KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- VinFast: Vietnam's leading EV brand emerges.
- VF6, VF7 SUVs launch in India.
- 97,399 EVs delivered globally in 2024.
- Rs. 4,000 crore investment in India.
- Advanced tech with Level 2-3 autonomy.
VinFast India: Vietnamese automaker VinFast has rapidly emerged as a formidable player in the electric vehicle industry. From its founding in 2017 to becoming Vietnam's leading automotive brand in less than a decade, the company is now making an aggressive push into India with the launch of its VF6 and VF7 SUVs. As Indian consumers explore this relatively new brand, understanding VinFast's identity, scale and capabilities becomes essential. Check out rest of the details below and make sure you join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
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The Origins: From Noodles to Electric Vehicles
VinFast's story is as remarkable as its rapid rise. Founder Pham Nhat Vuong began his entrepreneurial journey in the early 1990s by opening a small noodle bar in Ukraine as a student. That small venture eventually grew into a large dried-food empire, which he sold to Nestle for USD 150 million. With this success, Vuong built Vingroup, Vietnam's largest private conglomerate covering real estate, healthcare, education, retail, and technology.
In 2017, he established VinFast with an ambitious vision: create Vietnam's first global automotive brand and lead the nation's shift to electric mobility. Starting without any prior automotive experience, VinFast built an 828-acre manufacturing plant in Haiphong, completing construction in just 21 months. This ambitious start set the tone for the company's rapid expansion.
VinFast's Scale and Global Presence
Manufacturing Capabilities
VinFast operates multiple world-class facilities to support its global ambitions.
- Haiphong, Vietnam: Flagship facility with a designed capacity of 950,000 vehicles per year by 2026.
- Ha Tinh, Vietnam: New 360,000 sq. meter plant inaugurated in 2025 with 200,000 units annual capacity.
- Thoothukudi, India: First overseas facility spanning 400 acres with an initial capacity of 50,000 units, scalable to 150,000 units annually.
- North Carolina, USA: Planned USD 4 billion facility under development.
Financial Performance and Growth
Despite being relatively new, VinFast has demonstrated remarkable growth. In 2024, it delivered 97,399 electric vehicles globally, marking a 192% growth from 2023. Total revenue reached USD 1.8 billion, up 57.9% from the previous year. As of Q1 2025, VinFast commands nearly 40% market share in Vietnam. The Q2 2025 performance was especially impressive, delivering 35,837 EVs and earning $663 million in revenue, showing sustained momentum.
Product Portfolio: The "Maruti of Vietnam"
Often dubbed the "Maruti of Vietnam", VinFast has positioned itself as an accessible, local brand offering a broad range of electric vehicles.
Its global lineup includes models from ultra-compact city SUVs (VF3) to flagship seven-seaters (VF9). These cater to various customer segments with affordable entry points and premium tech-heavy models. The VF6 and VF7 are the key focus in India, with compelling specs:
- VF6: Rs. 16.49 lakh - 18.29 lakh (ex-showroom)
- VF7: Rs. 20.89-25.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
This positioning offers strong competition against existing players like MG ZS EV, Tata Harrier EV, and Mahindra BE 6.
Technology and Innovation Leadership
VinFast invests heavily in tech to differentiate itself from legacy automakers. Advanced features include Level 2-3 Autonomous Driving Assist, premium sensor arrays (LiDAR, 14 cameras, 19 sensors) and the powerful Orin-X AI chip capable of processing 200GB per second.
Its smart ecosystem stands out with over-the-air updates, smartphone integration, and unique modes (camp, pet, valet). The VF Connect app enables users to access a suite of conveniences and entertainment features. AI-powered virtual assistants and facial recognition further personalize the experience.
VinFast India: India Market Strategy
VinFast has showcased serious commitment to India's market with an initial Rs. 4,000 crore investment in the Tamil Nadu facility and plans to invest up to Rs. 16,000 crore. This reflects a long-term localization approach.
At launch, VinFast offers 32 dealerships across 27 cities, covering both metro and Tier-2 locations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Kochi. Plans include expanding to 35 dealerships by year-end.
On the infrastructure side, partnerships with RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure are already in place to build a nationwide charging network. Notably, VF7 customers receive free charging at VGreen stations until July 2028.
VinFast India: Competitive Positioning
VinFast's inclusive pricing strategy places it between affordable Indian EVs and premium imports, offering standard advanced features (like ADAS and large touchscreen) across all models.
- VF6 at Rs. 16.49 lakh competes with MG ZS EV and Hyundai Creta Electric.
- VF7 from Rs. 20.89 lakh onwards targets Mahindra BE 6, XEV 9e, and Tata Harrier EV segments.
Additionally, a comprehensive 10-year battery warranty and locally manufactured components further strengthen its value proposition.
Brand Challenges and Reputation Considerations
Despite its promising start, VinFast faces hurdles:
- Reports of early quality control issues and recalls in international markets.
- Limited automotive experience compared to established players.
- An evolving after-sales support network.
Global reviews reflect both praise for design and technology, as well as caution about build quality and long-term reliability. Indian-specific features such as vegan leather upholstery, 1-liter bottle holders, and climate-adapted sunroof covers indicate thoughtful market adaptation.
VinFast India: Future Roadmap and Expansion Plans
VinFast plans to keep the momentum going:
- Introducing VF3 (compact city EV) in India by 2026 ( Expected at Rs. 10 lakh).
- Bringing in premium SUVs VF8 and VF9, as well as mid-segment VF e34 in the future.
Globally, the target is 200,000 units in 2025, doubling the 2024 volume, and aiming for 1 million EVs annually by 2030.
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Verdict
VinFast's journey from a bold startup to Vietnams top carmaker and now a global EV contender is remarkable. Mirroring the success of Maruti Suzuki in India, VinFast combines local insight, competitive pricing, and advanced tech to make a strong impression.
For Indian consumers, it presents an attractive choice - cutting-edge EV technology backed by major investments. However, prospective buyers should carefully weigh the pros and cons of adopting a relatively new brand in a competitive market. VinFast's arrival in India with the VF6 and VF7 is only the beginning. Their success will depend on sustained quality, reliable service infrastructure, and a strong adaptation to Indian preferences. This is a brand worth keeping an eye on as Indias electric vehicle ecosystem evolves.
