VinFast Auto is a Vietnamese automotive manufacturer founded in 2017 as a subsidiary of Vingroup. It has rapidly expanded from gasoline cars to electric vehicles (EVs), achieved a landmark US IPO via SPAC merger in 2023, and is building a global presence with factories and showrooms in Vietnam, North America, and Europe.
Chronological Storyline (35 Milestones)
Sep 1, 2017 CE
VinFast Established
Vingroup founded VinFast Trading and Production Limited Liability Company (VinFast) with an initial investment of $1.5 billion. The company aimed to produce automobiles and electric vehicles in Vietnam. #automotive #Vietnam
VinFast Established By Nguyễn Khánh Hưng - https://www.facebook.com/100009761041612/posts/1262935530708470/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94152560
Nov 20, 2017 CE
Factory Construction Begins
VinFast broke ground on its automobile manufacturing complex in Đình Vũ, Haiphong, covering 335 hectares. The plant was designed to produce up to 500,000 vehicles annually. #manufacturing #Vietnam
Mar 1, 2018 CE
Luxury Brand Announced
VinFast announced it would produce two Sedan and SAV models, labeled Lux A2.0 and Lux SA2.0, using BMW engines. The decision marked VinFast's entry into the high-end segment. #luxurycars #BMW
Oct 2, 2018 CE
Concept Cars at Paris Motor Show
VinFast unveiled its first two concept cars, the Sedan and SAV, at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Designed by Pininfarina, they drew positive reviews for design. #carshows #design
Jan 1, 2019 CE
Mass Production Start
VinFast began mass production of the Lux A2.0 and Lux SA2.0 at its Haiphong factory. The first models were launched in Vietnam, powered by 2.0L BMW engines. #production #automotive
Jun 20, 2019 CE
First Customer Delivery in Vietnam
VinFast delivered its first vehicles to customers in Vietnam, marking the company's entry into the domestic automotive market. The event was celebrated with a ceremony in Haiphong. #delivery #Vietnam
Jul 1, 2020 CE
First Export: Taiwan
VinFast exported its first batch of Lux SA2.0 SUVs to Taiwan, beginning international expansion. The shipment marked the first Vietnamese cars sold overseas. #export #Taiwan
Oct 20, 2020 CE
VinFast Launches First EV: VF e34
VinFast introduced its first electric vehicle, the VF e34, a compact SUV designed for the Vietnamese market. The launch marked VinFast's shift toward electrification. #EV #electriccar
Apr 15, 2021 CE
VinFast Appoints New CEO
VinFast appointed Le Thi Thu Thuy as CEO, replacing David Chen. Thuy, former CEO of Vingroup, led the company's global expansion and EV strategy. #leadership
Nov 18, 2021 CE
US Market Entry Announcement
VinFast announced plans to enter the US market, starting with the VF e35 and VF e36 models. The company aimed to establish a presence in one of the world's largest auto markets. #USmarket #EV
Jan 1, 2022 CE
VinFast Files for US IPO
VinFast filed a draft registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq stock exchange. #IPO #finance
Mar 15, 2022 CE
US Headquarters Opened in Los Angeles
VinFast opened its North American headquarters in Los Angeles, California, signaling its commitment to the US market. The office housed sales, marketing, and service teams. #headquarters #California
Jun 1, 2022 CE
VinFast Announces US Factory Plans
VinFast announced it would build a $2 billion electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Chatham County, North Carolina. The factory aimed for an initial capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year. #factory #NorthCarolina
Sep 20, 2022 CE
VF8 and VF9 Unveiled at LA Auto Show
VinFast unveiled the VF8 and VF9 electric SUVs at the LA Auto Show, showcasing models targeted at the US and global markets. The vehicles featured advanced driver-assistance systems. #lautoshow #EV
Nov 1, 2022 CE
First US Showroom Opens
VinFast opened its first showroom in the US, located in Santa Monica, California. The showroom allowed customers to experience VinFast vehicles firsthand. #showroom #USA
Jan 9, 2023 CE
VinFast at CES 2023
VinFast showcased its EV lineup at CES 2023 in Las Vegas, including the VF6, VF7, VF8, and VF9. The company also introduced an electric pickup truck concept. #CES #electronics
Mar 1, 2023 CE
First VF8 Deliveries in US Begin
VinFast started delivering the VF8 electric SUV to US customers from its California showroom. The deliveries marked the first VinFast vehicles sold in the American market. #delivery #USA
May 12, 2023 CE
Announcement of SPAC Merger with Black Spade
VinFast announced a business combination with Black Spade Acquisition Co, a SPAC, to list on the NYSE. The deal valued VinFast at approximately $23 billion. #SPAC #IPO
Jul 28, 2023 CE
North Carolina Factory Groundbreaking
VinFast held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first US manufacturing plant in Chatham County, North Carolina. The event was attended by state officials and Vingroup chair Pham Nhat Vuong. #factory #NorthCarolina
Aug 15, 2023 CE
VinFast Begins Trading on Nasdaq
VinFast started trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker 'VFS' after completing its SPAC merger. The stock surged on the first day, giving the company a market cap of over $85 billion. #stockmarket #Nasdaq
Sep 1, 2023 CE
VinFast Expands to Europe: First Showroom in France
VinFast opened its first showroom in Europe in Paris, France, and launched sales of VF8 and VF9 in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. #Europe #expansion
Oct 15, 2023 CE
VinFast Signs Deal with U.S. Distributor
VinFast partnered with U.S. distributor Leep to expand its retail network in the United States, adding more showrooms and service centers. #partnership #distribution
Nov 20, 2023 CE
VinFast Achieves 20,000 Vehicles Produced in 2023
VinFast announced it had produced 20,000 electric vehicles in 2023, a significant milestone for the young automaker. #production #milestone
Jan 10, 2024 CE
VinFast Introduces VF6 and VF7 at CES 2024
VinFast unveiled the production versions of the VF6 and VF7 at CES 2024, targeting the compact SUV and crossover segments. The models aimed to broaden VinFast's EV lineup. #CES #newmodels
Feb 14, 2024 CE
VinFast Expands to Indonesia with Factory Plans
VinFast announced plans to build an electric vehicle assembly plant in Indonesia with an investment of $200 million, aiming to serve the Southeast Asian market. #expansion #Indonesia
Mar 1, 2024 CE
VinFast Opens Orders for VF8 in Europe
VinFast opened online orders for the VF8 in European markets, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The vehicle was priced competitively against established EV brands. #Europe #evorders
Apr 22, 2024 CE
VinFast Partners with PT. Aqualine for Battery Recycling
VinFast signed an agreement with Indonesian company PT. Aqualine for battery recycling, supporting sustainability in electric vehicle production. #battery #recycling
May 10, 2024 CE
VinFast Launches VF9 in US Market
VinFast began deliveries of the VF9, its three-row electric SUV, to US customers. The VF9 offered a range of up to 330 miles and aimed at the family SUV segment. #USA #SUV
Jun 15, 2024 CE
VinFast Opens Showroom in Berlin
VinFast opened a new showroom in Berlin, Germany, as part of its European expansion strategy. The showroom featured interactive displays for customers. #Germany #showroom
Jul 25, 2024 CE
VinFast Reports Q2 2024 Earnings: Revenue Up 40%
VinFast announced second-quarter 2024 revenue of $250 million, a 40% increase year-over-year, driven by higher EV deliveries. The company remained in net loss position but narrowed losses. #earnings #finance
Aug 1, 2024 CE
VinFast Breaks Ground on Battery Plant in Vietnam
VinFast started construction of a $400 million electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in Haiphong, Vietnam. The factory aimed to secure battery supply and reduce costs. #battery #Vietnam
Sep 12, 2024 CE
VinFast Launches VF7 in India
VinFast entered the Indian market with the launch of the VF7 electric crossover, marking its entry into the world's fourth-largest auto market. #India #expansion
Oct 5, 2024 CE
VinFast Receives Top Safety Rating for VF8
The VF8 received a 5-star safety rating from the ASEAN NCAP crash test program, enhancing consumer confidence. #safety #award
Nov 1, 2024 CE
VinFast Announces Partnership with Google Cloud
VinFast partnered with Google Cloud to leverage AI and big data for autonomous driving development and smart manufacturing. #technology #AI
Dec 10, 2024 CE
VinFast Surpasses 50,000 EV Deliveries in 2024
VinFast announced it had delivered over 50,000 electric vehicles globally in 2024, a major milestone reflecting production ramp-up and market acceptance. #delivery #milestone