Vietnamese automaker VinFast delivered the first batch of its stylish VF 9 crossover to domestic customers this week and is preparing to export the three-row EV to North America in the coming months.
Meanwhile, VinFast said it will send a second shipment of its two-row VF 8 crossover to the U.S. and Canada in April. The coming VF 8 Standard Edition will have more range than City Edition models delivered to U.S. customers starting in March, which were rated by the EPA at about 200 miles of range, depending on the configuration.
VinFast has promised to quickly create an entire lineup of EVs for global markets after building gasoline-powered vehicles for its home market starting in 2017. Last year, VinFast stopped making combustion-engine models. The company made its first EV, the e34, for domestic buyers in 2021.
The VF 9 is the flagship vehicle for the EV newcomer, with a starting price of $83,000 before shipping, according to VinFast's U.S. website. VinFast has been offering the VF 8 for lease only in the U.S., with a promotion of $399 per month based on a sticker of $50,200 with shipping.
VinFast sells directly online and has nine stores in California, where it has its North American headquarters.