Vietnamese electric vehicle giant VinFast officially launched its electric vehicle assembly plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu on August 4. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the plant and flagged off the first premium VF7 electric SUV produced at the facility.
Located within the SIPCOT Industrial Park, the plant marks VinFast’s first India facility and third globally operational plant. It follows a ₹16,000 crore investment commitment made during the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet in January 2024, which is set to generate 3,500 direct jobs in the southern districts.
During the event, CM Stalin emphasized the plant’s role in both combating global warming and boosting Tamil Nadu’s economy. He praised the swift execution—just 18 months from MoU to launch, as proof of the state’s pro-business approach under the Dravidian model of governance.
VinFast Asia CEO Pham Sanh Chau called the launch a “strategic milestone”, stating that the Thoothukudi plant will become the company’s largest export hub for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa highlighted how Tamil Nadu beat competing states to bring the facility to Thoothukudi. He called the event historic, positioning the region as a new EV manufacturing hub alongside Chennai and Sriperumbudur, with Ranipet also set to join soon.
Tamil Nadu currently contributes over 40% of India’s total EV production, further solidifying its title as India’s EV capital. VinFast’s entry adds to the state’s growing EV ecosystem and underscores India’s rising importance in the global electric vehicle supply chain.
The event was also attended by MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, ministers Geetha Jeevan, Anitha R Radhakrishnan, and Chief Secretary Muruganandham.
