VinFast skips Malaysia for Indonesia; 3 models, EV included
Arvind · Sep 1, 2021 12:12 PM
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Vietnam-based carmaker VinFast has reportedly filed intellectual property rights in Indonesia for three of its models as part of the brand's expansion into key markets within the region.
Indonesian website OtoDriver reports, VinFast has filled for property rights for the Lux A2.0, Lux SA2.0 and lastly a battery electric (BEV) SUV, the VF e35.
Vinfast VF e35
The rights, filed under “VinFast Trading And Production Limited Liability Company" according to DetikOto, cover a 10-year period between September 2018 to September 2028.
The first of three models is the Lux A2.0, based on the previous generation BMW F10 5 Series, the Lux A2.0 is billed as an executive sedan with the ‘A’ in its name abbreviating ‘Ambition’ and the 2.0 referring to its BMW-sourced (N20) 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant.
Vinfast Lux SA2.0
The second model, the Lux SA2.0 is the company’s first large SUV which is based on the F15 BMW X5.
The Lux A is offered with two different engine tunes – the first outputs 176 PS/300 Nm and a more powerful unit delivering 231 PS and 350 Nm. The Lux SA2.0 only gets the latter 231 PS unit.
In both cases, the engines are paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Both the Lux A2.0 and Lux SA2.0 first debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, official sales and deliveries in its home market started in mid-2019.
Vinfast VF e35 electric SUV
The third model filed is a battery electric SUV, the VF e35, the second of six new electric vehicle (EV) models (starting with 2021 VF e34) planned, as the company makes its move into key developed markets such as Europe, Australia and the US.
Vinfast VF e35 is one of the electric models earmarked for export markets
The VF e35 (previously called the VF 32) is a mid-sized crossover similar in size to a Mercedes-Benz GLC. The VF e35 is fitted with a 90 kWh battery and comes with two powertrain options; a single-motor 204 PS /320 Nm (front wheel drive) or a dual-motor (AWD) that outputs a total of 408 PS and 640 Nm of torque. VinFast claims the VF e35 will have a driving range of approximately 500 km.
Vinfast's production plan and strategic phases
In 2022, VinFast will enter Phase 3 of its operational strategy which will see the introduction of more EV models as the company enters its ‘Go Global’ phase. In addition to entering Indonesia (one of the ASEAN bloc’s biggest automotive markets), the company notably wants to make the US market ‘ground zero’ of its global electric car ambitions.
With a firm aim on Tesla is planning to set up an electric vehicle (EV) factory in the USA, separately, Vinfast has also set up an EV R&D Centre in Melbourne, Australia, staffed by approximately 100 engineers and automotive specialists which include ex-employs from Holden, Toyota and Ford.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
