VinFast Launches First International EV Manufacturing Facility in Tamil Nadu

TUTICORIN: In a significant move to bolster its global presence, Vietnam's electric vehicle (EV) leader, VinFast, has inaugurated its first manufacturing plant outside Vietnam in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. This state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize the EV market by initially assembling two premium electric SUV models, the VF 7 and VF 6, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles.

A Boost for Tamil Nadu's Industrial and Employment Landscape

Chief Minister M K Stalin, who inaugurated the factory, highlighted the project's rapid execution, completed within 17 months of signing the MoU with the state government. The plant not only signifies a leap in industrial growth for South Tamil Nadu but also promises to create approximately 3,500 jobs, with 80%-90% of the workforce sourced locally. The initial investment of Rs 1,300 crore underscores the facility's role in fostering ancillary industries and component manufacturers.

Tamil Nadu: The Emerging EV Hub

With giants like Hyundai, BMW, BYD, and OLA already established in Tamil Nadu, the state is fast becoming a pivotal center for automobile manufacturing. The government's invitation to VinFast to consider Tamil Nadu for future investments, including in the IT sector, reflects its commitment to sustainable industrial development.

Strategic Global Expansion

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, emphasized the plant's strategic importance in enhancing trade relations between Vietnam and Tamil Nadu. Selected after evaluating 15 sites, the Tuticorin facility will cater to markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, with existing orders from Sri Lanka and Mauritius. VinFast's ambitious targets include selling 200,000 vehicles by 2025 and achieving an annual production of 1 million vehicles by 2030.