VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) major, has appointed Zac Hollis, former brand director of Skoda Auto India, as its Asia Head. Hollis, known for his instrumental role in Skoda’s India 2.0 strategy, will now play a pivotal role in shaping VinFast’s EV rollout plan in India.
VinFast recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government to establish an integrated EV manufacturing plant in the state, with an ambitious $2 billion investment plan.
Zac Hollis, after a brief stint as Prestige Models Operation Director at MG Motor, brings his extensive automotive industry experience spanning over two and a half decades to VinFast. He played a crucial role in establishing Skoda as the third-best car brand in India in 2021-2022.
Hollis, appreciated for his active engagement with Skoda Auto enthusiasts through social media, spent four years in India laying the foundation for the brand’s success. His move to VinFast aligns with the company’s aggressive manufacturing plans for the Indian market.
VinFast’s integrated EV plant in Tamil Nadu is expected to generate 3,000 to 3,500 employment opportunities locally and aims to become an EV production hub in the region, with an annual manufacturing capacity of up to 150,000 units. The construction is set to commence later this year.
VinFast’s collaboration with the Tamil Nadu State Government outlines a total investment of up to $2 billion, with an initial commitment of $500 million for the first phase of the project over five years.
Zac Hollis is anticipated to play a crucial role not only in shaping VinFast’s India entry strategy but also in recruiting key talent for the India arm. This move marks a significant step in VinFast’s global expansion, providing an entry into the world’s third-largest car market.
Despite attempts to reach Hollis for comments, he remains unavailable at the time of reporting. VinFast has not responded to inquiries made via email.