The Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast has officially made its first foray into the Middle East, marking a pivotal step in its global expansion strategy.
The company launched its brand in late October at an event on Bluewaters Island in Dubai. This launch signifies the company’s dedication to offering eco-friendly transportation solutions and further extends its reach into international markets.
Accompanying this brand launch, VinFast, in collaboration with Al Tayer Motors, unveiled its first dealership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This facility is situated in downtown Dubai and spans a spacious 1,000 square metres. The dealership is more than just a retail space; it showcases an impressive lineup of VinFast’s electric vehicle models, including the VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9. In addition to the display of vehicles, the showroom is equipped with a service workshop designed to provide convenient and comprehensive services to customers.
A significant aspect of VinFast’s entry into the UAE was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Charge&Go to establish a network of public charging stations across the UAE, a move crucial to supporting the growing infrastructure needs of electric vehicles in the region.
VinFast’s ambitions in the Middle East do not stop at Dubai. The company has plans to broaden its footprint with additional dealerships set to open in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain later in the year. The company has already established a presence in several other regions, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines.
These expansion efforts align with VinFast’s strategy to make electric vehicles more accessible at competitive prices. For instance, the VF 8 model is anticipated to be priced from USD 47,500 for the Eco trim and USD 51,500 for the Plus trim, positioning it attractively in the market.
Commenting on the launch, Ta Xuan Hien, CEO of VinFast Middle East, expressed his enthusiasm about the brand’s introduction to the region. He noted the growing interest in electric vehicles across the Middle East and underlined VinFast’s commitment to providing innovative and powerful EV options to meet this demand.
He stated, “This launch reinforces our commitment to providing green mobility solutions and contributing to the electrification revolution in the Gulf nations.”
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised the strategic significance of VinFast’s presence in the UAE, stating that it plays a crucial role in enhancing bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the UAE. He noted that this move aligns with global efforts towards promoting sustainable development and a green transition in the region. The Prime Minister also expressed hopes for continued support from the UAE for both VinFast and Vietnam as a whole, highlighting the importance of successful implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) through practical projects.
To ensure successful penetration and service provisions in the Middle East, VinFast has forged exclusive partnerships with key players such as Al Tayer Motors in the UAE, Al Mana Holdings in Qatar, and Bahwan Automobiles & Trading in Oman. These partnerships are set to facilitate not just the distribution of vehicles but also promote green mobility solutions, helping VinFast to solidify its position as a pioneering player in the electric vehicle industry.
