VinFast's India strategy will have an entire EV ecosystem, including strong dealership presence in Tier two and three cities

The Hindu

a day ago

I recently had the opportunity to visit VinFast's headquarters in Hai Phong, Vietnam—a sprawling, vertically integrated manufacturing complex that reflects the company's global ambitions. While there, I experienced the two models that will spearhead VinFast's entry into India: the VF6 and VF7. I also got an inside look at how VinFast builds its cars,how it plans to build its presence in a competitive and complex market like India.
Scale, Strategy, and Manufacturing Muscle
VinFast's entry into India is a strategic one, and it comes with real investment. The company is setting up a manufacturing facility in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, with an initial capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, scalable to 150,000 units annually. With an investment of up to USD 500 million, this is not a soft launch—it is a full-fledged push into what is one of the world's most promising auto markets.
The India strategy is not just about assembling cars. VinFast plans to build an entire EV ecosystem — including charging infrastructure, service networks, and a strong dealership presence spanning both metro and Tier 2 and 3 cities. There is also a clear focus on localisation to improve cost efficiency, aligning with India's 'Make in India' initiative.
But ambition alone does not guarantee success — especially in a market where Tata Motors and Mahindra have already established themselves with localised EV offerings, extensive networks, and strong consumer trust. This is where VinFast's products will have to do the talking.
VF6: Compact, Connected, and Surprisingly Refined
Let us start with the VF6. At 4,241 mm in length and with a 2,730 mm wheelbase, it slots into the compact SUV category. But in terms of presence, it punches above its weight. The stance is confident, and design-wise, it manages to look futuristic without being flashy.
Under the skin is a 150 kW (201 bhp) motor that drives the front wheels and puts out 310 Nm of torque. The 0–100 km/h time of 8.89 seconds feels adequate for daily commutes, with a linear throttle response and quick off-the-line acceleration. The 59.6 kWh battery delivers usable range in the region of 400+km, and regenerative braking is adjustable across four levels.
What stood out to me during the drive was the ride quality. The MacPherson front and control blade rear suspension setup absorbed bumps well and gave the VF6 a planted, confidence-inspiring feel — something not every EV manages at this size and price point.
The cabin is minimal yet feature rich. A 12.9-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, controlling most functions. You get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, air purification, and even ventilated vegan leather seats with eight-way electric adjustment for the driver. The overall execution feels premium, not just for the segment, but even compared to some ICE rivals.
Safety is well covered: Seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, rear cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system are all included. VinFast clearly is not cutting corners on tech or safety.
VF7: Sharper, Stronger, and Segment-Up
The VF7 builds on the VF6's platform and takes things up a notch—both in size and performance. At 4,545 mm long and with a 2,840 mm wheelbase, it enters mid-size SUV territory. The styling is sleeker, and details like the flush door handles, panoramic glass roof, and LED signature lighting elevate its street presence.
You get two drivetrain options: a single-motor FWD variant with the same 150 kW/310 Nm setup as the VF6, or a dual-motor AWD version with 260 kW (348 bhp) and 500 Nm of torque. The latter hits 0–100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, and that performance is genuinely felt on the road. Acceleration is immediate, and the AWD system adds a sense of grip and stability, particularly useful for highway stints or wet conditions.
Like the VF6, the VF7 uses a dedicated EV platform. Its 70.8 kWh battery promises better range, and it supports 7.2 kW AC charging via a CCS2 port. Cabin insulation is good, and ride quality is polished—on par with what you would expect from established global brands.
Inside, you get similar tech and creature comforts as in the VF6, but the VF7 adds space and a more premium touch. Reclining rear seats, a powered tailgate, and memory functions for the mirrors and seats are thoughtful touches. The ADAS suite is equally comprehensive, with auto lane change assist, adaptive high beam, and door open warning among the features.
Challenges and the Competitive Lens
The VF6 and VF7 will enter what is fast becoming a crowded space in India—the compact and mid-size electric SUV segments. These segments are no longer niche, and buyers today are discerning, well-informed, and demanding. They expect their EVs to be more than just green alternatives; they want them to be refined, feature-rich, comfortable, and practical enough to serve as primary vehicles. And on those counts, both the VF6 and VF7 come across as well-rounded machines.
Though our experience was limited to the Vinfast factory test track, both vehicles demonstrated a level of chassis maturity, ride comfort, and handling confidence that will likely translate well to Indian driving conditions. Cabin insulation is impressive, build quality is solid, and the tech on board feels well-integrated rather than gimmicky. Practicality too is clearly on VinFast's radar—with usable boot space, roomy interiors, and thoughtful inclusions like drive modes, wireless connectivity, and intuitive interfaces.
The true test will be how these cars behave on Indian roads with local load conditions and varying terrains. The driving experience was cohesive — there were no rough edges or incomplete calibrations. Simply put, these are well-engineered EVs that tick the right boxes for modern Indian buyers looking for a balance between sustainability, sophistication, and everyday usability.
Brands like Tata and Mahindra already have a strong foothold, with EVs tuned for local preferences and supported by expansive networks. For VinFast, the challenge will be less about proving product strength and more about pricing them wisely, building trust, and executing on after-sales promises.
Final Thoughts: Impressive Debut, Real-World Test Awaits
From factory floor to tarmac, VinFast has shown that it has the capability to produce high-quality electric vehicles that feel global in execution. The VF6 and VF7, both built on the company's own EV platform, are solid entries into their respective segments—with refined drivetrains, robust safety packages, and contemporary interiors that rival the best in class.
But success in India is not just about the product. It is about scale, price, support, and trust. VinFast has a solid foundation to work from, but it now has to deliver on its promises in a market that is both rewarding and unforgiving.
The VF6 and VF7 make a strong first impression. With the right strategy, VinFast could well position itself as a serious new contender in the country's fast-evolving EV landscape.
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