VinFast VF e34 Makes an Appearance in Malaysia: Is VinFast Expanding in Southeast Asia?
VinFast VF e34, the electric car model produced by VinFast, has been spotted on the roads in Malaysia. The car even has a license plate, indicating that Malaysia might be the next target market for VinFast in Southeast Asia.
VinFast VF e34 in Malaysia
The VinFast VF e34 in Malaysia bears a resemblance to the model that was previously exported to Indonesia. It features a left-hand drive, black alloy wheels, and black painted body claddings. The version sold in Vietnam, on the other hand, comes with two-tone alloy wheels and silver body claddings.
It seems that the VF e34 and VF 5 are the models that VinFast has great expectations for in the Southeast Asian region. These electric vehicles have been seen in Indonesia, Malaysia, and even showcased at the Bangkok International Auto Show in Thailand. They have also been used as green taxis in Laos. These models, belonging to the A and C segments, are priced affordably for wider accessibility.
VinFast’s Approach to Right-hand Drive Markets
Apart from the VF e34, VinFast has also developed right-hand drive variants of other electric vehicle models for markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and India. The VF 5, VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9 all come with right-hand drive configurations.
While the first batch of right-hand drive VinFast cars is produced in Vietnam, future production will be shifted to assembly plants in Indonesia and India. The Indonesian plant is expected to become VinFast’s center for right-hand drive vehicle production, catering to markets like Malaysia and Thailand. This is part of a $1.2 billion investment by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong in VinFast’s Indonesian market expansion.
VinFast may face more challenges in Malaysia due to the presence of Proton, a local automaker with a significant market share in the country. Proton is also gradually entering the affordable electric vehicle segment, similar to VinFast’s strategy. However, Proton’s popular models are still gasoline-powered, while VinFast has gained considerable experience in electric vehicle development.
VinFast’s Ambitious Expansion
VinFast’s continuous global expansion demonstrates its ambitious plans to increase its influence worldwide. The company has established plants in the United States, India, and Indonesia, indicating its serious commitment to developing electric vehicles. In MotorTrend’s list of the 50 most influential people in the global automotive industry, VinFast CEO Pham Nhat Vuong ranked 47th.
Business Today is closely following VinFast’s expansion and will provide updates on this exciting development. Stay tuned for more news!
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