Vietnamese automaker VinFast has launched a major offensive in India, establishing the nation as a critical pillar for its global expansion. With a new factory already in production and its largest showroom now open in Chennai, the company is not just targeting Indian consumers but also positioning the country as a strategic manufacturing and export base for its electric vehicles.
Manufacturing and retail footprint
VinFast has marked its entry with a two-pronged strategy focused on production and customer engagement. The company has inaugurated a 4,700-square-foot flagship showroom in Teynampet, Chennai, managed by Maansarovar Motors. This location will serve as a blueprint for future urban dealerships and will feature the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2026.
Simultaneously, production has started at VinFast’s new $500 million factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, its first outside of Vietnam. The 400-acre facility has an initial annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles, which can be expanded to 150,000 units based on market demand.
This plant, which is expected to create thousands of jobs, represents the first phase of a $2 billion investment plan aimed at reaching a production capacity of one million vehicles per year by 2030.
A locally integrated ecosystem
A cornerstone of the company’s approach is deep integration within the local market. VinFast is actively negotiating with Indian and global component suppliers to increase local sourcing, a move designed to streamline production and manage costs. Some of its existing suppliers in Vietnam are also considering moving parts of their operations to India.
This focus on localization extends to its export strategy, with the Tamil Nadu plant already securing orders from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Mauritius to supply markets in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
To support customers, VinFast is building a comprehensive service network. Its new dealerships will offer sales, after-sales support, spare parts, and EV charging assistance. The company has also formed key partnerships with myTVS and RoadGrid for maintenance, Global Assure for roadside assistance, and BatX Energies for battery recycling, ensuring support throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle.
Targeting a competitive market
VinFast is introducing the VF 6 compact SUV and the VF 7 midsize SUV to spearhead its Indian operations, with pre-bookings having opened in mid-July 2025. The VF 6 comes with a 59.6kWh battery, while the larger VF 7 is available with either a single or dual-motor setup. These models are set to challenge established players like Tata, Mahindra, MG, and Hyundai in India’s rapidly expanding EV segment.
This expansion aligns with VinFast’s global ambitions. The company delivered 72,100 vehicles worldwide in the first half of 2025 and is aiming for 200,000 total deliveries by the year’s end.
According to Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, India is central to achieving these goals. The company’s all-encompassing strategy demonstrates a long-term commitment to building a robust and customer-focused presence across the country.
