Vietnamese automaker VinFast opens US headquarters in Los Angeles

The outside of VinFast US headquarters in Los Angeles. Photo: Vingroup

The move by VinFast, the automotive arm of Vietnam’s largest multi-disciplinary conglomerate Vingroup, is part of a global expansion that includes the introduction of an all-new lineup of electric vehicles in the US, Canada, and Europe starting in 2022.

VinFast’s US headquarters, built on 1,400 m2, is located in the Playa Vista area, a neighborhood known as “Silicon Beach” and packed with tech firms in Los Angeles. 

California and its communities, Los Angeles in particular, are making bold commitments to accelerate the decarbonization of transportation systems. These factors provide an enriching environment for VinFast to realize its vision of becoming a global smart EV brand, according to the Vietnamese EV company.

The company intends to establish its management team and hire more than 400 employees at its headquarters and a regional office in Los Angeles within the next several years. 

In addition, VinFast is investing in regional offices, a call center, and a network of storefronts to help introduce the brand and products to American customers and expand investment plans in the future.

According to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the city is the transportation innovation capital of the world - a place where companies come to test, prove, and launch new technologies.

"We are so proud to welcome VinFast to our city as we continue leading the way to a better-connected, cleaner, and more sustainable transportation future,” he said.

VinFast US CEO Van Anh Nguyen said: “We are excited to make Los Angeles the permanent home of VinFast US. California in general and Southern California, in particular, are rapidly becoming the epicenter of the advanced transportation world thanks to forward-thinking ideas, an abundance of talented workers, and the passion for making transportation electrification a reality.”

At the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17-28, the Vietnamese brand will officially debut two of its first EVs, the VF e35 and VF e36. These two electric SUV models in the respective D and E market segments integrate ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) and Smart Infotainment. 

The vehicles are created based on VinFast’s strategic investments, pioneering R&D, and global collaboration with automotive industry leaders and innovative startups.