VinFast Announces Partnership With 13 Leading Dealers Groups Amidst Delays

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast has announced a major partnership with 13 prominent dealer groups to establish 32 dealerships across 27 cities in India. This move comes as the company faces significant headwinds, including a one-month delay in its India launch and a sharp reduction in its first-year sales target, from 50,000 units to just 3,000 units

Dealer Network: Strategic Expansion

VinFast’s new dealer partners span key states, targeting cities identified for their growing EV adoption and infrastructure readiness. The company’s 3S (Sales, Service, Spares) approach aims to ensure robust after-sales support and customer reach from day one.

VinFast aims to expand this footprint to 35 dealerships by the end of 2025, with locations in both established metro areas and emerging EV hubs

Delays and Revised Targets: What’s Behind the Shift?

The announcement comes as VinFast grapples with distribution challenges. The company postponed the launch of its debut models, the VF6 and VF7, by a month, now targeting mid-August 2025 for deliveries. Production at its Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu facility was also delayed, with assembly operations rescheduled from June 30 to July 30. These setbacks forced VinFast to slash its inaugural year sales projection by two-thirds, reflecting the realities of building a sales and service network from scratch in a highly competitive market.

Building an EV Ecosystem

Beyond retail expansion, VinFast is laying the groundwork for a comprehensive EV ecosystem in India:

• Battery Recycling: Partnership with BatX Energies for sustainable battery management.
• Roadside Assistance: Collaborations with myTVS and RoadGrid to provide 24/7 support for customers.

The upcoming showrooms will be equipped for both retail and service, including workshops and spare parts inventory, aiming to deliver a seamless ownership experience

Product Launch: VF6 and VF7

VinFast will debut in India with two models—the VF6 and VF7—both showcased at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo. While final specifications are yet to be officially confirmed, the VF7 is expected to feature a 75.3 kWh battery pack, with both single- and dual-motor options anticipated. The VF6, positioned as a compact SUV, will likely offer a smaller battery and slightly lower range.

Key VF7 Highlights (Expected)

• 75.3 kWh battery pack
• Single- and dual-motor variants
• Estimated range: 431–450 km (WLTP)
• Level 2/3 fast charging capability
• Advanced driver assistance features

Perspective: Navigating a Challenging Market Entry

VinFast’s rapid pivot from an ambitious sales target to a more measured rollout underscores the complexities of entering India’s EV market. The company’s focus on building a strong dealer and service network before scaling up sales reflects a pragmatic approach, especially given the competitive landscape and the importance of after-sales support for new brands.

While the delays and reduced targets may seem like setbacks, VinFast’s commitment to a robust retail and service infrastructure, as well as ecosystem partnerships, could lay a stronger foundation for long-term success in India’s evolving EV sector