VinFast LuxSA 2.0

VinFast Is Mostly Selling Cars To Itself

SEC filings also show the vast majority of VinFast stock is owned by one man.

A majority of the 11,300 electric vehicles VinFast has sold worldwide this year were to… itself. Barron’s reports that over 7,000 EVs were bought by Green and Smart Mobility. It’s a Vietnamese taxi company that is – you guessed it – controlled by Vingroup, owners of VinFast. The news comes from a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that also shows some wild information about who owns VinFast stock, but we will get to that in a second.

The Tuesday filing indicates sales to Green and Smart Mobility totaled $6.3 million in the first quarter of 2023. The outlet says total first-quarter sales came to about $84 million. That means most of Green and Smart’s purchases probably came in the second quarter. VinFast told Barron’s it’s going to release those numbers at a later date.

VinFast and Green and Smart Mobility are both controlled by Vingroup VIC and Vingroup’s former chairman Pham Nhat Vuong. He directly owns about 51 percent of Vingroup stock, and he currently serves as the board chair at VinFast, according to the outlet.

About 1.2 billion of VinFast’s 2.3 billion shares outstanding are held by Vingroup. A further 1.1 billion shares of the automaker are held directly by Vietnam Investment Group – which lists Vuong as the sole shareholder, and Asia Star, another investment entity controlled by Vuong. Do some quick math and look at some SEC filings, and you’ll soon find out that he effectively controls 99.7 percent of all VinFast stock.

 
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 VF3 poised for the US spotlight

In the relentless race to win over the electric vehicle market, automakers are constantly seeking to break the mold and present innovative alternatives. Enter VinFast's latest contender: the VF3 mini crossover.

Hailing from Vietnam, and originally designed specifically for that market, VinFast VF3 is no longer staying local. It has set its eyes on a much bigger prize - the American automotive arena. After a somewhat lukewarm launch of its larger SUVs - the VF8 and VF9 - the company is considering adding this tiny EV to its US fleet.

The VF3, initially designed with the Vietnamese consumer in mind, may soon find itself zipping through American urban streets. Compact yet assertive, the vehicle has a diminutive stature of 3,114 mm in length - yes, that’s a whole 250 mm shorter than the Baojun Yep, a similar model co-produced by GM and its Chinese collaborators, SAIC and Wuling.

Interestingly, VinFast remains coy about the specifics of the VF3’s electric battery and motor. What they have emphasized is its commendable travel range (VinFast did not disclose an actual number though), which aligns perfectly with the daily commute and driving habits of the average Vietnamese motorist. Given its dimensions and market intent, one can safely speculate that the VF3 houses a solitary motor driving its two wheels.

 
Vinfast Wants To Sell The Cheapest EV In America At Under $20,000

The Vietnamese automaker could find its footing in the U.S. with a small affordable EV.

Vinfast is considering adding a small EV to its lineup in the U.S., which could cost under $20,000. The Vietnamese automaker is struggling to gain a foothold in the U.S. with models like the Vinfast VF8, but the upcoming VF3 could be sold in America to appeal to those looking for an affordable EV, according to Automotive News.

Vinfast calls the VF3 a “mini electric car” that’s slated for production soon, with orders already open and deliveries planned for late 2024 in the automaker’s native market. The VF3 was designed for Vietnam: it’s a ten-foot, two door EV that Vinfast claims will comfortably fit up to five adults. Take that with a grain of salt since Vietnamese and American automakers have distinct definitions of the term “can comfortably fit.” Chalk it up to cultural differences.

But affordability is universal, and the VF3 is meant to be a cheap EV with mass appeal. In the U.S., affordable new EVs are rare as automakers have prioritized flagship models that are too expensive for many, especially considering the concerns many Americans still have about EVs. One notable exception is the Chevy Bolt, which GM killed off only to later revive because it turns out a cheap EV is actually a good idea. Vinfast and its dealers agree, and they are keen on selling an EV in the U.S. that may start below $20,000. Per Auto News:

 
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