VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker striving to enter the US market, is set to unveil two electric vehicles at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The first is the VF3, a compact and affordable electric SUV with potential game-changing qualities for the company. The second is a mysterious EV concept that has yet to be revealed.
Table of Contents
VF3 Electric SUV
- Design and Size:
- Two-door subcompact crossover.
- Length:
- 122.5 inches, smaller than a Mini Cooper.
- Intended to comfortably seat five people with a spacious cabin.
- Affordability:
- Expected to be very cheap, starting at less than $20,000 before tax credits.
- Leasing options could reduce the price to as low as $12,500, positioning it as potentially the cheapest car in America.
- Design Highlights:
- Rugged and stylish design with a large grille and LED headlights.
- Flared wheel arches, roof rails, and a rear spoiler.
- Interior:
- Expected to be simple and functional.
- Digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system.
- Technical Details:
- No disclosed technical specifications, including battery size, power output, range, or charging time.
- Anticipated to have a single electric motor driving the front wheels and a modest battery pack.
- Market Positioning:
- Ideal for urban commuters seeking an affordable and eco-friendly vehicle.
- Potential interest from US dealers indicates a market niche for this type of vehicle.
Mysterious EV Concept
- Teaser Image:
- Silhouette of a tall and boxy vehicle with large wheels and roof lights.
- Resembles a rugged off-roader or adventure vehicle, potentially competing with models like the Rivian R1T or Ford Bronco.
- Lack of Information:
- No details about the concept’s name, features, or specifications.
- Unclear if it is based on an existing model or a completely new design.
- No confirmation regarding production intentions.
Overall Strategy:
- CES 2024 Participation:
- VinFast aims to showcase its commitment to sustainable transportation and innovation.
- Struggling to establish itself in the US market, facing challenges in sales, quality, and factory construction delays.
- Current US Offerings:
- VinFast currently offers two models in the US: VF8 (midsize electric SUV) and VF9 (full-size electric SUV).
- Mixed reviews for both models from critics and consumers.
- Beyond Cars:
- VinFast will also display its DrgnFly range of electric bikes at CES 2024, designed for urban mobility and recreation.
- Brand Boost:
- Participation in CES 2024 aims to enhance brand awareness and credibility in the US market.
| Feature | VF3 Electric SUV | Unrevealed EV Concept |
| Design and Size | Two-door subcompact crossover. | Silhouette suggests a tall and boxy design. |
| Length: 122.5 inches (smaller than Mini Cooper). | Boxy design with large wheels and roof lights. | |
| Seating Capacity | Comfortably seats five people. | Not specified. |
| Affordability | Expected starting price: <$20,000 (before tax credits). | No pricing information available. |
| Leasing Option | Leasing could reduce the price to as low as $12,500. | Not specified. |
| Exterior Highlights | Rugged design with a large grille and LED headlights. | Boxier design with off-road aesthetics. |
| Flared wheel arches, roof rails, and a rear spoiler. | Large wheels and roof lights visible in teaser. | |
| Interior Features | Simple and functional interior. | No details provided. |
| Digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment. | ||
| Technical Specifications | Limited details disclosed (battery, power, range, charging time). | No technical details revealed. |
| Market Positioning | Geared toward urban commuters seeking an affordable and eco-friendly option. | Potential rugged off-roader or adventure vehicle. |
| Interest from Dealers | Strong interest expressed by US dealers. | Not specified. |
| CES 2024 Showcase | VF3 to be showcased at CES 2024. | Unrevealed EV Concept to be showcased at CES 2024. |
| Production Confirmation | No information about production status. | No information about production status. |
| Intended Audience | Urban commuters on a budget. | Adventurous and off-road enthusiasts. |
CES 2024 is scheduled from January 7 to January 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, providing a platform for VinFast to showcase its electric vehicles and electric bikes, demonstrating innovation in sustainable transportation.
FAQs:
- Is VinFast car available in USA?
- Yes, one of their first offerings in the US is the VinFast VF 8.
- Is VinFast an American company?
- No, VinFast is not a US company. It is a multinational automotive company based in Vietnam founded by Vingroup.
- Has VinFast arrived in the US?
- Yes, VinFast began delivering electric cars in California in March and made its debut on Nasdaq in late August.
- Will VinFast come to India?
- Yes, Vietnamese electric vehicle major VinFast has entered India.
- Why did VinFast fail?
- VinFast has faced challenges related to complaints about construction flaws and car software issues, along with the difficulty of selling electric vehicles in a country with underdeveloped charging infrastructure.
- Is VinFast successful?
- VinFast sold just over 10,000 cars in the last quarter, bringing its total sales for the year to around 21,000.
