Skipping Malaysia, Vietnam’s VinFast plans to expand to 4 more European markets in 2023
CY Foong · Sep 28, 2021 11:00 AM
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VinFast VF e35 shown
Vietnam’s very own automaker, VinFast is quickly expanding its horizon into a few major Western markets. Though Vietnam’s equivalent of Proton/Perodua will only arrive in North America, Germany, France, and the Netherlands by mid-2022, their ambitious plans only continue to grow.
VinFast VF e36 shown
VinFast has hired former Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller as its CEO and will debut two battery-electric crossovers (BEVs), the VF e35 and the 7-seater VF e36 in the aforementioned European countries, North America, and Vietnam in 2022.
The two BEVs are designed by famed Italian design house, Pininfarina, the same studio that penned multiple iconic Ferraris. Some have called VinFast “Vietnam’s answer to Tesla” with some equally questionable customer feedback practices.
Besides the three major Western European markets, VinFast is also planning to launch in the Italian, Scandinavian, Swiss, and Austrian markets for the second step in its European strategy by 2023.
VinFast VF e35 interior shown
According to VinFast’s B2B Sales Vice President, Emiel Hendriksen, VinFast will initially rely on a direct distribution model in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, based on showrooms. However, for the other European markets, the carmaker would consider an agency model for sales.
VinFast VF e34 shown, priced from VND 690 million (~RM 127k)
VinFast has sold about 30,000 vehicles domestically in 2020 while the VinFast Fadil is the country’s most popular car in 2021 so far. It also aims to sell 15,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in 2022.
Going from rebadging older BMWs and Opels to selling its own homegrown EV in 3 years is no mean feat. Aside from making its presence in Europe and North America, VinFast is also looking to expand to its neighbours in Southeast Asia.
It could even be launched in Indonesia as the company filed intellectual rights in the archipelago for 3 models including the VF e35. Could Vietnam’s own automaker achieve Proton and Perodua struggled in the West?
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
