So what do we have here? Another car manufacturer on its way to Philippine shores. Just another day in the car industry. But this time, it’s not a Chinese brand, but one within our region — Vietnamese car brand VinFast.
The motoring media paid VinFast’s headquarters a visit during the second week of June. Here, we got to know the car brand better, exploring its factory and getting behind the wheel of its EVs. Since it’s a relatively new player, having been established in 2017, I’ve rounded up six things worth knowing about this newcomer. Read on to find out.
VinFast stopped producing vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) in late 2022.
The transition from producing ICE to an all-electric vehicle lineup speaks volumes of VinFast’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The automaker made this bold announcement during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022, making it one of the first car brands to make the complete switch.
VinFast has a large 335-hectare factory in Vietnam.
The manufacturing facility is located in Haiphong, Vietnam, which is a two-hour drive from the capital city of Hanoi. They took us through the production process beginning with Press Shop, followed by Body Shop, and then General Assembly Shop. One of the biggest flexes is that 95% of their operations are automated.
Currently, they produce 300,000 cars in a year, but with their expansion plans, the manufacturing capacity at the plant is estimated to produce 950,000 vehicles per year by 2026.
VinFast was founded in 2017 by Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong.
As mentioned earlier, VinFast started its operation back in 2017, and was founded by Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vhuong. It is backed by its parent company Vingroup — the largest private conglomerate in Vietnam.
There are plenty of subsidiaries under the Vingroup corporate umbrella, namely: VinHomes (real-estate), VinPearl (tourism), VinCom (retail), VinSchool (education), among many others. But the revenue drivers were real estate and electric vehicles.
VinFast has global presence, specifically in the US, Canada, Europe, Indonesia, India, and Thailand.
It’s no easy feat for small players to compete in the big leagues, but VinFast decidedly took on that challenge. However, like any other brand on the rise, there were inevitable bumps to navigate through in terms of its vehicles and reviews from international media. Despite this, it appears that VinFast is steadfast in proving its capabilities to the world. That said, we’ll see whether it’ll heed the call of consumers and properly integrate it into its vehicles.
VinFast cars are designed by world-renowned Italian design firms Pininfarina and Torino.
This explains its unique exterior that deviates from the flashy front-end that we see in most Chinese car brands. The design language of VinFast EVs has its own flair with a good mix of functionality. It embraces youthfulness and modern sophistication, amplifying its perky personality. Inside, you get a visual of timeless elegance through its plush leather seats.
There are currently four models available in the Philippines
Before our trip to Vietnam, VinFast held the brand launch and unveiling of its vehicles, introducing four nameplates—VF5, VFe34, VF7, and VF9—to the Philippine market.
The VF5 is VinFast’s 5-seater subcompact crossover and is meant for first-time car buyers who want to have a go on sustainable mobility, but want to keep things basic and affordable. This is evident once you enter the vehicle. You have plastic materials everywhere and a traditional handbrake. However, modern touches are also present as it features a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8-inch infotainment system, as well as safety features including rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection, rear parking assist, rear view camera.
Maximum power: 100kW
Maximum torque: 135Nm
Maximum per full charge: 326km
If you want a step up from the VF5, the VFe34 definitely has more enticing features. This starts with its slightly roomier interior, followed by the noticeably larger 8-inch infotainment system with a portrait orientation and 7-inch digital gauge cluster.
Maximum power: 110kW
Maximum torque: 242Nm
Maximum per full charge: 318.6km
After the test drive, the VinFast VF7 stood out from the bunch, making it the majority of the media’s top pick. It draws its appeal from its sharp curves and sporty stance. The beauty is more than skin deep as the interior mirrors the good qualities of the exterior; it flaunts its ergonomic leather seats, plush and spacious interior, and rich tech and safety features.
Maximum power: 260kW
Maximum torque: 500Nm
Maximum per full charge: 431km
Those who crave for a luxurious ride are in for a treat as VinFast also has its entry — the VF9. It excels in the visual department both inside and out. It truly has a powerful presence given its confident stance, while the interior emanates grandeur. It’s packed with tech, safety, and convenience features that puts the spotlight on driver and passenger comfort. The captain seat, large sunroof, ADAS features, 15.6-inch infotainment system say it all. And that’s just a fragment of what makes VF9 so special.
Maximum power: 300kW
Maximum torque: 620Nm
Maximum per full charge: 602km
Final thoughts
I choose to be a glass half-full person in a scenario where we want to fast track electric vehicle adoption. It’s worth giving small players a chance to provide us with sustainable, affordable, and perhaps reliable mobility.
Amid the heavy competition in the market brought about by the influx of Chinese automakers in the Philippines, it’s necessary for VinFast to do things differently to get ahead or stand out in the long run, and I’m eager to find out if this will be the case. After all, in due course, the cars will do the talking.
