VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) startup, has ventured into the electric pickup truck arena by unveiling a new concept named the VF Wild at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Additionally, the company has disclosed plans to market its smallest EV, the VF3, beyond Vietnam, as hinted earlier.
Details about both vehicles’ specifications, range, pricing, and production timeline remain scarce. The electric truck is described as having mid-size pickup dimensions, featuring a folding mid-gate that transforms the 5-foot bed into something akin to an 8-foot bed when the rear seats are down. However, official images of the VF Wild were not available at the time of its CES launch.
The VF3, initially announced in Vietnam as a two-door city car with a limited range and an affordable price tag (under $20,000), is set to be sold globally. VinFast, however, hasn’t provided specifics about the initial launch countries or the global rollout plan.
VinFast’s ambitious plans extend beyond electric vehicles, with the intention of establishing factories in North Carolina, Indonesia, and India. The company, backed by Vietnam’s wealthiest individual, Pham Nhat Vuong, has undergone various shifts since its inception in 2017. Originally focused on combustion-engine vehicles, VinFast swiftly transitioned to EVs, starting with the VF8 SUV. However, the U.S. launch of the VF8 faced challenges and poor reviews, leading VinFast to collaborate with dealers to improve sales.
Notably, a significant portion of VinFast’s global EV sales have been to a taxi company owned by Pham Nhat Vuong. Recent leadership changes, including Vuong assuming the role of VinFast’s CEO, reflect the dynamic shifts within the company’s various divisions.
