VinFast's inaugural electric vehicle plant in India, delivery of Tata Harrier EV, and discovery of next-gen Mahindra Bolero prototype
VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has inaugurated its first electric vehicle assembly factory in India, located in the SIPCOT Industrial Park, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. This marks a significant milestone in the company's expansion and its entry into the Indian market [1][2][3].
The new facility, spanning 400 acres, is VinFast's first manufacturing plant outside Vietnam and its third globally [1][4]. The initial production capacity of the Tamil Nadu facility is 50,000 units per year, which is designed to be scalable up to 150,000 units annually to meet increasing market demand [1][2][4][5].
The plant is expected to create 3,000 to 3,500 direct jobs, with further employment opportunities in the local supply ecosystem [1][4]. The strategic role of this plant is twofold: supplying the Indian market and serving as a major export hub, targeting South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa [2][5].
Automated production lines, body shop, paint shop, assembly shop, quality control center, and a logistics hub are some of the key features of the plant [1][4]. The plant is set to commence production in August 2025, with the company planning to launch the assembled electric SUVs in the Indian market within weeks of the plant's inauguration [1].
The models produced at this Tamil Nadu facility are the VF 6 and the VF 7, two premium electric SUVs that form the initial production focus of the plant [1][2][4].
Meanwhile, in the Indian automobile market, Tata Motors' electric vehicle division has launched the Tata Harrier EV. This electric SUV is available in three broad trim levels - Adventure, Fearless, and Empowered, along with the Stealth Edition. The Tata Harrier EV is priced between ₹21.49 lakh and ₹29.74 lakh [6].
On the other hand, the new Mahindra Bolero, an SUV developed by Indian automobile manufacturer Mahindra, is expected to undergo a significant update. While the current-generation Mahindra Bolero did not feature flush-fitting door handles or redesigned mirrors, the new model is expected to incorporate these modern touches [7]. The new Mahindra Bolero has not yet been officially unveiled or priced.
The new Mahindra Bolero, consistent with the original model's design, is expected to be a significant update to the Bolero nameplate, potentially the boldest yet [8]. The next-generation Mahindra Bolero is expected to be launched on August 15 [9].
In summary, VinFast's electric vehicle plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India, is a strategic move for the company, aiming to tap into the growing demand for electric passenger vehicles in India while establishing a regional export hub. Meanwhile, the Tata Harrier EV and the anticipated new Mahindra Bolero are set to bring innovation and modernity to the Indian SUV market.
References:
- VinFast launches its first electric vehicle assembly plant in India
- VinFast to set up electric vehicle plant in Tamil Nadu
- VinFast to invest $1.2 billion in India to make electric vehicles
- VinFast to invest $1.2 billion in India to make electric vehicles
- VinFast to invest $1.2 billion in India to make electric vehicles
- Tata Harrier EV: Price, variants, features and more
- Mahindra Bolero 2022: Expected Features, Launch Date, Price and More
- Mahindra Bolero 2022: Expected Features, Launch Date, Price and More
- Mahindra Bolero 2022: Expected Features, Launch Date, Price and More
- The Vietnamese automotive manufacturer, VinFast, has established a significant presence in the Indian industry by inaugurating its first electric vehicle assembly factory, marking an expansion into the Indian market.
- This new facility, located in the SIPCOT Industrial Park, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, is VinFast's first manufacturing plant outside Vietnam and its third globally.
- The plant, expected to commence production in August 2025, is designed with a production capacity of 50,000 units per year, which can be scaled up to 150,000 units annually to meet market demands.
- The Tamil Nadu facility will produce the VF 6 and VF 7, two premium electric SUVs, as part of the plant's initial production focus.
- Meanwhile, in the Indian automobile market, Tata Motors' electric vehicle division and Mahindra, another Indian automobile manufacturer, are introducing innovations in their respective SUV models, aiming to cater to the growing consumer preferences for modern and tech-driven vehicles within the lifestyle sector.
