New automotive company plans entry into the Indian market with premium models

VinFast is changing its strategy in the Indian market. According to reports, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer is preparing two new models specifically adapted for the Indian market that will have a highly competitive price.

According to Reuters, one of these future vehicles could be released at a price below $12,000 USD, which is equivalent to approximately 10 lakh rupees. It is planned that the two expected electric vehicles have code names VF X and VF Y, although their planning is still in the early stages.

VinFast has not yet provided official information about these models, and the company reserves the right to change its plan as production approaches. This move differs from the company's initial plan, according to which it intended to carry out local production of the VF 3, VF 6, and VF 7 models in India.

Currently, the company sells the VF 6 and VF 7 models in India, which arrive via the CKD route and are assembled at the factory in Tamil Nadu. The company decided to cancel plans to produce international models in India.

The new models will be developed taking into account India's specific needs, focusing on cost. To this end, the company has started negotiations with Indian component suppliers. The goal is to simplify production in India, which will allow the company to increase the level of localization and control production costs.

The VF X model is particularly important among the upcoming new arrivals. Reports indicate that VinFast aims to set the price of this car below $12,000, meaning it will be available in the Indian segment in a budget of less than 10 thousand rupees. In size, the VF X will be between the VF 3 and VF 6 models.

This car will be compact and offer more interior space compared to the VF 3. If the company releases this model at a price below 10 lakh rupees, it will directly compete with Tata Motors, which currently leads in electric vehicle sales in the Indian market, especially in the budget segment up to 10 lakh rupees.

Demand for electric vehicles is growing in the Indian market, but companies are also starting to pay attention to the plug-in hybrid segment. BYD has begun exploring this segment after previously focusing solely on producing fully electric vehicles.

Recently, the BYD Seal U Plug-in Hybrid SUV was spotted undergoing testing in India. This is the second instance of this vehicle being seen in India. There are suggestions that the Seal U could become BYD's first plug-in hybrid model introduced in India.

The Seal U has dimensions comparable to the Mahindra XEV 9e: its length is 4775 mm, width is 1890 mm, and height is 1670 mm, with a wheelbase reaching 2765 mm. In some markets, this vehicle is also known as the Sealion 6.

The car is equipped with BYD's proprietary DM-i Super technology, which is its own plug-in hybrid system. It includes a 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine, an electric motor, a starter-generator, and a battery pack. On the international market, this model is available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The Seal U Plug-in Hybrid offers power up to 323 hp and torque up to 550 Nm. In electric mode, the stated range is 126 kilometers thanks to an 18.3 kWh battery, which charges from 30% to 80% in 35 minutes. When using the hybrid system, the total range reaches 1080 kilometers. Before launching in the Indian market, the vehicle will be refined to improve power and increase range.

The DM-i system is oriented towards electric driving, so the car operates primarily on the electric motor. The gasoline engine functions as a generator, whose task is to recharge the battery. The gasoline engine only directly powers the wheels under high loads. The hybrid system automatically switches between EV and hybrid modes.

Against the backdrop of Tata and Mahindra's dominance in the Indian EV segment, the rise of hybrid models could pose a serious competitive threat to both companies. However, the BYD Seal U does not present as significant a threat because it will not be localized for the Indian market, which will lead to a higher price. The company might sell it for a price ranging from 45 to 50 lakh rupees, including external taxes.

Honda is actively working to strengthen its position in the Indian market. Previously, the company introduced the Elevate model in the Creta segment, but this SUV did not achieve the expected success. Honda launched the Elevate in June 2023, meaning it has been three years since its release.

Now, the company plans to introduce an updated version of this model. According to available reports, Honda may soon release an updated Elevate. This update could involve changes to both the exterior and interior of the car. It is worth considering what specific changes are expected in this vehicle.

According to Autocar India, Honda might introduce the updated Elevate before the Diwali festival. However, the same source suggests that the launch of the updated SUV could take place in October 2026. Although design changes are anticipated in the update, no mechanical improvements are expected.

Similar to the recently facelifted Honda City, the Elevate may also receive stylistic modifications. The company might equip the car with revised LED lighting elements, a redesigned grille, new 17-inch wheels, and updated front and rear bumpers. Additionally, new features may be added.

The updated Honda Elevate could feature a new cabin theme, and the upholstery might also be refreshed. Nevertheless, the overall dashboard design is expected to remain unchanged. Honda may integrate new features into this car to make it more competitive in the mid-size SUV segment.

The current Elevate model lacks features such as a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, driver assistance seats, and rear sunshades. Meanwhile, most competitors of this car already offer similar options, and they are becoming increasingly popular among consumers.

Honda provided ventilated front seats and a factory-installed 360-degree camera system in the recently updated City sedan. There is hope that these features will also appear in the Elevate. The car's engine will not be changed; it will be equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. This engine delivers 121 hp and 145 Nm of torque. It is available with a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed automatic CVT.

The updated version will have a higher price compared to the current model. Currently, the Elevate is priced from 11.81 lakh to 16.36 lakh including export duties. Its main competitors are the Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra.