VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, is set to make its debut in the Indian automotive market in 2025. As part of this endeavor, the company has commenced the establishment of a factory in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, expected to become operational by the middle of the following year. Initially targeting the domestic market, the production plant will subsequently cater to exports.
VinFast has requested the Indian government to waive 100 percent import duties on its fully assembled EVs for approximately two years until its local manufacturing facility becomes operational, facilitating customer familiarity with Vinfast’s EV product lineup.
The Tamil Nadu-based EV production facility of VinFast will have investments of up to USD 2 billion (approximately Rs 16.578 crore), with an initial plan to allocate USD 500 million (approximately Rs 4,144 crore) over the first five years. The company aims to manufacture over 1.5 lakh EVs annually. Currently, the Vietnamese automaker is actively working on establishing its dealership sales network, collaborating with nearly 55 dealers nationwide.
In the latest development, VinFast introduced the VF3 supermini electric SUV to the Indian market. This model, previously showcased at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is equipped with a single motor setup. Although specifics regarding its battery capacity are pending, the carmaker has confirmed an approximate range of 201km on a full charge. The VF3 measures 3190mm in length, 1679mm in width, and 1620mm in height, offering a substantial boot space of 550 litres.
Sporting a boxy stance, the VinFast VF3 features a distinctive rectangular closed-off grille, LED headlights, a substantial black bumper extending to the wheel arches, squared ORVMs, LED taillamps, and a chrome finish signature logo at the rear. Available in two trims – Eco and Plus – the new mini electric SUV boasts a range of features, including a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, a two-spoke steering wheel, connected car technology, automatic climate control, fully foldable middle row seats, dual airbags, and cruise control.
