First 100 VinFast VF8 delivered in Vietnam, North America and Europe next

VinFast put on a special event to celebrate delivery of the first units of the VF8. The celebrations took place at its factory in Hai Phong and was streamed live. The very first unit, in metallic orange, was handed over to the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Vietnam.

After the first 100 cars were handed over to earliest adopters in Vietnam, the company is already preparing a batch of 5,000 vehicles for export. The cars will be shipped to the US, Canada and Europe with customers expected to take delivery in December this year.

VinFast VF8 is the smaller SUV than the VF9, it comes in 5-seat configuration and is available with either 260kW or 300kW powertrain - both in AWD setup. There are two batteries available - smaller 82 kWH and larger 87.7 kWh. The longest range model is the 471 km Eco SR and the shortest range is offered by the 300kW Plus SR model at 400 km.

Initially VinFast was offering only the battery-as-service option where customers had to pay a monthly fee for the battery for as long as they owned the vehicle. The benefit was a basically unlimited warranty on the battery pack but the customer response caused the company to perform a turnaround. From September 1 customers have the option to buy the car with the battery included or opt for the subscription service.

VinFast pride itself in customer service and both the VF8 and VF9 come with a 10 year warranty that not only covers the car but comes with free rescue, mobile servicing and mobile charging for the full 10 years.

Early customers who were part of the VinFirst program, ended up having extra perks added to their cars. Each received VinFast Smart Driving system included free of charge, complimentary vouchers worth $3,000 and a $5,000 holiday voucher to Vinpearl resorts.

VinFast is the automotive arm of Vietnam’s largest industrial group focused on technology, industry, services and social enterprise. The group is valued at $35 billion and aims to provide a sustainable future for everyone, according to its website. VinFast factory boasts 90 percent automation level - among highest levels in the industry.

The company is moving really fast - it’s opening 50 showrooms across Europe, it started opening the first of 30 showrooms in California alone and is planning to open a new factory in North Carolina. That’s a lot of progress for a company only founded 5 years ago, it has filed for IPO with the US securities regulators for the 4th quarter of this year at up to $60 billion valuation.

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