VinFast to use direct sales model in Europe

TURIN – Vietnamese automaker VinFast will use a direct selling model when it debuts in Europe in spring 2022, company executives said.

VinFast, which is the only Vietnamese automaker, will adopt a distribution model similar to Tesla’s which does not rely on franchised dealers but sells online and in company-owned stores.

Bich Tran, CEO of VinFast Europe, said during a presentation last month at Pininfarina’s headquarters here that sales will begin in France, Germany and the Netherlands. Pininfarina designed two fully electric SUVs for VinFast, the mid-size VF e35 and the large seven-seater VF e36.

Tran said VinFast plans to expand to Austria, Italy, Scandinavia and Switzerland for the second phase of its European strategy, which will begin in 2023. VinFast will only sell fully electric vehicles in Europe, imported from its factory. from Hai Phong, in northern Vietnam. .

The company showcased the VF e35 in its home country and gave a media preview of the VF e36, which will make its public debut next month at the Los Angeles auto show. VinFast has not published technical specifications or prices for the two models.

It also launched a compact all-electric EV, the VF e34, in Vietnam.

Tran said it was too early to give details on expected volumes and prices for Europe. Pre-orders for Europe will begin in spring 2022 and the first deliveries around summer, Tran said. Sales in the United States are also expected to begin at the same time.