Remember VinFast? You won’t believe what the Aussie-linked Vietnamese EV start-up is up to now!
The ambitious but struggling Vietnamese EV start-up VinFast that has strong Aussie links has announced it will restructure into three distinct brands in a bid to make the global sales impact its founder, Vietnam’s richest man, has always aimed for.
Under the new plan its mainstream mid-size VF 8 and large VF 9 SUVs will continue to be sold under the core VinFast brand.
The smaller Minio Green and Herio Green models will instead be marketed under a new Green brand created for fleet and commercial customers.
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But the biggest news is the arrival of the luxury Lac Hong badge, which the Vietnamese car-maker plans to introduce in its home market from 2027.
The news is unsurprising given the ambition of VinFast’s owner, Russian-educated Vietnamese Pham Nhat Vuong, who began his business career selling noodles in the Ukraine.
Now rated as Vietnam’s richest person, he backed VinFast’s roll-out into the US market. But the cars were panned and progress has been glacial.
Bit clearly, VinFast and its boss are not deterred and they have shifted focus in different directions.
To build interest in its new luxury venture, VinFast has released images and early details of two flagship models – the 800S SUV and 900S sedan – that are positioned to rival vehicles such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
The pair join the previously revealed 900 LX to form the initial Lac Hong ultra-luxury line-up.
Both models feature a large grille with vertical slats said to be inspired by Vietnamese bamboo.
Other design details include split LED headlamps and a gold bonnet ornament inspired by the mythical Lac bird.
The bird emblem also appears on the rear C-pillars and rear badge, while the Lac Hong lettering on the tailgate is said to be finished in gold-plated alloy.
Other styling highlights of the 900S include fastback rear styling and a set of monoblock alloy wheels reminiscent of those used by Maybach models.
At the rear, a thin LED light strip creates T-shaped lighting graphics, while a pair of prominent D-shaped vents sit low in the bumper.
The high-riding 800S echoes the upright proportions of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan but features its own multi-spoke alloy wheels, silver exterior trim and additional Lac bird emblems on the rear C-pillars.
Inside, the two models combine real wood veneers with Nappa leather trim and gold-plated accents.
A large digital instrument cluster and infotainment system sit behind a single glass panel, while the infotainment system appears to be controlled via a rotary dial similar to BMW’s iDrive system.
Dual wireless charging pads, gold-plated speaker grilles and door-mounted seat controls similar to those used by Mercedes-Benz are also included.
In the 900S, rear passengers are offered generous legroom and a pair of airline-style reclining seats.
Other features include powered rear doors, a fold-out desk and a projector-based rear entertainment system capable of displaying widescreen video content.
Both models also feature a starlight-style headliner similar to those used by Rolls-Royce.
Early details released by VinFast confirm both vehicles will use a new all-electric powertrain featuring three electric motors delivering all-wheel drive and a combined output of 460kW.
Battery capacity and driving range have not yet been confirmed, although both models are expected to feature a fully active suspension system designed to deliver high levels of ride comfort and stability.
Advanced driver assistance systems will also be available when the cars go on sale in 2027.
Pricing has not been announced, although the Lac Hong 800S and 900S are expected to be positioned below equivalent models from Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Maybach and Bentley.
Despite announcing its new brand strategy, VinFast has yet to confirm when it plans to launch in Australia.
The Vietnamese brand has previously indicated it intends to sell vehicles locally, with patents previously filed for the large three-row VF 9 electric SUV.
The company also once operated an R&D centre in Port Melboutne, which it disposed of durign the COVID crisis.
It also owns the former Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria,which is has been trying to sell for years.
VinFast now leases access to the facility by other manufacturers, including Chinese brand GWM.
Australia has also already played a role in the brand’s global development. VinFast’s VF Wild electric ute concept – a Ford Ranger-sized battery-powered pick-up revealed at the CES technology show – was designed with the involvement of Melbourne-based design firm GoMotiv.
The concept previewed a potential future electric dual-cab ute for global markets.
