Vietnam’s VinFast reveals electric cars, plans to set up factories in the US and Germany
Vietnamese automaker VinFast is developing its planned EV line-up to five models, and plans to open factories in the United States and Germany, along with an existing plant in its home country.
The automaker announced three new models at this week’s 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The VF5, VF6 and VF7 crossovers join the VF8 (formerly VF 35) and VF9 (formerly VF E36) crossovers. released last November at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show.
VinFast has begun accepting pre-orders for the VF8 and VF9, which are expected to arrive in the US by the end of 2022. At CES, the automaker also announced a base price of $41,000 for the VF8 and $56,000 for the VF9. Those prices do not include destination or required battery rental costs.
Vinfast VF7
The company didn’t discuss specs for the new models, but previously said the VF8 and VF9 will be available with a dual-motor powertrain that makes 402 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. -feet. It also cites a 300-mile range target for the VF8 and a 400-mile range target for the VF9.
VinFast also at CES announced plans for a factory in Germany to produce electric cars and buses. In a press release, the company said it was working with the German economic development agency Trade and Investment (GTAI) to find a site, but did not discuss a timeline for starting construction.
Vinfast VF6
VinFast said it also plans to open a factory in the US in the second half of 2024. These new factories will join VinFast’s existing factory in Hai Phong, Vietnam, and a new battery factory under construction. built in Ha Tinh province of Vietnam.
Very ambitious timeline for US launch and footprint across Asia, US and Germany, reminding us a bit of the Chinese auto start-up Byton, the company also plans to quickly bring its first car to North America, Asia and Europe. That automaker was almost revived last year with interest from Foxconn, although accumulated debt reportedly put the plan on hold.
Some Chinese automakers—including giant BYD—Tried and failed to penetrate the U.S. light vehicle market. Will Vietnam’s VinFast be different?
