Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday inaugurated VinFast’s first electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in India, marking a major milestone in the state’s growing reputation as an EV manufacturing hub. The facility, located in Thoothukudi, is part of a ₹16,000-crore investment deal between the Vietnamese automaker and the Tamil Nadu government.
Massive Investment, Jobs & Growth
Spread across 408 acres in the SIPCOT industrial complex at Sillanatham, the plant is expected to generate over 3,500 jobs in the next five years. The site currently has an initial production capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, with the potential to scale up to 1.5 lakh units annually based on future demand.
“This facility has been built in record time — just 17 months after the MoU was signed,” said CM Stalin at the launch event. “It reflects the ease of doing business in Tamil Nadu.”
“Chennai is India’s Detroit”
Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s dominance in the sector, Stalin noted that the state accounts for 40% of all EVs manufactured in India. “Chennai is India’s Detroit,” he said, adding that the VinFast project will not only boost Thoothukudi’s economy but also positively impact the broader southern region.
He also pointed out that VinFast had employed hundreds of local youth under the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ skill development scheme and encouraged the company’s parent group, Vingroup, to explore long-term investments in other sectors like education, healthcare, and technology.
A New Export Hub for EVs
VinFast Asia CEO Pham Sanh Chau announced that the Thoothukudi facility is set to become the company’s largest export hub for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
“We’ve already secured orders from across these regions,” he said. “Working closely with the Tamil Nadu government, our goal is to make this region the EV capital of South Asia.”
Symbolic Rollout
In a symbolic gesture, Chief Minister Stalin signed the bonnet of a VF7 model vehicle, officially launching the first rollout from the plant floor.
Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa, who was also present, recalled the skepticism around building a car plant in Thoothukudi just 18 months ago. “Today, the plant stands completed and operational — a testament to our vision and execution.”
Other dignitaries at the event included Ministers Geetha Jeevan and Anitha Radhakrishnan, MP Kanimozhi, and Chief Secretary N. Muruganandham.
VinFast’s entry marks a significant step in Tamil Nadu’s journey to become a global EV manufacturing and export powerhouse.
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