India’s push to put millions of electric vehicles (EVs) on its roads by the end of the decade has gained momentum with the inauguration of VinFast’s new assembly plant in Tamil Nadu. The Vietnamese automaker completed the facility in just 17 months — a pace described by one leading Indian newspaper as “the fastest manufacturing scale-up by any foreign carmaker in India.”
The plant, built on a 400-acre site, was developed from groundbreaking in February 2024 to inauguration in August 2025. Most large auto plants typically take 24 to 36 months to complete, according to Brian Jones, COO of Gray, a company specializing in auto and parts plant construction across North America. “The fastest we’ve ever seen is 24 months,” Jones said, noting VinFast’s achievement exceeded that record.
Strategic Site Selection and State Support
VinFast selected Tamil Nadu after evaluating 15 sites across six Indian states, prioritizing port access, infrastructure, and workforce availability. State support played a decisive role. “It reaffirms Tamil Nadu’s progressive industrial policies and will substantially contribute to local economic advancement, job creation, and technical skill development,” Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa said.
The facility has an initial production capacity of 50,000 units per year, scalable up to 150,000. An adjoining industrial zone is planned to develop a local supplier ecosystem.
Automation and Workforce Training
From the outset, the plant integrates advanced Industry 4.0 standards. Its body shop uses 17 robots alongside skilled welders, while the paint shop employs eight robots for automated finishes. Global technology firms ABB, Dürr, Atlas Copco, Arrow, and Siemens partnered with VinFast to supply automation and quality control systems.
Recruitment began ahead of plant completion. In April, a large-scale hiring drive through Tamil Nadu’s Naan Mudhalvan program brought in the first 200 employees, trained to international standards. Once fully operational, the plant will directly employ between 3,000 and 3,500 workers.
An Export Hub for the Region
The facility’s proximity to Thoothukudi Port positions it as a major export hub. VinFast has already confirmed orders from Sri Lanka and Mauritius and plans to serve markets across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. “We aim to develop the Thoothukudi plant into VinFast’s largest export hub for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa,” said Mr. Chau, a VinFast executive.
Linking Economic Growth and Climate Goals
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin highlighted the factory’s dual impact — boosting the state economy while supporting India’s climate commitments.
For VinFast, the speed of construction underscores its ambition to compete in one of the world’s most dynamic EV markets. The company says the next phase will include greater automation, higher production output, and stronger ties between India and Vietnam.
