T.N. CM Stalin inaugurates VinFast's EV manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi
Spread across 408 acres at the SIPCOT industrial complex in Sillanatham, the plant – VinFast's first in the country – is expected to generate over 3,500 jobs in the next five years. It is part of a ₹16,000-crore investment pact inked between VinFast and the Tamil Nadu government during the Global Investors Meet last year.
The plant will initially have a production capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, with the potential to reach 1,50,000 to meet future demand.
Speaking after inaugurating the plant, Mr. Stalin said the facility was built in record time – within 17 months of the groundbreaking ceremony.
Highlighting Tamil Nadu's reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse, he said, 'Chennai is India's Detroit.' He added that Thoothukudi was also fast emerging as an automotive hub.
Pointing out that VinFast had provided jobs to hundreds of local youth under the 'Naan Mudhalvan' initiative, he said its investments would drive growth and development not only in Thoothukudi but also in other southern districts of the State.
Noting that VinFast's parent company Vingroup also had other business interests including education, real estate, and hospitality, he invited the Vietnamese conglomerate to bring more investments into Tamil Nadu, adding that the State government would provide all necessary support.
'Sign'ifying the launch
The Chief Minister put his signature on the bonnet of a VF7 model to launch the rollout of cars from the shop floor.
Ministers T.R.B. Rajaa, Geetha Jeevan, and Anitha Radhakrishnan, Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandham, and VinFast Asia CEO Pham Sanh Chau were among those present at the event.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Parking to vending zones: Consultant to help Greater Noida to overhaul civic infrastructure
Noida: To create better-managed public spaces, improve last-mile connectivity, and explore new revenue streams, Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority is set to appoint consultants to support the planning and execution of key urban infrastructure projects across the city. It has invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified firms with expertise in urban planning, survey-based strategy formulation, and infrastructure implementation. A major focus of the consultants' scope will be thorough revamp of bus stands across the city. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida With the city preparing to roll out a joint electric city bus service — a 500-bus initiative in collaboration with Noida and Yamuna Expressway Authorities, out of which GNIDA will operate 100 buses — there is a need to upgrade and construct modern bus shelters. These will be integrated with EV charging stations, in line with GNIDA's push for sustainable urban mobility. The consultant will also be tasked with identifying suitable locations for surface and multi-level parking structures, to address parking shortages and decongest busy commercial areas. The hired consultant will develop dedicated vending zones in various sectors. In light of the rise in unauthorized kiosks and shops along roadsides, the Authority plans to regulate street vending by identifying suitable locations for legal vending zones, based on surveys of local demand, traffic patterns, and public convenience. Simultaneously, non-vending zones will be clearly marked to prevent congestion and encroachment in high-traffic areas, to ensure smooth pedestrian and vehicular movement. The consultant will also identify spots to set up small food kiosks or micro-markets. These facilities are intended to support local entrepreneurship and provide structured, hygienic spaces for small vendors to operate, officials said. Another major area of focus is advertisement infrastructure. GNIDA earns significant revenue through unipoles and billboards across the city. The selected consultant will explore opportunities to expand advertisement spaces in a planned manner. The scope of work includes conducting detailed surveys, preparing strategies, developing 2D and 3D layout plans, drafting Request for Proposals (RFPs) for each component, and providing implementation support during project execution. Firms applying must have prior experience in similar urban development projects and should be well-versed with local regulations of Greater Noida.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Tesla CEO Elon Musk responds to shareholders' lawsuit: ‘They are scum of the Earth. The worst….'
Tesla shareholders recently filed a lawsuit accusing CEO Elon Musk and the EV maker of securities fraud for hiding safety risks of Tesla's self-driving tech, including the Robotaxi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The lawsuit alleges that Tesla misled investors by not disclosing problems with its self-driving vehicles. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has responded to the lawsuit on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He said lawsuits like this are not driven by real investors but by "class-action lawyers" trying to earn a share of the settlement. Musk called these lawyers 'scum of the Earth' and criticized the legal system for allowing such cases. 'It's never actually investors. It's always shitty class-action lawyers grifting for their percentage of the verdict. They are scum of the Earth. The worst human being I've ever encountered,' CEO Elon Musk wrote on X. What Tesla shareholders said about its Robotaxi service As reported by news agency Reuters, Tesla shareholders have alleged that the company exaggerated the capabilities of its autonomous driving technology, thereby overstating its business outlook and inflating its stock value. However, the company's stock declined by 6.1% across two consecutive trading sessions following the start of the test. The lawsuit aims to recover unspecified damages for investors who held shares between April 19, 2023, and June 22, 2025, Reuters added. Tesla Robotaxi service teased to launch in San Francisco The lawsuit comes after Elon Musk teased the launch of Tesla's robotaxi service in San Francisco last week. The service's expected expansion will follow a limited pilot in Austin, Texas, where a small fleet of vehicles started operating within a geofenced area. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In San Francisco, the initial operational zone is expected to cover the broader Bay Area. Select Tesla owners have received early invitations, and the launch has reportedly also been moved up. Expansion plans for this service even include states like Nevada, Arizona, and Florida, but broader deployment depends on obtaining regulatory approvals. In California, Tesla has yet to complete the permit process required for full driverless services, with state agencies emphasising safety evaluations.
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
VinFast confirms VF7 and VF6 variants for India ahead of festive season launch
VinFast, Vietnam's ambitious electric vehicle manufacturer, is all set to make its India debut with two all-electric SUVs — the VF7 and VF6. With local production already underway at its newly established plant in Tamil Nadu, the brand has now revealed variant-specific details for both models, including interior themes and exterior colour options. The company has also opened pre-orders for Indian buyers ahead of the festive season launch at ₹ 21 ,000 for both the models. The company has also opened pre-orders for Indian buyers ahead of the festive season launch at ₹ 21,000 for both the models. VinFast VF7: Variants and specifications The VF7, positioned as VinFast's flagship model for India, will arrive in three distinct variants — Earth, Wind, and Sky. This is a step up from the international version, which is offered in only two trims globally. All three variants will be available in a choice of six exterior shades, namely: Jet Black, Desat Silver, Infinity Blanc, Crimson Red, Zenith Grey, and Urban Mint. Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING VinFast VF7 75.3 kWh 75.3 kWh 450 km 450 km ₹ 60 - 65 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING VinFast VF9 123 kwh 123 kwh 531 km 531 km ₹ 65 - 67 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING VinFast VF6 59.6 kwh 59.6 kwh 399 km 399 km ₹ 30 - 45 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING VinFast VF8 87.7 kWh 87.7 kWh 425 km 425 km ₹ 40 - 50 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING VinFast VF e34 41.9 kWh 41.9 kWh 318 km 318 km ₹ 25 - 30 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING VinFast VF3 210 km 210 km ₹ 9 - 12 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Interior colours will vary by variant. The Earth variant will get a monotone black cabin while the Wind and Sky variants will feature dual-tone Mocha Brown and Black cabin theme. Although the complete equipment list hasn't been detailed, the VF7 is expected to come with high-end features such as a 12.9-inch infotainment display, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, eight-way powered driver seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Also Read : VinFast inaugurates Tamil Nadu EV plant, targets 1,50,000 annual capacity Powering the VF7 is a 70.8 kWh battery, available with either a single or dual motor layout, enabling front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The top-spec AWD version delivers up to 354 PS and 500 Nm, with a claimed range of 496 km (NEDC) and 0–100 kmph in 5.8 seconds. VinFast VF6: Variants and specifications Following the VF7, the compact VF6 will be launched in two trims: Earth and Wind. Like the VF7, all six exterior colours will be available across variants, with similar interior themes applied. It is equipped with a 59.6 kWh battery pack and a single front-mounted electric motor, producing up to 201 PS and 310 Nm. The VF6 has a claimed range of 470 km (NEDC) and will accelerate 0–100 kmph in 9 seconds, with an electronically restricted top speed of 175 kmph. Also watch: VinFast VF7 First Look Vietnamese e-SUV all set for India Launch Safety and technology features will likely carry over from the VF7, including ADAS functionality, numerous airbags, and a 360-degree camera system. VinFast VF7 and VF6: Expected price The official prices are still under wraps, but the industry estimates that the VF7 may begin in the range of ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom) and slot itself right within the same bracket as other electric SUVs including Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX1, and BYD Sealion 7. The compact VF6 is expected to be priced at ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom) and could be a tough competitor to offerings such as the Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, and the Mahindra BE 6. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India. First Published Date:
