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From noodles to EVs: The story of VinFast and its risky bid for success in India
MINT· 2025-09-28 11:35
Core Viewpoint - VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has launched two new SUVs in India, aiming to capture market share through aggressive pricing and significant investment, despite facing challenges in its home market and mounting losses [39]. Company Overview - VinFast is part of the Vietnamese conglomerate VinGroup, which has diversified into various sectors since its inception in 1993 [7][8]. - The company entered the automobile sector in 2017 and has since focused on electric vehicles, launching its VF series [9][11]. Market Entry and Strategy - VinFast launched its VF6 and VF7 SUVs in India, priced between ₹16 lakh and ₹25 lakh, directly competing with Tata Motors and Mahindra [4][26]. - The company has committed to invest ₹16,000 crore in India, aiming to establish a comprehensive EV ecosystem [5][39]. - Partnerships with 13 dealership networks and plans for a service network have been established to support its market entry [28][39]. Sales Performance - VinFast reported a significant increase in sales, from 7,000 units in 2022 to 33,000 in 2023, and projected sales of 97,000 units in 2024 [12]. - However, over 90% of its sales have been concentrated in Vietnam, with a large portion linked to entities associated with the founder [16][17]. Financial Challenges - The company faced losses exceeding $1 billion in the first half of 2025 and has seen its share price drop nearly 80% since its Nasdaq listing in 2023 [18][39]. - Investors are questioning the rationale behind its substantial investments in the EV sector amid these losses [23]. Competitive Landscape - The Indian market poses challenges for foreign carmakers, with many struggling to gain traction despite having strong products [32][39]. - VinFast's entry coincides with difficulties faced by competitors like Tata Motors and Mahindra, particularly due to supply chain issues [37][38]. Future Outlook - VinFast aims to double its global sales volume and is looking to expand its manufacturing capabilities in India, with plans to produce up to 300,000 units annually [24][25]. - The company is focused on building a local executive team to enhance its market presence and consumer trust [29][30].