India initiated its Parts & Components Business Unit (PCB Unit) at its Pune Plant which exports parts and components of Polo and Vento to Malaysia where they are assembled for the Malaysian market. In related news, Michael Mayer has been appointed as Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India. He will take charge on June 1, 2014. Currently responsible for market planning of Volkswagen Passenger Cars European Sales Division located in Wolfsburg, Germany, Mayer has been with the Volkswagen Group for over twenty years. He worked on a number of factory planning projects with assignments in China and Portugal. In his new role, Mayer will be reporting to Thierry Lespiaucq, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited.