Pendlebury and Chau: introducing a complete electric mobility ecosystem Photos: SM Boothem
Automobiles

VinFast makes a grand debut

VinFast makes its maiden entry by launching two premium EVs

S M Boothem

VinFast, a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. In India, the company has a new manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, which will support its operations in India and for exports. VinFast’s first models have been introduced to India’s rapidly expanding EV market. The launch underscores the company’s strong commitment to supporting the nation’s transition towards sustainable, green mobility and positions the Vietnamese carmaker as a key player in shaping India’s EV future.

With the official entry into Indian markets, the carmaker launched two models – VF 6, a premium compact electric SUV, and VF 7, another premium electric SUV, with introductory prices starting from ₹16.49 lakh and ₹20.89 lakh. These two premium electric SUVs are made in India for local and global markets. The VF 6 and VF 7 models were first showcased in India at the Bharat Mobility show in Delhi in January 2025. To promote the brand and the new cars, the carmaker displayed them in major shopping malls across leading cities for the public to experience. The company’s master plan is to introduce the new products in September at the peak festival season in India, from Ganesh Chaturthi to Diwali, an auspicious period when customers plan their big-ticket purchases. As Indian customers embrace EVs for their performance, sustainability and technology, VinFast is stepping in with the VF 6 and VF 7. These SUVs are designed to meet the expectations of Indian consumers. From range and comfort to advanced safety and features, these models are engineered to redefine premium EV ownership.

“Today marks a historic milestone – the launch of cars that are not just made in India, but made by Indians, for Indians. We are introducing a complete electric mobility ecosystem, thoughtfully designed for Indian families. The VF 6 and VF 7 embody the perfect harmony of practical design, premium quality and cutting-edge technology that Indian consumers aspire to. Backed by our state-of-the-art Thoothukudi facility and strong ecosystem partnerships, we are committed to supporting India’s vision of becoming a global leader in electric mobility,” said Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast Asia, at the launch.

“We are currently present in 16 countries, and since October 2024, we have become the number one automobile manufacturer in our home market. We already knew that India would be essential to our mission. India is the world’s largest automobile market, with the vision, talent and skill to lead the global electric revolution. Entering India was never just about bringing our car here to sell. We needed to truly understand what Indian customers want. Indian customers expect more than just an electric vehicle. They want premium quality, advanced features and real-world after-sales support. And most importantly, they want an affordable price with a complete ecosystem that makes electric mobility effortless. We have set yet another record in India. In just 15 months, we have transformed the lowlands of Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility,” added Chau.

Advanced features

VinFast enters India’s dynamic electric vehicle market at an opportune time, with the segment experiencing unprecedented growth and consumer appetite for premium electric SUVs. The company’s positioning focuses on delivering advanced features typically found in higher segments, cutting-edge safety technology, and comprehensive after-sales support to consumers seeking sustainable mobility solutions. “It is my privilege to introduce the vision of VinFast’s VF 7 and VF 6. Two premium electric SUVs designed for customers who seek more than just mobility. They seek premium quality, advanced technology, eco-friendliness and affordability. That gives the power to adapt, evolve and shape our cars for the future world. We master every component through virtual integration,” explains Vincent John Pendlebury, Chief Engineer, VinFast.

VF 6: a blend of performance and features

Inspired by the philosophy of ‘The Duality in Nature’, VF 6 combines the contrasting qualities of fun and sophistication, technology and human focus, to deliver an exceptional blend of performance and features. There are ample choices of variants for customers – the VF 6 Premium SUV will be offered in two interior trim colours and three variants – Earth, Wind and Wind Infinity. Other features include an 8-speaker audio system, coloured HUD projection, Adaptive Cruise Control, a full ADAS Level 2 suite including front and rear automatic emergency braking, and 18-inch machine-cut wheels. The Earth variant gives 468 km while the Wind variant covers 463 km, as per the ARAI Certified range. The feature-loaded electric SUV offers a 59.6 kWh battery pack with 25-minute fast charging that restores 60 to 70 per cent.

The other model, VF 7, embodies the ‘The Universe is Asymmetrical’ design philosophy, fusing bold exteriors with a premium interior. VF 7 is a large SUV with a length exceeding 4.5 m and a 2,840 mm wheelbase. It will be available in two battery packs and five variants – Earth, Wind, Wind Infinity, Sky and Sky Infinity. The car also has two interior colour options and two drivetrain options: FWD and AWD configurations. ARAI Certified Range: Earth (438 km), Wind (532 km) and Sky (510 km).

VinFast has built a robust ecosystem for a rewarding ownership experience. The company has partnered with leading banks and financial institutions to offer tailored financing solutions. Strategic collaborations with RoadGrid, myTVS and Global Assure are helping establish a nationwide network for charging and after-sales services. Furthering its commitment to sustainability, VinFast has also joined hands with BatX Energies for advanced battery recycling and created a circular battery value chain.

The Vietnamese carmaker is rapidly expanding its presence across India with 35 planned dealer touchpoints and 26 workshops across 27 cities by the end of CY2025. These include metros and emerging EV hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi and Lucknow. Core to the company’s India strategy is its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, where both the VF 6 and VF 7 will be assembled. The plant aligns perfectly with India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing and export hub. The facility’s strategic location near the port positions it ideally for serving both domestic demand and export markets.

Global experience, local commitment

VinFast brings extensive international experience to India, with successful market entries across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Philippines, Indonesia and the Middle East. The company’s global presence spans three continents, reflecting its commitment to driving the worldwide electric vehicle revolution. VinFast has achieved remarkable success in its home country of Vietnam, becoming the country’s leading automotive manufacturer. The company has earned international recognition for its rapid growth and innovation.

As per IBEF, in the calendar year 2024, India’s electric passenger vehicle (PV) sales totalled approximately 99,597 units, with a 53 per cent year-on-year increase to 74,591 units in the first half of FY25 alone. Projections for the calendar year 2025 estimate that the e-PV industry will reach a record of over 150,000 units. Sales in the first half of CY2025 were driven by strong performances from manufacturers like JSW MG Motor India, and Mahindra & Mahindra, which increased their market share by introducing new models. A recent survey reveals strong interest among Indian consumers in new energy vehicles (NEVs), with 83 per cent of respondents indicating their readiness to choose NEVs. India’s Electric Vehicle (EV) sector is experiencing rapid growth, fuelled by government incentives, rising environmental concerns and technological advancements. All car manufacturers, including Tata Motors, JSW MG, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and the latest entrant, VinFast, are fully geared up to introduce more electric cars with the latest features to cater to customers.

VinFast is all set for a long journey in India and to expand its market share. In India, VinFast has joined the league of other EV players to support the achievement of India’s EV mission.