The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Mr. M.K.Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu; Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister of Industries, Tamil Nadu Government; Mr. V. Arun Roy, Minister of Industries, Member of Parliament for Thoothukudi; Members of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, senior officials, and representatives of the state government, along with VinFast leaders in India.
The integrated electric vehicle manufacturing plant, spread over 160 hectares, is located in the industrial zone of the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (SIPCOT) in Thoothukudi, southern Tamil Nadu. The project has an initial investment of USD 500 million over 5 years, with an expected production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year, creating job opportunities for 3,000-3,500 people. In addition to strengthening cooperation with leading global suppliers, VinFast also plans to promote localization, contributing to the local economic growth.
Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, General Director of VinFast India, said: “The groundbreaking ceremony of the VinFast plant in Thoothukudi is a major step towards green and sustainable transportation in India. The construction of the plant, commitment to job creation, and promotion of green transportation have enhanced VinFast’s position in the electric vehicle industry. This significant milestone cements the economic partnership between Vietnam and India, highlighting VinFast’s contribution to a zero-emission future, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and innovation in the region.”
Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister of Industries, Tamil Nadu, said: “VinFast’s entry into the Indian market affirms the progressive industrial policies of the state of Tamil Nadu, recognizing the state’s role as a global hub for innovation and automobile production. Tamil Nadu’s vision aligns with VinFast’s strong growth strategy in India, and its commitment to making sustainable mobility more accessible to people. We believe that the project will contribute significantly to the local economic growth, providing employment opportunities and skill development for the people of Tamil Nadu.”
India is one of the key markets in VinFast’s global expansion plan. The investment in building a plant in Tamil Nadu aims to seize opportunities in the world’s third largest automobile market, while affirming VinFast’s global presence and complementing its production ecosystem worldwide, including existing plants in Vietnam, a plant under construction in the United States, and a planned plant in Indonesia.
In addition to establishing the plant, VinFast also plans to set up a nationwide dealer network, with the expectation of promoting the rapid adoption of electric vehicles in the populous country, and positively contributing to the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and India.
The location of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu and the position of Tamil Nadu in India (small map) – Source: Wikipedia
