VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker, made a splash at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 with the unveiling of their concept electric pickup truck, the VF Wild.
This midsize electric truck, measuring 209 inches long and 79 inches wide, was designed by Australian studio Gomitiv and Italian house Torino Design, deviating from VinFast’s usual collaborators like Pininfarina.
A notable feature of the VF Wild is its power-folding midgate, something which Tesla fans were hoping would come with the Cybertruck, which allows for an extended bed length from five to eight feet at the push of a button. This not only increases cargo space but also adds a level of versatility not commonly seen in this segment.
Credit: Car & Driver
Credit: Car & DriverThe interior of the VF Wild also impresses with a luxurious mix of brown leather, charcoal gray accents, and unique design elements like topographic map motifs in the doors.
Credit: Car & Driver
Credit: Car & DriverHowever, VinFast is hoping for more than just attention with the VF Wild as the Vietnamese automaker looks to gain a foothold in the competitive North American EV market. VinFast’s journey has been challenging, with their first global vehicle, the VF8, receiving less-than-favorable reviews. Despite these setbacks, the company, backed by Vietnam’s richest man, Pham Nhat Vuong, continues to invest heavily in its EV lineup, which includes models like the VF3, VF5, VF6, and VF7.
The Vietnamese company’s aggressive expansion includes plans to establish manufacturing facilities in the United States, India, and Indonesia. However, the road ahead is not without its hurdles. VinFast’s stock has seen a significant decline from its IPO price, indicating investor skepticism. Moreover, the quality concerns raised by the VF8’s reviews mean that VinFast needs to ensure that its future models, including the VF Wild, match or exceed market expectations in terms of performance and reliability.
Credit: Car & DriverPhotos courtesy Car and Driver
