Vinfast: the great curiosity
The Montreal Auto Show is drawing to a close. And like every year, I was there to meet the public, with whom I love to chat. In fact, people approach me with questions, often with a view to their next purchase, without even suspecting the wealth of information they're providing.
Of course, many questions and topics come up again and again. For example: what to choose between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6? Which is the best plug-in hybrid SUV? Crosstrek or Corolla Cross? Or: "I've ordered a Chevrolet Equinox EV. Can you tell me when it will arrive? I have to admit, though, that people have been very curious about Vinfast this year. This new Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, which arrived in our country last summer, is multiplying its efforts to make itself known to the general public.
So, not only is the manufacturer present at SIAM, it's literally the only one to present concept vehicles. First, an audacious pickup called Wild, which features a fold-down rear wall that allows the cargo area to be enlarged by exploiting part of the interior volume, like a Chevrolet Avalanche. Then there's the VF 3, an attractive urban vehicle barely three meters long, with a range of around 200 kilometers, and an estimated price of less than $30,000, before government credits kick in.
In addition to the VF 8, which is currently the only product available at dealerships, Vinfast is presenting the VF 6, VF 7 and VF 9 crossovers, which will be arriving in stores shortly, ranging from the Chevrolet Bolt-style format to the three-row VF 9, whose dimensions are comparable to those of a Ford Explorer. In short, we're pulling out all the stops.
Surprised myself by the boldness of this manufacturer, which is not shy about unpacking its bag by presenting several of its future products in advance, it's easy to understand the public's attraction. A public in search of more affordable and, above all, available electric vehicles, which is clearly the case with the VF 8. A crossover comparable in size to the Tesla Model Y, priced from $53,600 (before government credits), and available immediately. You only have to pass by the Ville Saint-Laurent outlet, located just off Highway 40, to see that a few hundred units are available. And there's every reason to believe that the same will be true of the VF 9, the next product to arrive this spring.
Although my interest in this brand is mainly directed towards the future VF 6 and VF 7, which are as charming in their design as they are attractive in their format, it's obvious that the VF 8 is hitting the bull's-eye by targeting Tesla buyers, but also Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Volkswagen ID.4 buyers. The promised range varies from 354 to 425 km, with a maximum invoice of $63,450 ($53,013 + tax, including applicable credits).
Naturally, any new product launched on the market and designed from scratch has to prove itself. And in the world of electric vehicles, this applies just as much to a manufacturer with over a hundred years' history as it does to a new player. I therefore consider it just as audacious to embark on the adventure of a Chevrolet Equinox EV as it is with a product like Vinfast or Fisker (another brand coming soon), because these products have everything to prove. Now, because Vinfast is a name that was hardly uttered 18 months ago, it's also legitimate to wonder about the company's solidity.
In this respect, there's nothing to worry about, as VinGroup is in good shape. This company, which is essentially the pulse of Vietnam, could undoubtedly eat the heart out of some other well-known manufacturers. However, the brand's difficult start in Vietnam, due to bad press, casts an initial shadow, given that decisions taken for the Canadian market are always dependent on those of the Americans.
And, let's face it, the VF 8 hasn't had a perfect record so far. At least, that's what we can tell from the comments of some owners on the web, as well as after a week of continuous testing at the Montreal Auto Show, where the public is invited to drive it for a few kilometers.
That said, were the first Teslas flawless? No. And they still aren't. Which leads me to say that it's hard to recommend the purchase of a Vinfast product with your eyes closed, knowing nothing about its reliability. But here's a manufacturer to keep a very close eye on, because if it plays its cards right, it could be exceptionally successful here, stealing market share from manufacturers whose sole aim is to level the playing field and who are resistant to electrification.
It's a story not unlike that of Hyundai, which suddenly appeared in 1983 with a simplistic little car...
