The much-awaited Indian automobile market entry of VinFast Auto, considered Vietnam’s electric vehicle manufacturer, was witnessed with the inauguration of the country’s first showroom in Surat, Gujarat. Opened over the weekend in the Piplod area of Surat, the showroom marks the onset of VinFast’s ambitious plan to expand wherever the country really goes. This is certainly an important step for the company to try to catch the tide of growing Indian demand for electric vehicles. In a situation where awareness about clean mobility and EV adoption incentives is making rounds, VinFast’s entry can add quite a fresh edge to this electric arena.
This is What the VinFast Showroom in Surat Looks Like
The newly launched showroom, VinFast Surat, was set up with an area of over 3,000 square feet and promoted by Chandan Car, the long-established dealership group. Two glam models of premium electric SUVs are on display in the showroom, which are the VinFast VF6 and VF7, both being first introduced to this Indian market in right-hand drive configurations. This being the first of 35 showrooms planned by VinFast to be opened across 27 cities in India by end of 2025.
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Booking the VF6 and VF7: Online and In-Store
VinFast gave the liberty to customers in booking the vehicles. The bookings may be made expressly at the Surat showroom or online through www.vinfastauto.in. Customers can hold vehicles with a Rs. 21,000 fully refundable deposit. Online pre-bookings have started since July 15th, and now, with the opening of the Surat showroom, walk-in customers can see the actual models personally before booking.
VinFast confirms that vehicles to be sold in India will be assembled locally at its upcoming manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. This shows VinFast’s long-term commitment to the Indian market. Also its strategy to develop India into being one of the key hubs for its production of electric vehicles in the region. The local assembly would ensure that the company stays competitively priced. Especially as it fights with other international competition brands like Tesla, which recently launched the Model Y in India.
Details on the VF6 and VF7 Electric SUVs
The VinFast VF6 and VF7 are the first electric SUVs offered for India with modern features and several variants. The VF6 has Earth and Wind variants, with a 59.6 kWh battery and 204 hp front-wheel drive. The bigger SUV VF7 comes in Earth, Wind, and Sky variants. It uses a 70.8 kWh battery, and at the top of the range, the Sky variant provides 350 hp and all-wheel drive, with the rest offering 204 hp and front-wheel drive.
The two models allow black or dual-tone interiors and six exterior colors. A few of the other features include a 12.9 inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, seven airbags, Level 2 ADAS, and a glass roof. VinFast targets for these SUVs to get a 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP.
Market Competition
VinFast’s entry into India comes during a time when the EV space is rapidly growing. Earlier this month, Tesla released its Model Y SUV in India for a starting price of ₹59.89 lakh, but it went through as a completely built unit (CBU) imported from China. On the flip side, if VinFast wants to have a real advantage, it should assemble locally, as that can help it price aggressively in order to reach as many people as possible. With assembly locally, developing a large dealership network to sell to customers and a solid product to provide, VinFast is well positioned to become a large player in India’s electric vehicle future.
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Conclusion
VinFast’s first showroom opening in Surat has kicked off what is going to be an interesting new chapter in the Indian EV space. The VF6 and VF7 showcase modern design, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. The brand plans to open 35 showrooms soon, which shows they are planning being a longer player in the Indian market. Full details, including prices, booking, and test drives, will come to light over the coming months. For now, customers in and around Surat can stop by the showroom,to see the new electric SUVs in person and be among the first to book.
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