VinFast Auto Ltd., Vietnam’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has officially inaugurated its first EV manufacturing facility in India at the SIPCOT Industrial Park in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. This marks a significant step in VinFast’s global expansion and reinforces India’s position as a growing hub for electric mobility.
The state-of-the-art facility is part of a ₹16,000 crore (approximately USD 2 billion) investment deal signed with the Tamil Nadu government in January 2024. Spread across 408 acres, the plant will focus on the production of premium electric SUVs, starting with the VF 6 and VF 7 models. The initial phase targets an annual production capacity of 50,000 units, with plans to scale up to 150,000 units based on future demand.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the plant and emphasized its role in transforming Thoothukudi into a major automobile manufacturing cluster, beyond the traditional Chennai belt. The facility is expected to generate over 3,500 direct and indirect job opportunities, strengthening the local economy.
Speaking at the launch, Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, shared the company’s vision to position Thoothukudi as a strategic export hub serving markets across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The company has already received orders from countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Mauritius.
VinFast also aims to build a robust supply chain in India by partnering with local component manufacturers, boosting indigenous capabilities in EV technology and infrastructure.
This facility marks a pivotal moment in India’s EV landscape, aligning with the country’s goal to accelerate clean mobility and reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
