In a significant move following Tesla’s much-anticipated India debut, Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast has inaugurated its first showroom in India, marking a major milestone in the company’s international expansion strategy. The state-of-the-art facility, located in Piplod, Surat (Gujarat), opened its doors on July 27, 2025, and will serve as a flagship retail and service centre for VinFast’s upcoming premium electric vehicles.
The new showroom spans over 3,000 square feet and is designed to offer customers a complete EV experience — from product display and test drives to sales consultation and after-sales support. VinFast is currently showcasing its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs — the first right-hand-drive models developed specifically for the Indian market.
Pre-Bookings Now Open
Pre-bookings for the VF 6 and VF 7 began on July 15, 2025, via the company’s official India website (VinFastAuto.in) and through the showroom. Interested buyers can reserve their vehicle by paying a fully refundable ₹21,000 deposit.
VinFast aims to aggressively expand its presence across the country with plans to establish 35 dealerships in over 27 cities by the end of 2025. The Surat facility is the first step in this larger strategy to capture a significant share of India’s growing EV market.
Plant in Tamil Nadu to Boost Local Manufacturing
VinFast’s India ambitions go far beyond retail. The company is set to inaugurate its ₹4,000 crore manufacturing and assembly plant in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamil Nadu, later this year. The factory is expected to roll out 50,000 units annually in its first phase, with scalable capacity reaching up to 150,000 units in future stages.
This move underscores VinFast’s commitment to localisation, which includes setting up robust supply chain networks, job creation, and partnerships with key Indian firms for operations, charging infrastructure, and battery lifecycle management.
Partnerships to Strengthen EV Ecosystem
VinFast has signed several key partnerships with Indian players such as:
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RoadGrid for EV charging infrastructure development,
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myTVS for after-sales support,
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Global Assure for road assistance and services,
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BatX Energies for battery recycling and sustainability solutions.
These collaborations aim to support a complete, sustainable EV ecosystem in the country, in line with India’s clean mobility mission.
Tesla vs VinFast: Two Different India Strategies
The launch of VinFast’s showroom comes on the heels of Tesla’s first showroom launch in Mumbai earlier this month. While Tesla is entering India through retail and distribution channels without manufacturing operations for now, VinFast has committed to local production, giving it a potential cost advantage and policy incentives.
Industry experts note that while both brands are premium EV players, VinFast’s localisation-first approach could resonate better with Indian consumers looking for affordability, accessibility, and service coverage.
Looking Ahead
With a strong retail strategy, a robust manufacturing pipeline, and a clear vision for sustainable mobility, VinFast is positioning itself as a formidable player in India’s rapidly evolving EV landscape.
The Surat showroom is only the beginning. As India gears up for a major EV transformation, VinFast’s bold entry and commitment to the market signal the start of a new chapter in global EV competition on Indian roads.
VinFast’s expansion comes at a crucial time as India strengthens its EV infrastructure and policies. With Tesla’s arrival and VinFast’s aggressive plans, the Indian EV market is poised for a dynamic and competitive future.