New Delhi: VinFast has dismissed reports suggesting that it has changed its manufacturing plans for the VF 6 and VF 7 in India. The Vietnamese EV maker
has confirmed that assembly of both SUVs will continue as completely knocked-down (CKD) kits. Both of them will carry on being assembled at the Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu.
The clarification comes following a Reuters report, which cited sources and an internal company memo claiming that VinFast had temporarily paused work on local manufacturing programmes. This was reportedly affecting three EVs as the brand reassessed development costs.
Though the brand did not comment separately on every programme referred to in the report, it has clarified that production plans for the models currently available in India have not been altered.
Under the CKD model, vehicles come to India as separate components and are assembled locally. So, the brand’s latest clarification indicates that the current availability and assembly of the two electric SUVs will carry on despite questions surrounding some of its future localisation programmes.
VinFast continues to target India-specific EVs
VinFast continues to describe India as an important part of its long-term business and manufacturing strategy. Since entering the market, the brand says it has conducted market research and customer clinics. This has helped them understand local preferences and gather feedback on models such as the VF 6 and VF 7. The findings have subsequently been used to make changes aimed at better suiting Indian customers.
For upcoming products, VinFast says its strategy will extend beyond just bringing existing international models to India. The brand plans to develop and manufacture vehicles tailored for the Indian market. Further, it will also increase the level of locally sourced components.
The automaker has conducted supplier meets in both India and Vietnam, involving more than 300 Indian suppliers. The initiative is intended to improve the local supply chain and identify areas where VinFast can increase localisation. The brand also noted that it remains in discussions with government authorities regarding policies. This could encourage further investment from global EV manufacturers.
VinFast has also secured approval for the second phase of its Thoothukudi manufacturing facility, which is expected to support its plans for increased production capacity in India.
The brand has seen its sales build up since commencing deliveries in September 2025. According to VinFast’s figures, it sold 5,627 EVs during the first half of 2026, which makes for a 3.8 per cent share of the market. Registrations increased to 2,196 units in August, up 43.5 per cent from the 1,530 units recorded in July. Total sales since the brand started operations in India have now crossed 10,415 units. This clearly highlights a steady expansion of its presence in the country’s growing electric vehicle market.
