VinFast's Bold Leap: Vietnam's First Global EV Player
As an emerging manufacturing hub for multiple industries, Vietnam has long harboured a bold strategy for its domestic automotive industry.
Backed by Vingroup's significant investment, this ambition took a giant step forward six years ago. Close to the picturesque shores of Cat Hai, a 335-hectare factory rose as a symbol of Vietnam's burgeoning automotive sector, establishing VinFast dynamic new brand.
The facility serves as the launchpad for VinFast's global ambitions, ensuring that the VF 8 electric SUV benefits from in-house expertise, capacity and international partnerships with established, premium suppliers.
Global collaborations underpin a modern electric SUV
VinFast's rise coincides with Vietnam's emergence as a globally integrated economy. As the nation's first electric car company, VinFast enters the international market by strategically embracing global expertise.
At the forefront of this strategy is the VF 8, an electric SUV designed in collaboration with Pininfarina, the legendary Italian design house behind iconic vehicles for Ferrari, Peugeot, Fiat and GM.
VinFast worked closely with Pininfarina to avoid quickly dated trends and balance modern elegance and timeless appeal, marrying artistic expression with practicality. The philosophy, called 'Dynamic Balance,' shapes the VF 8 to provide a futuristic aesthetic beyond the surface.
The exterior features fluid, soft curves punctuated by sharp cuts, creating a visually striking and well-balanced silhouette.
Dynamic balance: A philosophy in design
Dynamic balance considers the impact of physical design on performance and efficiency. The design approach prioritises stability, ensuring all aspects work together cohesively, promoting a lower centre of gravity for improved handling at high speeds. An aerodynamically advanced design optimised for efficiency enhances noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance, reducing energy consumption and vehicle component wear, including the battery.
Performance and variants
The VF 8 has two variants, the Eco and the Plus, catering to different driving preferences. The Eco offers a powerful electric motor with a maximum output of 260kW and 500Nm of torque. The Plus variant takes performance further with a 300kW motor and an impressive 620Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
Safety features
The VF8 is equipped with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including highway driving assistance, automatic lane changing and smart parking assistance.
Continuous over-the-air updates ensure these systems remain optimised.
Connectivity and entertainment
Highly tailorable connectivity and immersive entertainment systems set the VF 8 apart. Features include voice control, remote management through the VinFast app, online shopping and in-car video games that sync with occupants' phones.
Safety technologies like regenerative braking, which reduces brake wear and enhances control, especially during sharp turns and downhill driving, further prioritise driver and passenger safety.
Industry recognition and strategic partnerships
VinFast's commitment to safety was acknowledged at the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards on 28 May 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. The VF 8 won five sought-after awards, including 'Best Child Protection', 'Best Safety Assistance' and 'Best Car'. The recognition highlights VinFast's dedication to outstanding safety across its range.
Adding to the peace of mind ownership experience, VinFast offers strategic partnerships with Bosch and Mobivia. Bosch provides access to 700,000 charging ports across 30 European countries, while Mobivia ensures reliable after-sales service through its 1,200 service workshops in France and Germany.
VinFast's strategic approach, combining global expertise and a commitment to safety and sustainability, positions it as a formidable player in the global electric vehicle market. As Vietnam's automotive industry continues to grow, VinFast is poised to significantly impact mobility's future.
Following its listing on the Nasdaq, Le Thi Thu Thuy, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of VinFast, said: "We have put a good supply chain together and price our vehicles competitively, bearing in mind that they come fully loaded. I believe we are well positioned in the market."
*******************
Make sure you check out the latest edition of EV Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2024.
*******************
EV is a BizClik brand.
