top of page

VinFast may have been quick to bring its VF8 electric crossover to the U.S., but alarming feedback from initial media drives may have slowed down American interest in the Viatnamese SUV.


Automotive News uncovered data from Experian that reported a mere 128 registries for the VinFast VF8 in America between January and May of this year. Despite this, the ambitious company has already imported around 3,000 VF8s to American shores, and it plans as many as 30 showrooms by the end of the year in California alone. If sales charts for the VF8 don't start rising now, the company could soon regret its rapid expansion into the U.S. market.




On the bright side, the report also noted that VinFast's EV registries surpassed that of Mazda, Jaguar, and GMC, though GMC only sells the Hummer EV with a six-figure price tag, Jaguar's sales are down across the board, and the Mazda MX-30 is only available in select states with a dismal 100 miles of range.


The best explanation for these rock bottom sales numbers is the VF8 itself. At launch, pricing began at a steep $55,000 with an uncompetitive 179 miles of range. VinFast has since dropped the price to $46,900 and increased range to 207 miles, but with the VF8's cruel initial reviews reporting sickness-inducing ride quality and tech issues, the VF8's value becomes debatable. That's not to mention the fact that it doesn't even qualify for U.S. incentives.


VinFast appeared sketchy to U.S. buyers from the start, and the fact that its VF8 crossover can barely keep up with electric rivals doesn't help matters.


Image Credits: VinFast
Report
Jul 15, 2023
 •

The VinFast VF8's Negative Reviews May Have Deterred U.S. Buyers

Only 128 VF8s were sold between January and May.

VinFast may have been quick to bring its VF8 electric crossover to the U.S., but alarming feedback from initial media drives may have slowed down American interest in the Viatnamese SUV.


Automotive News uncovered data from Experian that reported a mere 128 registries for the VinFast VF8 in America between January and May of this year. Despite this, the ambitious company has already imported around 3,000 VF8s to American shores, and it plans as many as 30 showrooms by the end of the year in California alone. If sales charts for the VF8 don't start rising now, the company could soon regret its rapid expansion into the U.S. market.




On the bright side, the report also noted that VinFast's EV registries surpassed that of Mazda, Jaguar, and GMC, though GMC only sells the Hummer EV with a six-figure price tag, Jaguar's sales are down across the board, and the Mazda MX-30 is only available in select states with a dismal 100 miles of range.


The best explanation for these rock bottom sales numbers is the VF8 itself. At launch, pricing began at a steep $55,000 with an uncompetitive 179 miles of range. VinFast has since dropped the price to $46,900 and increased range to 207 miles, but with the VF8's cruel initial reviews reporting sickness-inducing ride quality and tech issues, the VF8's value becomes debatable. That's not to mention the fact that it doesn't even qualify for U.S. incentives.


VinFast appeared sketchy to U.S. buyers from the start, and the fact that its VF8 crossover can barely keep up with electric rivals doesn't help matters.


Image Credits: VinFast

More From 

Report

False Alarm, Jeep's V8-Powered Wrangler 392 Is Sticking Around For Another Year

False Alarm, Jeep's V8-Powered Wrangler 392 Is Sticking Around For Another Year

Fisker Files For Bankruptcy Following Months Of Repeated Troubles

Fisker Files For Bankruptcy Following Months Of Repeated Troubles

Porsche 718 Cayman And Boxster Will Surrender To Their EV Replacements Next Year

Porsche 718 Cayman And Boxster Will Surrender To Their EV Replacements Next Year

The VinFast VF8's Negative Reviews May Have Deterred U.S. Buyers

Sign up for our newsletter.

Get industry updates sent straight to you, designed to offer a simple glance at the motoring world.

bottom of page