Vietnamese VinFast VF8 deliveries to start in Europe
Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast is set to make a splash in the European market with the anticipated delivery of its first electric SUVs, the VF8 models, in the fourth quarter of this year. The CEO of VinFast, Le Thi Thu Thuy, revealed that the initial batch of vehicles will be introduced in France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
This foray into Europe isn’t just a test drive for VinFast; it’s a strategic move. With the European Union mulling over the imposition of tariffs on Chinese rivals, VinFast’s timing seems rather astute. The company has successfully received the regulatory nod to sell its EVs in Europe, creating a lot of interest in an already vibrant market.
According to an anonymous insider, approximately 3,000 VF8 mid-size crossovers are slated for delivery to France, Germany, the Netherlands, and, interestingly, Israel in the final quarter of the year. These vehicles are set to roll out from VinFast's production hub in northern Vietnam. However, the exact number of VF8 SUVs destined for Europe this year remains undisclosed by the CEO.
VinFast’s expedition to Europe comes as the region is grappling with potential market saturation from Chinese imports. The European Union has initiated an investigation into Chinese state subsidies for electric vehicles, raising eyebrows and concerns about market flooding by affordable Chinese products. Several Chinese carmakers, such as BYD, MG, Zeekr, Nio, and XPeng, want to enhance their presence in Europe with more competitively priced offerings.
VinFast is set to introduce its VF8 electric SUVs in Europe, aiming to carve a niche in a market that’s scrutinizing Chinese imports, with plans for further global expansion in 2024.
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