Home » Tamil Nadu » Cm Stalin Lays Foundation Stone For Tesla Rival Vinfasts Ev Plant In Thoothukudi

CM Stalin lays foundation stone for Tesla-rival VinFast’s EV plant in Thoothukudi

VinFast, a major competitor to American electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla, has earmarked investments of ₹16,000 crore in the state.

ByPTI

Published Feb 26, 2024 | 9:01 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 26, 2024 | 9:01 AM

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin and other delegates at the VinFast groundbreaking ceremony. (X)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, on Sunday, 25 February, laid the foundation stone of Vietnamese EV manufacturer VinFast Auto’s vehicle and battery product facility in Thoothukudi.

VinFast, a major competitor to American electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla, has earmarked investments of ₹16,000 crore in the state.

Tesla has been negotiating with the Union government to lower customs duty to allow it to sell its imported vehicles in India before setting up a manufacturing facility in the country.

VinFast facility in Thoothukudi

VinFast’s start of work on its plant in India comes just 50 days after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU with the Tamil Nadu government for the plant was signed during the Global Investors Meet held by the DMK-led dispensation in January.

“With ₹16,000 crore investments and 10,000-plus jobs on the horizon, we are charging ahead into a future where opportunity and innovation meet,” Stalin said in a release.

VinFast said it will invest ₹4,000 crore over the next five years in the initial phase, which will generate 3,500 jobs in the Thoothukudi region.

In just 50 days since the MoU, Thoothukudi welcomes #VinFast's first EV plant — a monumental stride for the #DravidianModel economy.

With ₹16,000 cr investment and 10,000+ jobs on the horizon, we're charging ahead into a future where opportunity and innovation meet.… pic.twitter.com/7bIWHUXyX9

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 25, 2024

The plant will have a capacity to produce 1.50 lakh vehicles once it becomes operational.

VinFast India CEO Pham Sanh Chau said the company’s groundbreaking ceremony for the plant is a significant stride towards sustainable and green mobility in India.

“By establishing an integrated electric vehicle facility, the company’s commitment to job creation, green transportation, and strategic partnerships solidifies VinFast’s position as a major player in the electric vehicle industry,” he added.

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For industrial growth and job creation

India represents a key market in the Vietnam-based company’s global expansion plan, capitalising on the potential presented by the rapidly-growing market.

In addition to the manufacturing facility, VinFast plans to establish a nationwide dealership network in India to build a strong brand presence and swiftly connect with customers.

The project stands testament to the commitment of the Chief Minister for distributed industrial growth and the creation of jobs for youngsters across all districts of the state, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries TRB Rajaa said.

Established in 2017, VinFast owns an automotive manufacturing complex with up to 90 percent automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam.

(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)