VinFast in the USA: the Vietnamese brand that wants to surpass Hyundai in the EV grid

VinFast, from Vingroup, aims for expansion in the USA with VF8 and VF9, facing quality criticisms and an uncertain future against Hyundai.

VinFast: Origin, Trajectory, and Ambition in the USA

VinFast, part of the Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, was born into the automotive world following an origin many would not imagine. The company was first created in 1993 in the food sector, moved to Vietnam in 2000, and over the years expanded into areas such as amusement parks, retail, and even animal conservation. In 2017, it launched VinFast as an automotive brand, with a factory inaugurated in Cat Hai, near Hai Phong, ready in 21 months.

The brand's objective has always been clear: to enter the global automotive scene with ambitious commitments, including agreements with General Motors in 2018 to explore models and factory rights in Asia. In 2022, VinFast debuted in the USA with the electric crossover VF8, marking its foray into the largest Western car market.

From Instant Success to Instant Torque: What VinFast Offers

VinFast's history in the USA involves a rapid rise and some stumbles. The VF8, the first product of the North American operation, generated high expectation with an unusual warranty: 10 years for the battery and 10 years/125,000 miles for the drivetrain, plus benefits in case of failure. However, the entry was marked by reports of technical problems, finishing flaws, and panel fitment issues. Models from subsequent years showed improvements, but the initial reputation was tarnished.

The VF8 arrives with the following profile: range of up to 256 miles, all-wheel drive, and a starting price of $39,900. Assessments from those who drove the car pointed out finishing flaws—“gaps in the panels, misalignment of parts”—but VinFast promised improvements over time.

VF9: More Space, More Power, and the Challenge of Perception

The VF9 is the larger sibling of the VF8: 402 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive and three-row seating capacity. The reduced launch RPM resulted in a delay of over a year, leading to a price reduction to around $62,900 in a single version, which replaced previous options. In terms of competition, the VF9 positions itself against three-row electric SUVs, including rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9, although these benchmarks vary from market to market.

What Comes Next for VinFast in the USA

The scenario is challenging: the brand, despite its size and investment scale, faces the need to maintain a perception of quality while competing with established names. VinFast is seeking to maintain its presence with the VF line and plans the VF7 as the next launch in the USA, estimated to have a range of 268 miles and 348 hp, targeting a price close to $40,000. The vehicle is expected to arrive in 2027, although details remain limited.

Furthermore, VinFast had planned a large production factory in North Carolina, financed by public incentives of approximately $1.2 billion. This plan has been delayed, with a new schedule set for 2028, amid macroeconomic uncertainties and changes in the global EV landscape. Meanwhile, the current vehicle lineup is starting to lag behind the competition, and aggressive leasing strategies try to sustain the brand's presence without sacrificing per-unit profitability.

Context, Risks, and Future

The text also highlights VinFast's unique position: it is a brand new enough to withstand impacts from weak sales, but its initial reputation—fueled by some quality issues in the VF8—makes sustainable growth a challenge. The US market continues to watch whether VinFast will manage to consolidate itself as a viable option against established names in the EV industry.

In summary, VinFast is in a race to maintain relevance in the USA, focusing on performance, quality, and competitive pricing, while navigating the complexity of building a long-term presence in the world's largest automotive market.

Opinions and References

This article gathers information disclosed by VinFast and the NHTSA, in addition to vehicle evaluations in the automotive press, such as the one CarBuzz published on the VF8. Public perception is still evolving, following the technical improvements and market strategies adopted by the brand.

We want to hear from you: Do you believe VinFast can maintain its growth pace in the USA and surpass Hyundai in the EV landscape? Leave your opinion in the comments below.