From Shimla in the north to Kochi in the south, a wave of curiosity is drawing consumers to VinFast dealerships across India in recent days. Notably, many showrooms are not yet officially open but are already hosting a steady stream of visitors each day.
The VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 electric vehicles, which are expected to be sold here, have garnered significant interest across India.
VinFast VF 6 at its market launch earlier this year.
According to automotive experts in India, VinFast is considered one of the most well-prepared foreign brands to enter the Indian market in the past six years, following the arrival of Kia Motors (South Korea) and MG Motor (China) in 2019.
What sets VinFast apart is its extensive dealer network across the country and its significant investment in charging infrastructure through its subsidiary, V-Green.
Mr. Rajinder Vashisht, Director of the Devbhoomi Group – which is planning to open three VinFast dealerships – shared: “In Himachal Pradesh, customers are very curious about the products and manufacturing process. We are receiving a lot of inquiries. […] VinFast is a trusted brand, and we will also be setting up charging stations in 12 districts.”
Devbhoomi is currently the largest distributor of Hyundai in India and also distributes Skoda vehicles in Himachal Pradesh.
Along with the VF 6, VinFast will also be selling the VF 7 in India.
In India, VinFast has established a vehicle manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi with a capacity of up to 150,000 units per year. The latest information indicates that the plant began operations on August 4.
The VinFast India plant is the first factory built specifically for electric vehicle production by a foreign brand. While specific details have not been disclosed, VinFast may install up to 1,500 charging stations in the initial phase.
Previously, on July 8, VinFast held a meeting with dealers in Gurugram. Several showrooms in major cities have already been inaugurated, and vehicle sales are expected to commence in mid-August.
Anticipating the Price
In Kochi, where the EVM Group is preparing to open a showroom, customers are particularly interested in the pricing. Mr. Jimmy Jose, representing EVM, stated: “We’ve only been displaying the vehicles for two weeks, but we’ve received over 1,500 inquiries.”
As planned, EVM will be inaugurating dealerships in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode (both in southern India). Mr. Jimmy Jose added: “The Indian market is very price-sensitive, and we expect VinFast to offer competitive pricing amid the booming EV scene here.”
Notably, EVM is also setting up approximately 100 charging stations across these cities.
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M.K. Stalin, signing the first electric car produced by VinFast in Tamil Nadu, India.
Currently, VinFast aims to have 35 dealerships in over 27 cities by 2025. Notably, all VinFast dealers are major partners.
Mr. C.S. Vigneshwar, President of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), stated: “Thirty-five is an average number for any brand aiming to reach the mass market in India. However, it’s essential to offer a diverse product range and competitive pricing – this bears watching.”
Some industry experts suggest that the influx of international automakers into India resembles the wave of entries in the early 2000s, when Renault (France), Nissan (Japan), Audi, and Porsche (Germany) simultaneously entered the market.
The first batch of VinFast cars displayed in Indian showrooms in late June. These vehicles have left-hand drives, unlike the country’s right-hand traffic.
In India, VinFast’s largest showroom was inaugurated on August 2 in Chennai. This showroom is operated by Maansarovar Motors and spans over 430 square meters.
In Andhra Pradesh, dealerships are also witnessing high levels of customer interest, particularly from younger individuals.
Mr. Bhagat Singh, representing Sri Sri Automobility – which will be opening two showrooms in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam – stated: “They [younger customers] are attracted by the modern designs and strong digital marketing campaigns. […] Everyone is now awaiting the official announcement of the pricing.”
VinFast’s largest showroom in India, inaugurated on August 2 in Chennai, spans over 430 square meters.
To strengthen its ecosystem in India, VinFast has partnered with RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure to build a nationwide network of charging stations and after-sales services. The company has also collaborated with BatX Energies, a clean-tech enterprise, to promote battery recycling and develop a circular value chain.
Meanwhile, industry insiders point to three critical factors contributing to VinFast’s success.
Mr. Jimmy Jose (representing EVM) stated: “Pricing, after-sales service, and range are the three determinants of success in India. VinFast seems to have comprehensively considered these aspects. Additionally, many of VinFast’s suppliers in Vietnam are from India, reflecting the Thoothukudi plant’s alignment with the ‘Make in India’ strategy.”
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