VinFast shows concept pickup for U.S.

LAS VEGAS — Electric vehicle maker VinFast unveiled a pickup concept that could go on sale in the U.S. as early as 2026 and may eventually be assembled at a future plant in North Carolina.

VinFast said design elements of the pickup could change, but it intends to build the truck in the near future.

VinFast also confirmed the VF 3 microcar for the U.S. market as a sub-$20,000 entry vehicle. The company showed both EVs at CES on Tuesday.

The VF Wild concept is a midsize pickup with a flexible bed that can be extended into the rear of the cab through a power-folding midgate, VinFast said in a press release. "With the functionality of the expanding bed, work and play can be done in style and comfort," VinFast said. "The design also integrates a panoramic glass roof and digital side mirrors to improve aerodynamics."

While the pickup is a global product, VinFast said the U.S. market is a major focus for the vehicle.

VinFast Chairwoman Le Thi Thu Thuy told Automotive News on Tuesday that the pickup could be ready for production as early as 2026. It could be made for the U.S. market at a factory VinFast is building in North Carolina that should be complete by late 2025.

Thuy said the pickup is still in the concept phase, and that design elements may change for the production model, based on input from VinFast's U.S. dealers and others. But, she added, the automaker will build a pickup as part of its lineup.

VinFast also announced the global launch of its VF 3 microcar, which it calls a mini eSUV. The VF 3 was first presented in Vietnam last year, focused on the local market. Production is expected later this year. VinFast told Automotive News the VF 3 is coming to the U.S.

"With the global launch of the VF 3, we are pleased to introduce a new electric car to our range," said Tran Mai Hoa, deputy CEO of sales and marketing for VinFast Global. "We are providing a new companion for a generation of young drivers who value practicality alongside personality."

In a December press release on the VF Wild and VF 3, VinFast hinted the vehicles would join its global lineup, along with several crossovers already in production in Vietnam. The launch of the two models continues to expand that lineup, VinFast said, "further solidifying its commitment to sustainable mobility and EV accessibility."

VinFast, which started making gasoline vehicles in 2019 before phasing them out in favor of EVs in 2022, launched the VF 8 in California last year and plans to bring its larger, three-row VF 9 crossover to the U.S. this year. As early as late 2024, two smaller crossovers are slated for the U.S., the VF 6 and VF 7.

The automaker started recruiting dealers in the second half of 2023 to serve markets outside California. Last week, VinFast announced its first five U.S. dealerships in North Carolina, Texas, New York and Kansas.

VinFast has plans for 125 sales points in the first phase of U.S. expansion. Originally, four crossovers were planned for the U.S., but some prospective dealers also want the VF 3.

VinFast told Automotive News in October that dealers see potential for a sub-$20,000 VF 3 despite its small size. At 10.2 feet long, the microcar is shorter than the Chevrolet Spark, an A-segment vehicle that was discontinued in 2022.

The VF 3 has two doors and seating for five, according to a VinFast press release.

"With its outstanding advantages of zero emissions, noise-free operation, environmental friendliness and, most importantly, high safety standards, VF 3 has the potential to become the new 'national vehicle' for the Vietnamese people," VinFast said in June. "It can fulfill the 'car dreams' of millions of families."