Quick Overview
- VinFast to inaugurate its India plant and begin bookings by late July
- Company to roll out VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs with feature-rich packages
- Strong focus on sales and service network with tier-1 and tier-2 city presence
VinFast to Kick Off India Operations in July, Focuses on Customer First Approach
Vietnamese EV brand VinFast is set to officially kick off its India chapter with the inauguration of its Tamil Nadu plant by late July 2025. Sources confirm that the bookings for the VF6 and VF7 will open immediately after.
Highly Automated Plant and Local Production Strategy
The upcoming India plant in Thoothukudi will be one of VinFast’s most advanced, with high levels of automation and scalable capacity. Initial production will be pegged at 50,000 units annually, with potential expansion up to 150,000 units based on market demand. While early units may be CKD, local production will take priority to ensure competitive pricing.
VF 6 and VF 7
The VF 6 is a compact electric SUV that’s expected to cater to urban buyers. It features a 59.6 kWh battery, offering an expected range of around 400 km. Power output stands at 130 kW (approximately 174 bhp), and the motor drives the front wheels.
The VF 7 is a mid-size SUV with a sportier stance. It offers a dual-motor AWD variant with 260 kW (348 bhp) and a 75.3 kWh battery. The range could be north of 450 km, depending on the variant. Both models get a 12.9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ADAS features, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and a minimalistic, tech-forward cabin.
| Feature | VinFast VF6 | VinFast VF7 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Compact Urban SUV | Mid-Size Premium SUV |
| Design Language | Sporty, youth-oriented, city-friendly | Sleek, futuristic, wide stance |
| Powertrain Options | Eco: 174 PS / 250 Nm Plus: 201 PS | Eco: 201 PS / 310 Nm Plus: 354 PS / 500 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | FWD (Eco) / All-Wheel Drive (Plus) |
| Battery Capacity | 59.6 kWh | 75.3 kWh |
| Claimed Range | ~380–400 km (WLTP) | ~450 km (WLTP) |
| Acceleration (0–100) | ~8.5 seconds (Plus variant) | ~6.5 seconds (Plus variant) |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.6″ Touchscreen | 15″ Touchscreen + Head-Up Display |
| ADAS Features | Level 2 Autonomous (Basic) | Level 2+ with lane-centering & adaptive cruise |
| Wheels | 17″ or 18″ alloys | 19″ or 20″ premium alloys |
| Interior Appeal | Minimalist, youthful vibe | Premium soft-touch with ambient lighting |
| Tech Connectivity | VINFast App, OTA Updates | Full smartphone sync, OTA, HUD-based navigation |
| Ideal Buyer | First-time EV users, city commuters | Family buyers, long-distance travelers, performance lovers |
Call Centres, RSA and Network Expansion
VinFast plans to announce a nationwide call centre and roadside assistance (RSA) support in the coming weeks. This service architecture will play a central role in its ‘customer-first’ philosophy. From launch, the brand aims to establish a physical and digital presence in major tier-1 and tier-2 cities. Unlike the asset-light strategies of some competitors, VinFast’s focus appears to be on strong showroom experiences and a direct sales model with deep after-sales integration.
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant Location | Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu – Late July inauguration & bookings open |
| Initial Production | 50,000/year (expandable to 150,000 for India + exports) |
| VF7 Specs | 201–354 PS, ~450 km WLTP, AWD, Level 2 ADAS |
| VF6 Specs | 174–201 PS, ~380–400 km WLTP, compact smart SUV |
| First Deliveries | Expected August 2025 |
| Support Services | 24/7 RSA, active call centre, Tier 1/2 sales & service network planned |
| Year One Goal | 3,000 vehicles — quality-focused nationwide launch |
Competition Check
The VF 6 will go up against models like the Tata Nexon.ev, MG ZS EV, and the Hyundai Creta EV. The VF 7, with its larger footprint and dual-motor option, will face off against the BYD Atto 3, Mahindra XEV 9e, and Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Final Thoughts
Despite recent chatter suggesting delays in VinFast’s India plans, the ground reality paints a different picture. Construction at the Tamil Nadu facility is progressing as per schedule, and the company remains committed to its July timeline for both the plant inauguration and the start of bookings. Company officials have reaffirmed that there are no changes to the launch roadmap, and preparations for the dealer and service network rollout are already underway. In fact, contrary to the reports, VinFast is doubling down on its efforts—hiring talent, strengthening supply chains, and preparing its customer support backend—to ensure a smooth and timely market entry.