VinFast Again Delays Factory Opening In The US Until 2028

VinFast VF8. (Doc. VinFast Auto)

JAKARTA - Unpleasant news came from an automotive manufacturer from Vietnam, VinFast. This brand was forced to delay the opening of its plant in North Carolina, USA until 2028.

Reporting from InsideEVs, Monday, July 15, this automotive manufacturer reasoned that the delay was due to economic obstacles and uncertainty in EV sales. However, it turns out that there are other obstacles that make this step not run smoothly.

VinFast announced that it had made a strategic decision to adjust the schedule for launching manufacturing facilities in the region, pushing the target date to four full years.

Construction is currently being postponed at the plant, which in the future will produce a three-line VinFast VF9 electric SUV and a five-seat VinFast VF8 electric SUV in Uncle Sam's country.

Chairwoman of VinFast Board Directors Madam Thuy Le, said that her party had taken steps carefully and adjusted to short-term challenges and fully considered what would happen in the future.

Our strong long-term strategy and execution capabilities have proven to put us in a good position to meet the dynamic global electric vehicle market needs, said Thuy Le.

Although the trend of electric vehicles going up and down globally, the manufacturer, which was founded in 2017, faces more challenges than just economic uncertainty.

The automaker has faced many negative preliminary reviews, allegations of irregularities in its home country, investor lawsuits in the US, and serious quality issues as the company seeks to become a major player in the field.

The factory, which was built in North Carolina, cost up to USD 4 billion (IDR 64.7 trillion). Previously, VinFast would start its operation in 2025 but is now postponed to 2028.

Initially, the factory will have an area of 995,500 square feet with the aim of creating 7,500 jobs and is expected to have an annual production capacity of up to 150,000 EVs per year.

During 2023, VinFast only managed to sell less than 1,000 vehicles in the country with the capital Washington, DC.

Globally, VinFast is targeting sales of 100,000 units this year or twice as much as last year's achievement.