Localisation. That’s one area which every manufacturer in India is working overtime to increase. Not only does localisation help in reducing manufacturing costs and ultimate to-the-customer prices, but it also ensures that spare parts are available easily. The latest in line is the Volkswagen group. As per Autocar India the German automotive conglomerate is planning to locally produce the new 2.0 litre TDI mill.
Found in the heart of even Audis and Skoda, engine localisation will make these cars even more affordable. For Volkswagen India this would mean that the upcoming Passat can be priced competitively. The EA 288 turbocharged diesel mill meets even the strict Euro 6 emission norms which is way ahead of the current BS IV standards followed by India. With our government planning to move to BS VI (equivalent of Euro 6) by 2020, this engine will be able to be the power source for a long time ahead.
This will be the second engine to be localised by Volkswagen in India after the downsized 1.5 litre TDI mill which is produced in Chakan, Pune. This smaller engine is used in Volkswagen’s Vento, Polo and Skoda Rapid. Introduced back in 2012, the EA 288 is not a part of the Dieselgate scandal. The in-line four pot mill has an intercooler integrated in the intake manifold and the exhaust after-treatment is done very close to the engine.