VinFast Auto India has hired its first group of 200 local professionals for its upcoming electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The company announced the recruitment on July 9, 2025, marking a step toward its goal of employing 3,500 workers over the next five years.
The newly hired employees are undergoing training to meet international automotive standards under the supervision of Vietnamese experts and experienced Indian professionals. The recruitment aligns with Naan Mudhalvan, Tamil Nadu's government skill development program designed to match industry requirements with local workforce capabilities.
Government Partnership Facilitates Hiring Process
The hiring initiative involved coordination between the District Collector's Office, polytechnic colleges, VinFast India's plant directors, and senior management. Guidance Tamil Nadu's WorkLabs Cell, which focuses on connecting academic institutions with industry needs, supported the process.
The recruitment followed a drive conducted in April 2025 that attracted 344 diploma students from the region. District Collector K. Elambahavath and the Tamil Nadu Industries Department supported the selection process, which included a two-month institutional training program led by the District Administration, followed by assessments and interviews.
Workforce Strategy Emphasizes Local Hiring
VinFast has adopted an 80:20 workforce model for the plant. Eighty percent of employees will be fresh graduates or trainees from local communities, while 20 percent will comprise experienced Indian and international professionals from established automotive manufacturers.
Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, acknowledged the collaboration with District Collector K. Elambahavath and the Industries Department in achieving the company's talent development objectives. He described the facility as a catalyst for regional growth and building a manufacturing ecosystem to serve both Indian and global markets.
Production Plans and Market Entry
The Thoothukudi plant is designed to produce 150,000 vehicles annually. VinFast plans to launch two electric SUV models in India: the VF 6 and VF 7. The company is working to establish dealership networks and develop charging infrastructure to support electric vehicle adoption in the country.
VinFast, traded on NASDAQ under the symbol VFS, is a subsidiary of Vietnam's Vingroup JSC. The company manufactures electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is expanding its manufacturing, distribution, and customer service operations across North America, Europe, and Asia as part of its mission to make electric vehicles accessible globally.