Daybreak Vinfast’s radical EV strategy for India: ditch the showrooms
Sep 23, 2025
VinFast is shaking up India's electric vehicle market by skipping the big city showrooms entirely. Instead, they’re tapping into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, using local workshops as sales hubs. The ambitious strategy involves a partnership with MyTVS and a focus on a comprehensive charging network. With a $2 billion commitment, VinFast is betting on the rising middle class and government support for EVs. Can this unconventional approach make waves in a packed market, or will it lead to another costly mistake?
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Targeting Smaller Cities
- VinFast is targeting Tier-2 and Tier-3 Indian cities rather than crowded metros to find market gaps.
- The company hopes workshops-turned-dealerships will let it bypass established networks and grow faster.
Big Losses Prompt India Pivot
- VinFast posted more than $3 billion in losses in 2024, making India a critical turnaround market.
- The company sees its India pivot as a last-chance bid to salvage global ambitions.
Workshops As Dealerships
- VinFast plans to convert multi-brand workshops into 240 sales, service and spare-parts centers via partners.
- Workshops pay a Rs.21 lakh franchise fee and stock demo cars while earning a small commission on sales.