Quick Highlights:Vinfast first Indian manufacturing plant opens in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.Discussing local sourcing for components.The facility has a capacity of 50,000 units per year.Expected to generate 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.Vinfast Opens Manufacturing Plant in IndiaVinfast has officially opened its first manufacturing facility in India, in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu . A major advancement in its global expansion, the plant is part of a $500 million investment and will serve as a critical hub for the company’s South Asian, African, and Middle Eastern endeavors.VinFast is actively discussing local sourcing with Indian component manufacturers as a way to enhance cost-efficiency and streamline supply chains . The move is expected to not only reduce production costs but also align with India’s Make-in-India and FAME-II policies , which incentivize domestic manufacturing in the electric mobility sector.The facility has an initial capacity of 50,000 units per year and will primarily manufacture electric two-wheeler and compact four-wheelers tailored to the Indian market. With this launch, VinFast aims to offer competitive EV options and take on established players like Tata Motors, Ola Electric, and Ather Energy.The Tamil Nadu government welcomed the development, citing the job creation potential and alignment with the state’s vision to become leading EV manufacturing hub. Officials confirmed that the plant is expected to generate over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs in the first phase.Expectedly, VinFast’s next move will include launching its flagship electric scooters and compact EV models in India by early 2026.First VinFast Showroom Opens in GujaratVinFast has officially opened their first showroom in India in Surat, Gujarat . The showroom features the company’s electric SUV variants VF6 and VF7, both of which will be launched as right-hand drive variants for the first time. They plan on opening 35 showrooms in India across 27 cities by the end of 2025.VF7 — Electric SUV to Debut in AugustVinFast’s flagship electric SUV, the VF7 , is now all set to make its official India debut in August 2025 . With a bold design, premium features, and performance options that rival the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and BYD Sealion 7, VinFast is gunning straight for the upper tier of the electric SUV segment.Pre-bookings are open at ₹21,000.Expected price: ₹40 lakh (ex-showroom)Battery, Performance & RangeUnder the hood, or rather the floor, the VF7 gets a 75.3 kWh battery pack that offers:Range : Up to 450 km on a single charge (claimed)Two drivetrain options will be on offer:Eco (FWD) VariantPower : 201 PSTorque : 310 Nm0-100 km/h : 9.5 secondsDrivetrain : Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)Plus (AWD) VariantPower : 354 PSTorque : 500 Nm0-100 km/h : 5.8 secondsDrivetrain : All-Wheel Drive (AWD)Charging:AC Charging : Up to 7.2 kWDC Fast Charging : Up to 150 kWInternationally, the VF7 comes with a lifetime battery warranty , though Indian-specific details are awaited.Bookings start at ₹21,000 , which is fully refundable.How Does It Compare to Rivals?The VinFast VF7 enters a competitive segment with strong EV contenders:BYD Sealion 7 - Known for its range and build qualityHyundai Ioniq 5 - A design icon with impressive charging and rangeKia EV6 - Performance-focused with sharp handling and premium cabinWhile these rivals have a slight head start in terms of market familiarity, the VF7’s locally assembled advantage , combined with aggressive pricing and a robust features list, makes it a strong new entrant.What VinFast Brings to the TableThe VinFast VF7 brings a fresh perspective to the premium EV SUV space in India. With its cutting-edge design, serious performance specs, thoughtful comfort features, and loaded safety tech, it’s clear that VinFast isn’t here to test the waters — they’re diving in head-first.Keep your eyes on this space as we approach August 2025. The VF7 might just become the dark horse of India’s EV race.Read More: VinFast VF7 Electric SUV Set to Debut in India: Everything You Need to Know