Vietnamese automaker VinFast plans to leverage the world’s transition to EVs to become a global brand. The company will enter western markets with new electric vehicles, including a three-row electric SUV called VinFast VF 9 (formerly VinFast VF e36).
Rebranding
Originally, VinFast had introduced the VF 9 as the VF33 in January 2021. When the company showcased it at the 2021 LA Auto Show in November 2021, it had changed the model’s name to VF e36. VF 9 is the full-size crossover SUV’s third and hopefully the final name.
Exterior
The VinFast VF 9 is a conventionally designed, wide-shouldered SUV that could appeal to American full-size SUV customers. VinFast collaborated with legendary Italian design house Pininfarina in making the design.
Despite its size and specs, the VinFast VF 9 could compete with top-end mainstream models like the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Image Source: VinFast
The strong and masculine exterior’s highlight is its wraparound glass that provides a seamless transition from the profile to the rear. Along with the sleek windows lying on the same horizontal axis, it forms an interesting X-shaped motif on the sides and enhances the SUV’s sophisticated exterior.
Interior
The interior of the VinFast VF 9 is clean and minimalist, making the least possible usage of physical controls. A large landscape central display that measures 15.6 inches diagonally is the focal point of the cabin. The designers have kept physical buttons to the bare minimum.
The VinFast VF 9/Vinfast VF e36 doesn’t feature an instrument cluster. Image Source: VinFast
First-time EV buyers might have a hard time adjusting because of the omission of an instrument cluster. A full-color heads-up display (HUD) is part of the new-age cockpit, though. Relying on the HUD for the primary driving information could be a difficult adjustment initially, but it could lead to significantly reduced distraction compared to driving a vehicle with an instrument cluster, particularly a fancy fully-digital display.
Quilted leather upholstery, brushed aluminum panels, open-pore wood inserts, and mood lighting would help set an upscale ambiance. The VF 9 is a three-row SUV and will be available in 6- and 7-seat versions. The 6-seat version will come with captain seats with a massage function in the second row.
VinFast is considering using eco-friendly materials like eco-leatherette for the interior of its vehicles. In the future, the VF 9 could boast such extra sustainability measures in addition to a 100% electric powertrain.
Safety
VinFast says that it has designed the VF 9 to meet NHTSA’s 5-star safety ratings. The company has equipped its flagship SUV with 11 airbags and ADAS features like Remote parking, Traffic jam assist, Automatic lane changing assist, Highway assist, and more.
Specifications
The VF 9 will be the flagship model in the VinFast line-up. The company plans to build it in high quality to meet the high standards of safety agencies in North America and Europe. It is targeting a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA and Euro NCAP. Due to its large dimensions and batteries, the VF 9 could be quite heavy and thus require a high-performance powertrain. VinFast plans to fit two motors that generate 300 kW (402 hp) of total power and 472 lb.-ft. of total torque. 6.5 seconds is the targeted 0-60 mph sprint time and 422.5 miles is the targeted WLTP range. A 106 kWh battery pack could be standard in the VF 9.
Production
Production of the VinFast VF-9 will take place at a new U.S. plant located in North Carolina. Image Source: VinFast
VinFast will import EVs initially, but it doesn’t see that as a long-term strategy. The company plans to build the VF-9 alongside the 5-seat VF-8 at a new U.S. plant located in North Carolina from 2024.
VinFast will establish its American factory in Chatham County’s Triangle Innovation Point mega-site. Spread across 800 hectares, this production site will facilitate electric car and bus production and assembly, EV battery production, and ancillary industries for suppliers. Construction will begin later this year, and then production may start in July 2024. The company expects to have an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles in the first phase.
VinFast VF 9 Release Date
VinFast planned to launch the VF 9 globally in March 2022. The company has confirmed the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, and the Netherlands as its first overseas markets in the West. The company may start taking confirmed VF 9 orders in the U.S. this spring and begin deliveries in the fourth quarter.
VinFast has already created a U.S. website where people can reserve the car, including the VF 9 – vinfastauto.us. The last date of the reservation program mentioned on the website is April 5, 2022. Customers need to pay a USD 200 deposit for the reservation, but will get USD 5,000 off on the purchase with an e-voucher.
Investment
VinFast is looking for investors to fund its electrification and global expansion. Three people in the know of developments at the company told Reuters last year that the company is in talks with Qatar Investment Authority (Qatar’s sovereign fund) and BlackRock among others to raise approximately USD 1 billion in equity. Former CEO Lohscheller had said in the interview that VinFast may launch an IPO in the U.S. in the next one or two years, Reuters reported in November 2021.
Featured Image Source: VinFast
Keyword: VinFast VF 9 (Vinfast VF e36) – Everything we know in March 2022