San Diego, California, August 21, 2025
News Summary
VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has launched its first authorized dealership in California, named VinFast San Diego, on August 19, 2025. This milestone marks VinFast’s shift from a direct sales model to a franchise dealership model, enhancing its presence in the booming electric vehicle market. The new dealership allows consumers to test drive their flagship SUVs, the VF 8 and VF 9, and will provide sales, service, and genuine parts. The event showcased VinFast’s commitment to expanding nationally and engaging with local communities.
VinFast Launches First Authorized Dealership in California
California has welcomed a new player in the electric vehicle market as VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, opened its first authorized dealership in the state, dubbed VinFast San Diego, on August 19, 2025. The grand opening event was attended by company executives, local media, and enthusiastic consumers, marking a significant milestone for the company’s expansion strategy in the United States.
At the opening, attendees had a chance to test drive VinFast’s two flagship electric SUVs, the mid-size VF 8 and the full-size VF 9. The new dealership operates under the Sunroad Automotive Group and commenced operations earlier this summer.
VinFast San Diego signifies a critical shift for the company, which is transitioning from a direct sales model to a franchise dealership sales model across all 50 states. This change is part of VinFast’s broader strategy to replace its 15 company-owned retail stores in California with franchise dealerships to better penetrate the market.
California stands out as a primary target for VinFast’s expansion, attributed to the state’s booming electric vehicle market. The dealership aims to provide comprehensive services, including sales, warranty support, maintenance, repairs, and genuine VinFast parts.
Dealership Highlights and Vehicle Offerings
VinFast has already established nearly 30 authorized dealerships across 14 states in the U.S., with a focus on major markets like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. The prices for VinFast’s electric SUVs reflect their competitive positioning in the market: the VF 8 has a starting price of $39,900, with leasing options beginning at $279 per month. The VF 9, on the other hand, starts at $62,900, with leasing options starting from $449 monthly.
Each model is backed by an impressive warranty—10 years or 125,000 miles for the vehicle, alongside a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery, applicable in non-commercial use.
Franchise Model and Future Expansion
The transition to the franchise model initiated in late 2023 when VinFast signed its first five franchisees, allowing the company to maintain its previously established locations while enhancing its dealership network. The newly opened San Diego location adds to VinFast’s ambitious goals to expand nationwide.
As part of its global outreach, VinFast also has plans to target new markets in regions such as Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and the Middle East, beyond its current operations in North America and Europe. The company currently has a valuation of approximately $8.35 billion and reported preliminary domestic deliveries of 11,479 electric vehicles in Vietnam for July.
Community Engagement and Market Response
In addition to its dealership opening, VinFast participated in community engagement, exemplified by a donation from Bob Weidinger of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association to fund training for automotive service students, thus fostering local industry development.
Despite facing challenges in profitability, reports indicate that VinFast shows strong revenue growth potential. The positive reception of its vehicles and services during the grand opening suggests an encouraging outlook for electric vehicle adoption within the U.S. market.
Conclusion
Overall, the opening of VinFast San Diego marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing commitment to establishing a robust presence in the ever-expanding electric vehicle landscape in California and beyond.
FAQ
What is VinFast?
VinFast is a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer specializing in electric SUVs.
Where is the new VinFast dealership located?
The new dealership is located in San Diego, California.
What are the flagship electric SUVs offered by VinFast?
VinFast’s flagship SUVs are the VF 8 and VF 9.
What is the starting price for the VF 8 and VF 9?
The VF 8 starts at $39,900, while the VF 9 starts at $62,900.
What warranty is offered with VinFast vehicles?
VinFast offers a 10-year or 125,000-mile warranty for the vehicle, and a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery (non-commercial use).
How many authorized dealerships does VinFast have in the U.S.?
VinFast has established nearly 30 authorized dealerships across 14 states.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | VF 8 | VF 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $39,900 | $62,900 |
| Leasing Options Starting At | $279/month | $449/month |
| Warranty Vehicle | 10 years or 125,000 miles | 10 years or 125,000 miles |
| Warranty Battery | 10 years unlimited mileage (non-commercial use) | 10 years unlimited mileage (non-commercial use) |
| Number of Authorized Dealerships | Nearly 30 across 14 states | |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Investing.com: VinFast Opens First California Dealership in San Diego
- Wikipedia: VinFast
- PR Newswire: VinFast Celebrates Grand Opening of First California Dealership
- Google Search: VinFast dealership California
- Auto Remarketing: VinFast’s First California Dealership Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vehicle
- CBS 8: Vietnamese EV Maker VinFast Launches First California Dealership
- Google News: VinFast San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
