Surat, Gujarat | July, 2025 — Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) giant VinFast has officially entered India’s retail automotive market with the inauguration of its first showroom in Surat, Gujarat. The launch marks a significant milestone for the company’s India strategy as it gears up to expand operations across the country, including a $2 billion EV manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.
VinFast Auto India, the local subsidiary of VinFast Global, made the announcement on Monday, underscoring its commitment to revolutionizing the Indian electric mobility space. The Surat showroom is part of the company’s initial network of company-owned outlets that will soon be followed by dealerships in key metro cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
The Surat showroom, located in the city’s upscale auto retail district, offers customers a first-hand experience of VinFast’s electric SUVs and scooters. It also serves as a point for bookings, test drives, and after-sales support. VinFast’s initial lineup in India is expected to include the VF e34 and VF 8 electric SUVs, which have already received international acclaim for design, performance, and affordability.
Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast India and former Vietnamese ambassador to India, expressed confidence in the Indian market. “India is an important pillar of VinFast’s global strategy. With one of the fastest-growing EV ecosystems, the country offers massive opportunities. Surat is just the beginning,” he said at the launch event.
The showroom opening comes just months before VinFast is set to break ground on its ambitious $2 billion manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. Signed under an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government in January 2024, the facility will be developed in phases and is expected to generate over 3,000 direct jobs.
Phase one of the Tamil Nadu project includes the establishment of an EV and battery manufacturing plant spread over 400 acres. VinFast’s India team confirmed that production is expected to begin by late 2026, with an initial annual capacity of 150,000 units. The company is also eyeing export opportunities from the Indian facility to markets in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
According to VinFast’s global vision, India will serve not only as a consumer market but also as a key export hub. The company aims to tap into the rising middle-class demand for affordable, eco-friendly mobility solutions and support India’s goal of achieving 30% EV adoption by 2030.
Industry experts believe VinFast’s entry could shake up India’s highly competitive EV market, currently dominated by players like Tata Motors, Mahindra Electric, and MG Motor. “VinFast brings serious capital, a global product portfolio, and a bold vision. If they can localize production efficiently, they can capture a substantial share,” said Rajeev Singh, Partner at Deloitte India.
VinFast’s India foray also aligns with the Indian government’s push for Make-in-India and green energy transition. With rising fuel prices and increasing consumer interest in EVs, the timing appears favorable for new players to enter and disrupt the status quo.
As VinFast begins its India journey, the Surat showroom sets the stage for a nationwide rollout that could transform India’s EV landscape. More showrooms are expected to open in quick succession, supported by a robust digital presence and aggressive pricing strategies.
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