If there is one manufacturer that has understood the interest of a Franco-German axis, it is VinFast, the Vietnamese car manufacturer that wants to conquer Asia, Europe and North America.
The seduction operation with potential customers began last September, in Paris, with the opening, rue de Turenne, of an ephemeral store where two VF8 electric SUVs were enthroned.
This was followed in October 2022 by the Paris Motor Show where, despite the few open halls, Asian manufacturers made an impression with gigantic stands, accessible to all.
Among these, VinFast was also present with not just one vehicle, available in several finishes, but with its entire range of electric vehicles: VF6, VF7, VF8, VF9. Given the crowds on the stand, we can say that it was a great success, which nevertheless remained to materialize.
The main objective is therefore now the sale. For this, the manufacturer has started its European campaign with the opening of its first two showrooms, one in Paris, in the Madeleine district, not far from a certain Tesla, and the second in Cologne, Germany. . These two VinFast stores present the brand’s two high-end electric SUVs, the VF8 and VF9.
For Ms. Ho Thanh Huong, CEO VinFast Europe: “The opening of VinFast Madeleine and VinFast Cologne is only the starting point for the deployment of our retail network across Europe (…).”
The Franco-German axis via the Netherlands
However, the Vietnamese manufacturer does not intend to stop there in its development strategy on a European scale. Thus, after Paris, VinFast intends to open concessions in Marseille, Rennes, Montpellier and Metz. It will do the same in Germany in the cities of Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Oberhausen and also in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam). These two countries were not chosen at random, since there are also some Chinese manufacturers such as Nio, Xpeng, Lynk & Co, Polestar, BYD, Great Wall Motors…
These three European countries, the most active in the electric vehicle segment, will each host a head office for the Vietnamese brand.
Battery Rental Return
Remember that one of VinFast’s economic models is based on battery rental, as Renault proposed at the start of the Zoe. Thus, the VF8 and VF9 are marketed respectively from €46,050 and €62,750, excluding battery rental (€120 and €150/month). Of course, it is possible to acquire both vehicles without going through battery rental. In this case, the VF8 and VF9 will cost you €62,200 and €82,950 respectively, excluding options.