Vietnamese EV giant VinFast will inaugurate its integrated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi on July 31, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expected to preside over the event.

The development positions Thoothukudi as a key automotive cluster alongside Chennai, Hosur, and Coimbatore. Industries Minister Dr T R B Rajaa called the upcoming launch a “moment of immense pride” for the state, highlighting the project's rapid progress—from MoU signing to inauguration in just 15 months. “We’ve focused on attracting long-term, credible global investors with strong capital, technology, and job creation goals. VinFast fits that vision perfectly,” he said.

With an investment commitment of Rs 16,000 crore (USD two billion), the plant is expected to generate 3,500 employment opportunities and manufacture 50,000 EVs annually in Phase I. The facility will anchor a new green industrial and MSME ecosystem in southern Tamil Nadu, catalysing high-value employment and technological advancement.

Industries Secretary Arun Roy emphasised the swift execution as proof of Tamil Nadu’s world-class facilitation services and progressive industrial policies. “This project highlights southern Tamil Nadu’s emerging industrial potential,” he said.