The cute VinFast VF 3 previewed back in June has been designed specifically for the Vietnamese market but there’s a potential that it could be sold in the United States too.
Representatives from the car manufacturer have revealed that prospective retailers in the U.S. want to sell the VF 3. VinFast is currently recruiting dealerships across the U.S. while it establishes a new hybrid retail model with franchised dealerships as opposed to exclusively offering factory-direct sales as first planned.
“We are discussing with a majority of large, well-established dealers across the U.S.,” VinFast told Auto News. “The initial feedback has been highly positive, and dealers are showing keen interest in VinFast and our EV models.” VinFast added that it is “researching the demand and potential for the VF 3 model in the U.S., following the positive responses from our dealers.”
VinFast hosted two meetings with prospective U.S. dealers in October and showcased a full-scale foam model of the electric VF 3. VinFast advisor Duke Hale says that approximately 100 interested dealers were present and that almost all of them want to sell the VF 3, in large part because it will probably cost less than $20,000.
Read: New VinFast VF 3 Is An Adorable Electric Off-Roader That May Fill Americans With Envy
“They liked the whole lineup but the VF 3, I would say, got an almost 100 percent response,” Hale said. “They really liked the VF 3 and the reason is it’s probably sub-$20,000.” Hale added that it would also qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit if leased, bringing its price down to as low as $12,500.
The VF 3 measures in at just 122.5 inches (3,114 mm) in length and yet apparently has enough room to accommodate five occupants. Powertrain specifications have not yet been announced but at the car’s preview in June, VinFast said it was planning to start Vietnamese deliveries in the third quarter of 2024.
