VinFast is trying its hand at the legacy automotive model, opening its first dealership in in the US this week. The move comes as part of VinFast’s broader plan to reshape its distribution strategy from a direct-to-consumer model, akin to Tesla’s, to a hybrid approach that incorporates dealership partnerships.
The Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer partnered with Leith Automotive Group in Cary, North Carolina for the new venture.
Leith Automotive, a well-established automotive group that has over 50 years of experience on the east coast of the US, will handle sales, repairs, maintenance, and parts for VinFast vehicles. The dealership opened earlier this week with around 60 VinFast SUVs on the lot.
VinFast starts paying owners cash when their EV has an issue with new “Special Aftersales Policy”
VinFast’s foray into the North American market began with the first deliveries of the VF 8 SUV in California earlier in the year, followed by its Nasdaq debut in August, as well as the first Canadian deliveries.
The company announced its plans to try out the dealership model earlier this year, and received 70 applications from dealers across the US. The automaker plans to expand its footprint to 125 sales points nationwide.
VinFast likely chose North Carolina for its first dealership as the state will be home to their $4 billion manufacturing plant, set to start producing electric vehicles in 2026.
