VinFast plans to launch crossovers, a minicar and a pickup

Vietnamese automaker VinFast is running behind on its future product plans for the U.S. market amid modest sales and a slow start toward building a franchised dealer network.

VinFast, which launched in the California market in 2023, had 1,500 registrations for its two-row VF 8 crossover in the first half of this year, according to S&P Global Mobility.

The automaker had planned to sell its three-row VF 9 crossover starting last year. It now plans to launch the VF 9 in the third quarter, VinFast told Automotive News in August.

All of VinFast's vehicles are imported from Vietnam. The automaker recently paused plans for a factory in North Carolina.

Because they're not made in North America, VinFast models can only access the $7,500 federal tax credit through leasing.

VinFast expects to launch two smaller crossovers in the U.S. market — the VF 6 and VF 7 — this year or early next year, the automaker said. Previously, it had said both would arrive this year.

The automaker also has future plans to import a minicar, the VF 3, that's on sale in Vietnam. VinFast said timing for the VF 3 launch would be announced later. VinFast is also developing a pickup but has shown only a concept.

As of mid-July, VinFast said it had 25 franchised dealers in the U.S. The automaker sells directly to consumers in California, where VinFast has its North American headquarters, but uses dealers in other states.

"VinFast feels the least likely to survive the coming challenges with the EV market, at least in the U.S.," said Karl Brauer, executive analyst at iSeeCars.

VF Wild: VinFast showed a pickup concept in January that it calls the VF Wild. VinFast said design elements of the midsize pickup could change, but it intends to build the truck. The concept has a flexible bed that can be extended into the rear of the cab through a power-folding midgate. While the pickup is a global product, VinFast said the U.S. market is a major focus for the vehicle. VinFast hasn't provided information on timing or pricing.

VF 9: The three-row VF 9 is scheduled to arrive in the third quarter with a starting price of $71,200 with shipping. VinFast said the large crossover has 402 hp, all-wheel drive and advanced driver-assistance features. The VF 9 is expected to have 330 miles of range on the Eco trim and 291 miles on the Plus trim, using the EPA test cycle. A redesigned VF 9 could be produced in 2028 at the North Carolina factory, Fiorani said.

VF 8: The midsize crossover has been on sale in the U.S. since 2023. The base model starts at $47,200 including shipping. A redesigned VF 8 could be produced in 2028 at the automaker's future North Carolina factory, said Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions.

VF 7: The compact crossover is expected to arrive in the U.S. by early 2025, VinFast said. The base Eco trim has 201 hp and a range of 280 miles on the European test cycle. The EPA range is likely to be lower. The higher-trim VF 7 Plus will have 348 hp, awd and 268 miles of range on the European test cycle. Pricing has not been announced. No significant updates are expected before the end of the decade.

VF 6: The subcompact VF 6 is scheduled to arrive from Vietnam by early 2025, VinFast said. The base trim will have 174 hp and about 248 miles of range on the European test cycle. The Plus series is rated at 201 hp and 237 miles of range. Pricing has not been announced. No significant updates are expected before the end of the decade.

VF 3: The VF 3 minicar is designed for the Vietnamese market but could have potential as a sub-$20,000 city car for budget-minded Americans. VinFast did not initially consider bringing the tall, boxy vehicle to the U.S., but some dealers think it might do well despite its size. VinFast hasn't announced timing or pricing for the U.S. The VF 3 starts at just over $12,000 in the Vietnamese market before shipping.