VinFast is forging ahead as the Vietnamese automaker held the ground breaking of their first U.S. plant on Friday.
Located in Chatham County, North Carolina, the plant will become the first electric vehicle manufacturing facility in the state as well as its “largest economic development initiative.”
Up to $2 (£1.5 / €1.8) billion will be invested during the first phase, which will see the construction of a massive facility that spans approximately 1,800 acres. It will be broken up into five main production areas including a body shop, a general assembly area, a press shop, a paint shop, and an energy center.
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The plant will initially focus on building the VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9. The company aims to have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units and they’re already eyeing future expansion for the “next phase.”
If everything goes according to plan, the facility will begin production in 2025. The plant also promises to create an “ecosystem of suppliers and thousands of jobs.”
While only time will tell, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said “This VinFast factory will create thousands of good-paying jobs in our state, along with a healthier environment as more electric vehicles take to the road.”
His sentiments were echoed by VinFast CEO Le Thi Thu Thuy, who said the plant “marks a new milestone for VinFast, affirming our commitment to the North American market.” She added, “We … look forward to contributing to the development of the North Carolina community – our second home – during the production and business operation here.”
