A Milestone for VinFast in the U.S.
Vietnamese EV maker VinFast has opened its first authorized dealership in California, located in Kearny Mesa, San Diego. The event, hosted on August 19, drew attention from consumers eager to test drive the VF 8 and VF 9, the company’s two flagship electric SUVs.
VinFast called the launch a “significant milestone” in its U.S. growth strategy. The brand is pivoting toward a franchise dealership model to build trust, improve service, and boost sales.
Why San Diego Comes First
California remains the largest EV market in the United States, making it a natural entry point. VinFast confirmed it is actively pursuing additional dealership partnerships throughout the state.
The San Diego location, part of the Sunroad Automotive Group, also provides after-sales support, including maintenance, repairs, warranty service, and genuine VinFast parts.
Building a Dealer Network
Since 2023, VinFast has been shifting away from direct sales, instead expanding a nationwide dealership network. The company now has nearly 30 dealerships across 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and New York.
Executives emphasized that VinFast’s partnerships will help accelerate expansion by leveraging local expertise and established infrastructure.
The Cars on Display
At launch, customers experienced test drives of the VF 8, a five-passenger midsize SUV, and the VF 9, a full-size, three-row SUV.
- VF 8 pricing: starts at $39,900 (Eco) and $44,900 (Plus)
- VF 9 pricing: starts at $62,900
Every VinFast EV sold in the U.S. comes with a 10-year/125,000-mile vehicle warranty and a 10-year unlimited-mile battery warranty, among the longest in the industry.
The Road Ahead
VinFast’s San Diego debut represents more than a local dealership—it’s a statement of intent. With an aggressive U.S. strategy, bold pricing, and long-term warranties, the company is positioning itself as a serious contender in America’s EV race.
The big question: can VinFast win over California’s competitive EV market?
