VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, announced Friday that it will delay the first deliveries of VF8 models to US customers until late February when it has completed loading the EVs with its updated software.
VinFast intends to become a global brand after making its stunning debut at the LA Auto Show in 2021 and bringing the first EV sold in Vietnam.
VinFast to expand its brand
VinFast held a ceremony in November to commemorate the first 999 VF 8 models shipment to the United States. Soon after, the electric vehicle manufacturer filed the proper documents to hold an IPO and go public in the US markets.
VinFast is looking to expand its brand and contend in the rapid evolution US market for electric vehicles.
However, with Tesla’s recent price cuts sending shockwaves through the industry, several experts have predicted an EV price war as automakers such as Ford reduced Mach-E prices to stay competitive.
Last week, VinFast informed Electrek that it would give a special pricing promo for its first electric vehicle shipments in the United States.
VF8 release on February
The VF 8 City Edition Eco is now $49,000, while the Plus trim is $56,000. In addition, buyers will be eligible for a $3,000 direct discount off the MSRP.
The Eco trim now has an EPA estimated range of 207 miles (333 km), up from 179.
Despite an initial delivery date of December 2022, VinFast said in a statement Friday:
The cars have been updated with the latest software. We are planning to hand over the first VF8 vehicle models to customers in the second half of February
VinFast stated about the deliveries this second quarter of February
VinFast also stated that the second batch of EVs bound for the United States would be delivered in the second half of 2023, though details on the shipment size still needed to be provided.
