Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VINFAST has initiated its inaugural collaboration with a U.S.-based dealership, partnering with North Carolina’s Leith Automotive Group. This move represents the company’s latest endeavor to boost sales in the United States market, as confirmed by both entities.
During an August interview with Reuters, VinFast’s global CEO revealed a shift in the distribution model, transitioning from the original Tesla-inspired direct-to-consumer approach to a more “hybrid” model that incorporates dealerships.
North Carolina is home to a VinFast manufacturing plant valued at $4 billion, set to commence operations in 2026. In addition to serving as a sales point, Leith will assume responsibility for all repairs, maintenance, and necessary parts for VinFast vehicles, according to the joint statement.
Founded in 2017 and supported by Vietnam’s largest conglomerate, Vingroup, VinFast began delivering electric cars in California in March and marked its Nasdaq debut in late August.
The EV manufacturer reported receiving 70 dealer applications across the United States last month. If approved, this would enable VinFast to distribute its EVs through 125 sales points nationwide.
VinFast enters the American market amidst pricing pressure in the EV sector, driven by industry leader Tesla and various Chinese companies.
Globally, VinFast sold approximately 13,000 units in the second and third quarters of this year, with over half of them going to an affiliate company owned by its founder.
