VinFast to Open Tamil Nadu Factory in 3-4 Months: TRB Rajaa

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is set to start operations at its new plant in Tamil Nadu within the next three to four months, according to Dr. TRB Rajaa, the state's Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions, and Commerce.

The automaker started construction on its third global production plant, a 400-acre integrated facility in Thoothukudi, in February 2024, expanding on its existing manufacturing in Vietnam and the United States.

"They are going to open in just three or four months," Rajaa said on Wednesday while speaking at the Future Powertrain Conclave organized by Autocar Professional and Government of Tamil Nadu.

The plant will start with CKD operations and a 50,000-unit capacity, eventually scaling up to 150,000 units while expanding its portfolio from premium to mass-market segments.

The Vietnamese automaker isexpected to launch locally assembled mid-size electric SUVs - VF7 and VF6 from the plant for the Indian market ahead of the festival season.

The SUVs will be positioned in the same segment as the Mahindra BE 6, XEV 7E, Hyundai Creta EV, Tata Curvv, and Harrier EV segments, and the pricing is likely to be in the Rs 20-30 lakh range.

While the priority for the facility will be to cater to the domestic market, it will also eventually cater to the demands of the Middle East and Africa.

In India, VinFast will replicate its Southeast Asian market strategy, beginning with vehicle production and eventually establishing its full value chain comprising charging infrastructure, financing, and leasing.