VinFast has responded to reports surrounding its manufacturing and localisation plans in India, clarifying that production plans for models currently on sale have not been changed or suspended. The Vietnamese automaker has confirmed that VF6 and VF7 will continue to be assembled through the CKD route at its Thoothukudi plant.
The clarification follows a Reuters report which said VinFast had asked suppliers to temporarily halt development work related to localisation programmes for VF3, VF6 and VF7 while reassessing costs.
VF6, VF7 India Assembly To Continue
Addressing the report, VinFast said there has been no change to production plans for its existing India portfolio. “For the models currently being sold in India, VinFast has not changed or suspended its production plans as suggested by Reuters’ sources. VinFast will continue CKD assembly of these models at its Thoothukudi plant to serve the Indian market,” the company said.
VinFast Says India Remains Key Market
VinFast has reiterated that India remains an important market in its long-term business and manufacturing strategy. Since entering India, the company says it has conducted market research and car clinics to understand local customer requirements.
Feedback gathered for products including VF6 and VF7 has been used to make changes aimed at better meeting the preferences of Indian buyers. VinFast says this market-focused approach has contributed to the initial response to its products in India.
India-Specific VinFast EVs Planned
While confirming continued CKD assembly of its existing models, VinFast has also revealed a more ambitious strategy for future products. Upcoming VinFast models will not simply be existing global vehicles introduced unchanged in India. Instead, the company intends to design, develop and manufacture products specifically for the Indian market while targeting substantially higher localisation.
VinFast has been engaging with domestic component manufacturers to support this strategy. Supplier conferences held in India and Vietnam have involved more than 300 Indian suppliers, with discussions focused on deeper cooperation and localisation opportunities.
This also adds context to a recently spotted VinFast EV test mule in India. The camouflaged vehicle closely resembled the international-spec VF5, but featured some noticeable differences. VinFast has not confirmed the identity or India launch plans of the prototype, although the sighting indicates development and evaluation work is underway.
Thoothukudi Plant Phase 2 Approved
VinFast has also confirmed that it recently received investment approval for Phase 2 expansion of its Thoothukudi manufacturing facility. The expansion is expected to increase the company’s manufacturing capabilities in India and forms part of its longer-term investment strategy. VinFast is also engaging with government agencies regarding policy frameworks supporting further EV production and investment.
