VinFast

After a few initial setbacks, Vietnamese automaker VinFast is proving they have what it takes to make it in the American EV market: smarts, tenacity, and — now — an excellent product!

Key Takeaways

• VinFast is Vietnam’s premiere EV automotive company, and the first Vietnamese automaker to expand to a global marketplace.
• In the US, VinFast currently has plans to launch four EV models: the VF6, VF7, VF8, and VF9.
• The VinFast VF8 and VF9 start at $46,000 and $69,800, respectively.
• VinFast may have had a rough start in the US market, but things (including revenue) have been looking up!

What is VinFast?

Initially founded in 2017, VinFast was the first automaker in Vietnam to produce electric vehicles (also known as EVs). And just last year, VinFast also became the first Vietnamese automaker to go global, with an expansion that includes partnerships with American dealerships throughout the country and an upcoming American factory in North Carolina!

How many VinFast models are there?

At the moment, VinFast plans to launch four different EV crossovers in the US. Their names are easy enough to remember: the VF6, VF7, VF8, and VF9. At the time of this writing, the VF8 is available to lease or purchase, and the VF9 is on the verge of a nationwide launch. The VF6 and VF7 are also coming soon!

The first VinFast EV to arrive in the US, the VF8 is a dual-motor compact crossover that’s available as two trim models, the Eco and Plus. The Eco has the longer battery range, traveling 264 miles between charges, while the Plus treats you to more features and a stronger powertrain, delivering 402 horses and 457 pound-feet of torque!

The VF9 is VinFast’s three-row midsize crossover EV. With its roomier cabin, the VF9 offers major appeal for big families. Both its Eco and Plus trims generate 402 horses and 457 pound-feet of torque for a smooth, swift performance. The VF9 Eco can travel 330 miles on a full battery, and the Plus covers 291 miles.

How much do VinFast EVs cost?

The current 2024 VinFast VF8 starts at $46,000, while the bigger 2024 VinFast VF9 starts at $69,800. From the outset, VinFast promised customers that if its EVs didn’t qualify for the $7,500 tax credit, it would offer a $7,500 discount. That’s why, right now, you can take home your VinFast EV with $7,500 in Bonus Cash (and 0 percent APR). Plus, VinFast is currently offering leasing great deals on its 2024 VF8, from $199/month!

What is the VinFast controversy?

When VinFast first debuted in the US, the automaker wasn’t exactly making a splash. But after making some big changes from one model year (2023) to the next (2024), VinFast’s star is rising. The automaker is in the midst of making major expansions in the US market, and revenue has jumped accordingly! Read on for a deeper understanding of VinFast’s recent controversies.

Critics were disappointed with VinFast’s debut model, the 2023 VinFast VF8. There were complaints about ride quality, cabin noise, and estimated battery range. But VinFast simply went back to the drawing board and, one year later, introduced a massively overhauled 2024 VinFast VF8 that delivers both hardware and software updates.

This new EV crossover passed the bar with many of the same critics who had so loathed the debut model, with a general consensus that the ride is comfortable, steering pliable, and cabin enjoyable. The new 2024 VF8 even delivers a more extensive battery range!

In September 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a preliminary investigation into the company’s lane-keeping assist system, due to 14 customer complaints about the technology.

There’s nothing especially unusual about this pre-investigation; if the NHTSA eventually determines the system is unsafe, they’ll issue a recall. Just like with any NHTSA recall, the automaker would have to cover the costs of repairing or replacing the defective parts on affected vehicles.

Summary

Overall we’re very excited about being one of the first VinFast dealerships in the US and in Florida. Alan Jay VinFast is here to help you get into the best lease in the business. We are even more excited about the quality of the SUV EV that you will be driving away in! Visit or call us today so we can get you on the road in your new VF8!