Skip advert
Advertisement

Confirmed: Vietnam’s VinFast is coming to the UK market

The Vietnamese electric car maker gives a fresh update to UK plans

Three Vinfast VF8s in a row - front tracking

There’s a new car company aiming to take the UK market by storm and its name is VinFast. If you’re not aware of VinFast, it’s a Vietnamese company established in 2017 with a four-strong lineup of all-electric cars that are already on sale in some European markets. 

VinFast confirmed to Auto Express that it intends to “expand our business to the UK”, although a timeline for its launch here is yet to be announced. That launch plan could extend to the range of VinFast cars which currently includes four electric SUVs called VF 6, VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

As part of its intention to bulk up UK operations, VinFast has enlisted former Managing Director of Genesis, Andrew Pilkington as Deputy CEO of VinFast UK. The company was founded only seven years ago by Vietnam’s richest person, Pham Nhat Vuong, and sits within the wider Vingroup organisation. 

The range currently starts with the VF 6, a Volvo EX30-sized SUV with a 59.6kWh battery allowing for up to 247 miles of range. The VF 7 is roughly the same size as an Audi Q4 e-tron and gets a larger 75.3kWh battery for a maximum 279-mile range.

Launched in 2022, the VF 8 is one of the older models in the VinFast line up. Designed in part by legendary car design house Pininfarina, the VF 8 is a five-seat, all-electric SUV with a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds. Rivalling the likes of the BMW iX3 and Mercedes EQC, the VF 8 electric range maxes out at 293 miles from its 87.7kWh battery. The flagship VF 9 (with design also influenced by Pininfarina) is a large SUV similar in size to the Kia EV9. A huge 3.1-metre wheelbase creates space for a substantial 123kWh battery for a maximum range of 369 miles. 

Despite not yet making a profit, VinFast was briefly valued at $160 billion in 2023 (more than Ford, BMW and Porsche), but its value has since shrunk substantially to $16 billion. 

Can't wait for VinFast to arrive? These are the best electric SUVs on the market...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027
Fiat Panda Cross - front static

The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027

Fiat will build a new city-sized Pandina based on the new 500 platform, bringing a proper, petrol powered A-segment city car to market as early as 202…
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it
Renault 5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it

The reborn Renault 5 is one of the most feverishly anticipated cars in a long time, and at such a low price, our Deal of the Day for 8 February is a p…
News
8 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts