VinFast quietly opens a series of electric car dealers
Carbiz.vn, 19 Sep '24
VinFast's dealer system, present in 13 US states, is trading the VF8 Plus and VF8 Eco, while the VF6, VF7, and VF9 models are about to go on sale.
In the midst of the general difficulties facing the electric vehicle industry globally, VinFast is endeavouring to improve its business situation in international markets, especially in North America. The car brand, belonging to VinGroup, has recently announced updates for the VinFast VF8 electric SUV in the US in response to customer feedback to enhance the driving experience.
In addition, the company has expanded its sales strategy. Instead of solely applying the direct-to-consumer sales model, it is now cooperating with numerous agents across the country. Initially, this plan began with a single location in North Carolina, but since then, this Vietnamese brand has quietly expanded, establishing a network of agents throughout the United States.
Although this information may not be entirely new, VinFast shared in April that it had signed agreements with 12 agents in the US. However, it is worth noting that, five months later, these agents have now begun operations, along with some additional agents not mentioned initially.
VinFast has officially started operating in North Carolina, New York, Texas, Florida, Kansas, Connecticut, and Kentucky. Additionally, the company has established retail locations in New Mexico, Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, and Maryland five states not included in VinFast's initial announcement in April.
According to information from InsideEvs, some agents are offering impressive car-buying and renting incentives. Notably, the only VinFast dealer in Pensacola, Florida, is offering a special discount of US$ 15,000 on the listed price of the VinFast VF8 Eco version.
The VF8 Plus configuration, with more advanced equipment, enjoys a discount of US$ 17,000, resulting in an immediate delivery price of just under US$ 37,000. Additionally, the Vestavia VinFast dealer in Alabama also offers a similar discount, though not as significant, bringing the price of the VF8 model below US$ 40,000.
Due to imports from Vietnam, VinFast models are not eligible for any tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) related to purchases. However, if agents adhere to the prices advertised online, this may not cause significant issues.
With its presence expanding beyond California, customers in the US who live outside the coastal areas can now become acquainted with VinFast's products without having to travel by plane to California. The Vietnamese brand continues to promote the VF6 and VF7 electric SUV models, as well as the VF9, before officially opening them for sale in the US.