Chennai: Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has said it has not changed or suspended its production plans for the Indian market and will continue to assemble its existing models via the CKD route at its Thoothukudi plant in Tamil Nadu.“India is an important market in VinFast’s long-term business and manufacturing strategy,” said a VinFast representative.VinFast has already invested about Rs 1,200 crore in the first phase of its 408-acre manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, which has an annual production capacity of 50,000 electric cars.The company has sold about 9,600 locally assembled electric cars so far this calendar year, securing a spot among the top five-selling EV brands in India. Sales continue through its dealership network.VinFast said it has conducted market research and car clinics in India to understand consumer preferences for models such as the VF 6 and VF 7, and has used the feedback to adapt its products for the Indian market.The company also said it is stepping up efforts to build a local supply chain and increase localisation. For upcoming models, the company plans to design, develop and manufacture vehicles specifically for India rather than simply bringing models from its global portfolio.As part of this strategy, it has engaged with Indian suppliers and held supplier conferences in Vietnam and India, involving more than 300 Indian suppliers, to explore partnerships and increase local sourcing.The company is also working with Indian government agencies on policy frameworks to support further EV manufacturing and investment in India.VinFast recently received approval for its Phase II investment of Rs 7,000 crore to expand its Thoothukudi manufacturing complex.The company also said it is building a local talent pipeline alongside its manufacturing expansion in India, with plans to create 3,000-3,500 direct jobs at its Tamil Nadu plant.VinFast’s first recruitment drive in Tamil Nadu attracted 344 diploma students through the state government’s Naan Mudhalvan skilling initiative, with 200 local professionals subsequently recruited.VinFast has adopted a similar talent-development model in other markets. In Vietnam, the company has partnered with 19 universities and higher-education institutions to align courses in automotive engineering, mechatronics, electrical and electronics engineering, automation and IT with industry requirements.In India, the focus on fresh graduates and trainees is expected to help build a workforce equipped for EV manufacturing and servicing as the company scales up its operations.
