Here’s a new twist: An electric car company coming to the U.S. that is actually going to have real dealerships! How novel! For those that like the model of selling direct like Tesla, just know that actual brick and mortar dealerships, competing against each other drives prices down and they will provide better service after the sale. Let’s hope this model gets the attention of Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian. Here is the announcement.
- Jerry Reynolds, The Car Pro
Electric vehicle maker VinFast is sharing its plans to aggressively expand across the U.S. The Vietnamese electric car manufacturer says it's received more than 70 U.S. dealer applications. The company says updates on dealer agreements are expected to be announced in the coming months, which should allow it to start distributing its EVs through 125 points of sales nationwide. The automaker says its plans affirm its commitment to expanding its business network and quickly making EVs accessible to more consumers.
"Our mission is to make EVs accessible to everyone. That is why VinFast always strives to expand its business network, and to provide consumers with premium quality electric vehicles, attainable prices, and outstanding aftersales services. Cooperating with dealers will help us shorten the time to bring products to market and to quickly meet the needs of U.S. customers," said Steve Tran, CEO of VinFast North America.
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The automaker says it is planning to distribute its electric vehicle models at hundreds of points of sales by the end of 2024, including its existing showrooms. In 2023, VinFast expects to distribute VF 8 models through its distribution network, and it will do the same with the VF 9, VF 6 and VF 7 after their market launch.
All VinFast customers who purchase or lease VinFast electric vehicles are eligible for VinFast's aftersales policies including a 10-year/125,000-mile warranty for the vehicle and 10-year unlimited mileage for the battery under non-commercial use.
Additionally, VinFast says its Parts Distribution Centers are available to fulfill orders from all regional markets including the U.S. and are ready to timely support dealers' requests. Dealers will be able to simply submit a request and then collect fulfillment periodically (monthly or quarterly) or, in urgent cases, by air. VinFast says this will support the high standard of repair and maintenance services it's offering to VinFast customers, regardless of how parts are distributed.
Also, from now until year end, VinFast will conduct Pop-up Mobile Test drives across Austin, Texas, and other targeted cities and states.
VinFast says it's aiming for a presence in up to 50 global markets and countries by the end of 2024.
Photo Credit: VinFast.
