This article is not a sponsored post. It has been written only for educational purposes to provide readers with an in-depth overview of VinFast Automobile Company, its global journey, India expansion, models, and future prospects.
Introduction: A New Challenger in the EV Market
The automobile industry is witnessing a massive shift toward electric mobility, and one company making headlines worldwide is VinFast Automobile Company. Established in 2017 by Vingroup in Vietnam, VinFast has expanded its presence to North America, Europe, Indonesia, and now India.
Within just a few years, VinFast has evolved from producing internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to becoming a pure EV company with global aspirations. Its entry into the Indian market marks a significant milestone, supported by a new manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu and the launch of its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs.
Journey of VinFast
2017 – Foundation in Vietnam
VinFast was established under Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, with the vision of becoming a global automobile leader.
2019 – First Vehicles & Factory Launch
VinFast inaugurated its Hải Phòng factory, one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced auto plants. Initial cars included Fadil, Lux A2.0, and Lux SA2.0.
2020 – Transition to Electric Vehicles
Recognizing the EV boom, VinFast announced a strategic shift to all-electric cars, discontinuing ICE models.
2021–2022 – Global Ambitions
VinFast showcased its VF e34, VF 8, and VF 9 at international expos like the Los Angeles Auto Show, signaling entry into the U.S. and European markets.
2023 – U.S. Stock Market Debut
The company listed on NASDAQ via a SPAC merger, boosting brand recognition and funding for expansion.
2023–2024 – Expansion Strategy
- New plants announced in Indonesia, India, and the USA (North Carolina).
- Leadership reshuffle: Pham Nhat Vuong became Global CEO; Le Thi Thu Thuy appointed Chairperson.
2025 – India Plant Inauguration
- In August 2025, VinFast inaugurated its Tamil Nadu (Thoothukudi/Tuticorin) plant.
- Capacity: 50,000 cars/year initially, expandable to 150,000.
- Models for India: VF 6 and VF 7.
VinFast Car Models (Global Lineup)
inFast offers a diverse EV lineup across budget and premium categories:
- VF 3 – Micro SUV for affordable urban mobility.
- VF 5 – Compact city SUV.
- VF 6 – Compact SUV (to rival Hyundai Creta EV in India).
- VF 7 – Mid-size SUV (competes with Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6).
- VF 8 – Premium D-segment SUV (global flagship).
- VF 9 – Luxury 7-seater electric SUV.
Global Manufacturing Plants
VinFast has strategically placed its plants close to emerging EV markets:
- Vietnam (Hải Phòng) – Core plant; highly automated with ~300,000 capacity.
- India (Tamil Nadu) – New CKD plant inaugurated in 2025, scalable to 150,000 cars/year.
- Indonesia (West Java) – Under development; will serve ASEAN exports.
- USA (North Carolina) – Announced but delayed.
Leadership & Management Team
- Pham Nhat Vuong – Global CEO & founder of Vingroup.
- Le Thi Thu Thuy – Chairperson of VinFast.
- Nguyen Thi Lan Anh – Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
- Pham Sanh Chau – CEO, VinFast Asia (leading Indian operations).
VinFast in India – Journey, Plant & Launch
Market Entry & Expo Showcase
VinFast entered India in 2024 and showcased its EVs at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in New Delhi.
Pre-Bookings
- Opened on 15 July 2025.
- Booking amount: ₹21,000 (refundable).
- Models: VF 6 and VF 7.
Plant Details – Tamil Nadu (Thoothukudi)
- Inaugurated in August 2025.
- Initial capacity of 50,000 cars/year, scalable to 150,000.
- Investment: $2 billion plan, with $500M in the first phase.
- Jobs: 3,000+ direct & indirect employment.
- Exports: Cars will also be shipped to Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Africa.
Car Prices in India (Expected 2025)
- VF 6 – ₹18–24 lakh (expected).
- VF 7 – ₹35–50 lakh (expected).
- (Official ex-showroom prices to be confirmed closer to delivery.)
Future Projects of in India
Localization Drive – Moving from CKD kits to localized parts to cut costs.
Dealer & Service Network – Expanding across metros first, then tier-2 cities.
Charging Ecosystem – Nationwide partnerships for EV charging stations.
New Models – VF 3 (micro-SUV) likely to launch later for budget-conscious buyers.
Export Hub – Tamil Nadu plant will supply EVs to Asia, Middle East & Africa.
FAQs
1. What is VinFast?
A Vietnamese electric car company under Vingroup, founded in 2017.
2. Who is the CEO of VinFast?
Pham Nhat Vuong, also the founder of Vingroup.
3. Which models are coming to India?
VF 6 and VF 7 initially.
4. Where is VinFast’s India plant located?
Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamil Nadu.
5. What is the booking amount in India?
₹21,000 (fully refundable).
6. What is the expected price of VF 6 in India?
₹18–24 lakh.
7. What is the expected price of VF 7 in India?
₹35–50 lakh.
8. Does VinFast still sell ICE cars?
No, VinFast is now 100% EV-focused.
9. Will VinFast export cars from India?
Yes, to Asia, Africa, and Middle East markets.
10. How many jobs will the India plant create?
Around 3,000–3,500 direct and indirect jobs.
Conclusion
From a small beginning in Southeast Asia to setting up a new base in Tamil Nadu, the company’s journey reflects remarkable speed, ambition, and adaptability. In less than a decade, it has transformed from producing local passenger cars to competing on the global electric stage.
The entry into India, backed by a state-of-the-art plant and a lineup of modern EVs, shows a clear commitment to becoming a serious challenger in one of the world’s fastest-growing automobile markets. With a focus on localization, competitive pricing, and building a robust charging and service ecosystem, it has the potential to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with established players like Tata, Hyundai, MG, Mahindra, and BYD.
If the brand continues to deliver on affordability, after-sales support, and technological innovation, it could reshape the EV landscape in India and beyond, emerging as a symbol of how new-age automakers can disrupt a century-old industry.