Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, August 4, 2025 — Vietnam‑based electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast Auto Ltd. officially inaugurated its first overseas factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu today, marking a major milestone in its global expansion strategy .
- Built across a 400‑acre SIPCOT industrial estate, the plant represents the initial phase of an up to US $2 billion investment in India, with US $500 million allocated for the first five years .
- The facility will begin by assembling VF 6 and VF 7 premium electric SUVs using imported CKD kits, at a start-up capacity of 50,000 vehicles annually, scalable to 150,000 a year in line with demand.
- The site is projected to generate 3,000–3,500 direct jobs, along with thousands more across the local supply chain, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s status as a growing EV hub.
VinFast Asia CEO Pham Sanh Chau highlighted that the plant is poised to serve not only the Indian market but also international export destinations such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Mauritius, as part of the company’s strategy to make it a regional export hub.
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In Talks to Boost Local Sourcing Amid Component Strategy Shift
Following the inauguration, VinFast revealed it is engaging with multiple component suppliers, including both existing international vendors and potential new partners, to bring production to India. The move is consistent with global efforts to diversify supply chains beyond China .
Retail Footprint Expands with Largest Showroom in Chennai
VinFast has already entered India’s retail space:
- Its first dealership opened in Surat, Gujarat on July 27, 2025, spanning 3,000 sq ft, operated by Chandan Car, showcasing pre‑launch India versions of the VF 6 and VF 7, with pre-bookings starting July 15 (₹21,000 refundable).
- Its largest showroom to date launched in Chennai’s Teynampet, covering 4,700 sq ft—VinFast’s first retail presence in Tamil Nadu and the second in India. The facility is part of plans for 35 showrooms across 27 cities by year‑end.
The company has partnered with 13 dealer groups to establish an initial network of 32 dealerships, progressing toward its 35‑outlet goal to ensure robust sales, service, and spare‑parts (3S) support nationwide.
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In Chennai, VinFast affirmed partnerships with infrastructure providers RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure for EV charging and after‑sales support, along with BatX Energies to manage battery recycling and develop a circular battery value‑chain.
What This Means for India’s EV Landscape
- India is the world’s third-largest auto market, and VinFast’s entry comes amid accelerating EV adoption, with passenger EV sales rising sharply in recent years.
- The launch of right-hand-drive versions of VF 6 and VF 7 tailored for India aligns with VinFast’s global-local strategy.
- VinFast aims to reach 200,000 global vehicle deliveries by 2025, with India a key market to help meet that goal—having already sold 72,100 vehicles in the first half of 2025, mostly in Vietnam
VINFAST INDIA TIMELINE & EXPANSION PLAN
| Milestone | Key Details |
|---|---|
| July 15, 2025 | Pre‑bookings opened for VF 6 and VF 7 (₹21,000 booking fee) |
| July 27, 2025 | First dealership inaugurated in Surat (3,000 sq ft) |
| August 2, 2025 | Largest showroom opened in Chennai (4,700 sq ft) |
| August 4, 2025 | EV plant officially inaugurated in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu |
| 2025 (by year‑end) | Plan to establish 35 showrooms across 27 Indian cities |
| Mid–late 2025 | Local assembly begins; scaling production toward 150,000 units annually |
| 2025 deliveries target | 200,000 EVs globally, with India playing critical role |
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