Your browser does not support JavaScript!

VinFast VF 8: Shaping the Future of Vietnam’s Automotive Industry with a European Focus

GOOVER DAILY REPORT August 6, 2024
goover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Vietnam’s Automotive Ambitions and the Rise of VinFast
  3. Design and Engineering Collaborations for the VF 8
  4. Manufacturing Excellence and Global Integration
  5. Safety Achievements and Customer Engagement
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report delves into VinFast's strategic efforts to position the VF 8, an electric SUV, within the European market. It examines the collaboration between VinFast and Pininfarina, the renowned Italian design house, which played a crucial role in crafting the VF 8's modern yet timeless design. The report also highlights the establishment of the Cat Hai Manufacturing Facility in Vietnam as a significant milestone in VinFast's manufacturing capabilities. Key findings include the VF 8's commendable safety features recognized by ASEAN NCAP and Euro NCAP, reflecting VinFast's commitment to safety standards and customer satisfaction. The integration of global expertise with Vietnamese manufacturing prowess signifies Vietnam's growing importance in the global automotive industry, led by VinFast's innovative approach and robust international partnerships.

2. Vietnam’s Automotive Ambitions and the Rise of VinFast

  • 2-1. Vietnam's Industrial Strategy

  • Vietnam has long-since harbored a bold strategy for its domestic automotive industry. As an emerging manufacturing hub for multiple industries, this ambition took a giant step forward six years ago. Following Vietnam's rise as a globally integrated economy, its auto industry is poised to make its mark.

  • 2-2. Vingroup’s Investment in VinFast

  • Backed by Vingroup's significant investment, VinFast emerged as a bold, dynamic new brand. Vingroup’s commitment to VinFast reflects a strategic embrace of global expertise, underpinned by global collaborations with established, premium suppliers.

  • 2-3. Establishment of the Cat Hai Manufacturing Facility

  • Close to the picturesque shores of Cat Hai, a 335-hectare factory rose as a symbol of Vietnam's burgeoning automotive sector and established VinFast as a significant new player. This facility is the launchpad for VinFast's global ambitions, combining in-house expertise and capacity with global partnerships. The VF 8, an electric SUV developed and manufactured at this facility, benefitted from the extraordinary combination of Vietnam’s manufacturing prowess and global expertise.

3. Design and Engineering Collaborations for the VF 8

  • 3-1. Collaboration with Pininfarina

  • VinFast worked closely with Pininfarina, a renowned Italian design house known for creating iconic designs for Ferrari, Peugeot, Fiat, and General Motors. This collaboration has lent the VF 8 a unique blend of modern elegance and timeless appeal. The design philosophy behind the VF 8 aims to avoid quickly-dated trends, embodying a sophisticated yet practical aesthetic. VinFast's engagement with Pininfarina has ensured that the VF 8 stands out in the market, combining artistic expression with functionality.

  • 3-2. Design Philosophy: Dynamic Balance

  • VinFast's design approach for the VF 8 is centered around 'Dynamic Balance,' a philosophy that ensures the vehicle achieves a harmonious blend of form and function. The VF 8’s exterior design features a combination of smooth curves and sharp lines, creating a visually striking, well-balanced silhouette. This design approach does not just cater to aesthetics but also prioritizes functionality, resulting in practical benefits such as enhanced stability, reduced noise, and potentially extended battery life. Furthermore, the design enhances aerodynamics, reducing energy consumption and improving overall efficiency.

  • 3-3. Integration of Global Expertise

  • The development, validation, and manufacturing of the VF 8 have been supported by a combination of in-house expertise and global partnerships with premium suppliers. This strategic embrace of global expertise has positioned VinFast effectively within the international market. The VF 8, Vietnam’s first electric SUV, symbolizes this integration, leveraging inputs from global collaborations to meet and exceed international standards. By aligning with established partners, VinFast ensures that the VF 8 showcases both Vietnamese manufacturing prowess and the benefits of global industry connections.

4. Manufacturing Excellence and Global Integration

  • 4-1. Cat Hai Facility Capabilities

  • Vietnam has long been an emerging manufacturing hub for multiple industries, and this extends to the automotive sector with VinFast's significant investment in the Cat Hai facility. Established six years ago on a reclaimed 335-hectare site near the shores of Cat Hai, this factory stands as a symbol of Vietnam's burgeoning automotive industry. The facility, supported by Vingroup's substantial investment, plays a crucial role in VinFast's global ambitions. Throughout the development, validation, and manufacturing stages of the VF 8, the factory has demonstrated extraordinary in-house expertise and capacity.

  • 4-2. Combining Vietnamese Manufacturing with Global Expertise

  • VinFast's strategy involves a powerful combination of Vietnamese manufacturing prowess and global partnerships. The VF 8 is a remarkable example of this blend, benefiting from collaborations with leading global suppliers and designers, such as the legendary Italian design house, Pininfarina. This collaboration ensures that the VF 8 strikes a balance between modern elegance and timeless appeal, avoiding quickly-dated trends and offering both artistic expression and practicality. The 'Dynamic Balance' design philosophy employed by VinFast ensures a futuristic yet functional design, characterized by fluid curves and sharp cuts to create a visually striking, well-balanced vehicle. This combination not only highlights Vietnam's integration into the global economy but also underscores the unique advantages brought about by international cooperation.

5. Safety Achievements and Customer Engagement

  • 5-1. ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards

  • On May 28, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, VinFast's VF 8 SUV swept five significant awards at the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards. The awards included 'Best Child Occupant Protection,' 'Best Safety Assist,' 'Best Motorcyclist Safety,' 'Best Overall,' and 'Best SUV.' These accolades underscore VinFast’s dedication to safety, as the VF 8 achieved maximum scores in multiple impact tests and safety assist features. The achievements at the ASEAN NCAP reflect VinFast's emphasis on advanced safety technologies such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), and Automatic High Beam (AHB). These recognitions highlight the brand’s standing in the competitive Southeast Asian auto industry and boost its reputation as a manufacturer committed to top-tier safety standards.

  • 5-2. Euro NCAP Safety Rating

  • VinFast’s VF 8 received a commendable 4-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, slightly missing a 5-star rating by just 4%. The vehicle excelled particularly in child occupant protection, achieving an impressive 89% score in this category, one of the highest scores recorded in 2023. This rating demonstrates VinFast's commitment to safety, evident in its extensive safety features and stringent testing protocols. The Euro NCAP rating is a testament to the VF 8’s prowess in protecting both adults and children in various impact scenarios, further cementing its appeal as a family-friendly electric SUV.

  • 5-3. VinFast’s Warranty and Support Network

  • VinFast provides an industry-leading warranty package for the VF 8, covering 10 years or 200,000 kilometers for the powertrain, and 10 years with unlimited mileage for the battery. This comprehensive warranty extends beyond Vietnam to include European markets, reflecting VinFast’s commitment to ensuring peace of mind for its customers globally. Additionally, VinFast has established robust partnerships with Bosch and Mobivia to enhance its after-sales support network. Bosch offers more than 700,000 charging ports across 30 European countries, while Mobivia provides reliable service through its 1,200 workshops in France and Germany. This extensive support network is designed to meet the needs of European customers, emphasizing VinFast's dedication to customer satisfaction and long-term presence in the market.

6. Conclusion

  • The VinFast VF 8 represents a pivotal moment in Vietnam's automotive industry, augmented by strategic investments and significant international collaborations. The report has highlighted the harmonious design, developed in partnership with Pininfarina, and the robust manufacturing capabilities at the Cat Hai Manufacturing Facility, positioning VinFast as a formidable player on the global stage. Safety accolades from ASEAN NCAP and Euro NCAP underscore VinFast’s commitment to high safety standards, a crucial factor in winning consumer trust. While the VF 8's entry into the European market marks a successful leap for VinFast, continuous monitoring of consumer reception and regulatory changes is essential for understanding its long-term impact. Moving forward, the future of VinFast looks promising as it continues to integrate global expertise with its inherent manufacturing strengths, potentially setting new benchmarks in the electric vehicle sector.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. VinFast [Company]

  • VinFast, an automobile manufacturer backed by Vingroup, represents Vietnam’s ambitious foray into the electric vehicle market. Its strategic collaborations with global entities underscore its commitment to quality and innovation.

  • 7-2. VF 8 [Product]

  • The VF 8 is an electric SUV by VinFast, designed in collaboration with Pininfarina. It emphasizes a blend of modern elegance and functionality, aiming to capture the growing European market.

  • 7-3. Pininfarina [Design House]

  • An Italian design firm renowned for its work with luxury automotive brands. Their collaboration with VinFast led to the sophisticated design of the VF 8, marrying aesthetics with practicality.

  • 7-4. Cat Hai Manufacturing Facility [Facility]

  • Located near Cat Hai, this 335-hectare facility is pivotal to VinFast’s global production capabilities, reflecting both the technological capabilities and the scale of VinFast's operations.

  • 7-5. ASEAN NCAP [Organization]

  • The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia, which awarded the VF 8 multiple recognitions for its exemplary safety features and performance.

  • 7-6. Euro NCAP [Organization]

  • The European New Car Assessment Programme, which rated the VF 8 with a 4-star safety rating, especially highlighting its child protection measures.

8. Source Documents