VinFast is celebrating the first batch of exports of its electric VF 8 SUV with no less than 999 examples bound for the United States.
The Vietnamese car manufacturer is transporting this first batch of VF 8s on the Silver Queen from MPC Port in Haiphong, Vietnam through to a port in California. The trip will take approximately 20 days and the first U.S. customers can expect to take delivery by the end of December 2022.
“The export of the first 999 VF 8s is a significant event for VinFast and Vingroup and a proud historical milestone for the Vietnamese automotive industry,” VinFast vice chairman and chief executive of Vingroup, Nguyen Viet Quang, said. “It affirms that Vietnam has successfully produced high-quality standards electric vehicles that are ready to compete in the international market. We hope that, when VinFast’s smart electric vehicles roll out on the streets around the world, it will help promote the image of a new, dynamic and progressive Vietnam to the global audience.”
Read: VinFast Showcases VF 6 And VF 7 At LA Auto Show With U.S. Sales Imminent
No less than 65,000 orders have been placed for the VinFast VF 8 and VF 9 and following the first batch of cars for the American market, exports to Canada and Europe will start in early 2023.
VinFast hopes to grow its footprint with the smaller VF 5, VF 6, and VF 7 SUVs, all of which should soon be available to reserve.
Exports of the VF 8 to the United States come shortly after VinFast showcased its full fleet of models at the Los Angeles Auto Show. During the event, it also announced a signed agreement with Autonomy, the largest car subscription service company in the United States.
The VinFast VF 8 is available in two guises. The entry-level Eco model pumps out 349 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque and is good for 261 miles (420 km) of range on a single charge. Meanwhile, the flagship VF 8 Plus delivers 402 hp, 457 lb-ft (620 Nm) and has a WLTP-estimated range of 248 miles (400 km).
