VinFast reveals dramatic model expansion

The Vietnamese auto manufacturer VinFast has revealed a swag of potential new models and confirmed many of them incorporate electrified drivetrain options.

It just hasn’t stated which ones.

In fact, it doesn’t say how many of these 11 new models it will actually develop and build, only that they have been registered for “industrial design protection”.

Two electrified scooters are also part of the new model barrage VinFast has unveiled.

You can see images of all of them at the bottom of this story.

The official drawings included a dual cab ute, a four-door coupe (pictured above), two different takes on a coupe SUV,  a mini-SUV, a small three-door hatchback, two MPV variations (including one that looks like an SUV), a large sedan, a van/people-mover and a tiny hatchback.

All models featured the distinctive V-shaped VinFast grille.

This explosion of potential models from VinFast would certainly grow it from its current narrow product base. It sells a small car based on the Opel Karl, a large sedan based on the mechanical of the BMW 5 Series and large SUV based on the BMW X5, including a model called the President fitted with a Chevrolet V8 engine.

An electric vehicle that will lead VinFast owner – and Vietnams richest man – Pham Nhat Vuong’s plan to enter the US market is also under development. It is due to go on-sale in 2021. The company recently revealed it had set up a technical centre in California.

While VinFast has made clear it wants to sell vehicles in Australia eventually, it has not set a date for its arrival here.

But it has a significant research and development presence in Victoria.

It has commenced operations at the Lang Lang testing centre south-east of Melbourne it bought from General Motors for a reputed $30 million in September.

It also has an engineering centre near the old Holden site in Fishermens Bend and has hired hundreds of former Holden staff to work there.