Vietnam-based automaker VinFast, which has switched to electric vehicles, has started shipping its first batch of electric SUVs to domestic customers.
What happened: The first batch of 100 electric vehicles was handed over to customers at a handover ceremony at the Vietnam plant in northern Hai Phong province. The event was broadcast live from the manufacturing complex.
The company is also planning a US push and is preparing to deliver its all-electric VF8 and VF9 SUVs in the country. Mass production of 5,000 VF8 units to be shipped to the US and North American markets will begin next week, VinFast’s global CEO said Le Thuy Reuters reportedly said on the sidelines of the delivery event.
The company expects to begin shipping overseas in November, with deliveries beginning in December, Reuters. The two models — the VF8 and VF9 — would cost $42,200 and $57,500, respectively, she added.
VinFast’s new VF8 model will be on display at the Fully Charged event being held September 10-11 at the San Diego Convention Center, California.
Why it matters: In early July, the company announced it had received a $1.2 billion stimulus package from North Carolina to build one EV manufacturing facility in the state. The company also announced the opening of six VinFast stores in California.
VinFast aims to become one of the leading electric vehicle manufacturers in the next five to 10 years, the company’s CEO Thuy reportedly said in an interview with Time Magazine. With the battery leasing model the company is envisioning to reduce operating costs, it is expected to match leading electric vehicles such as Tesla, Inc. TSLA a run for their money.
Photo: Courtesy of vinfastauto.us
