San Diego, California, August 21, 2025
News Summary
VinFast has officially opened its first authorized dealership in the United States, located in San Diego, California. This significant milestone, marked by a grand opening event on August 19, 2025, includes the introduction of their electric SUVs, the VF 8 and VF 9. Priced at $39,900 and $62,900 respectively, both models come with extensive warranties. The dealership aims to enhance VinFast’s footprint in California’s growing electric vehicle market, transitioning to a franchise model to foster local partnerships and improve customer service.
California is now home to VinFast’s first authorized dealership in the United States, VinFast San Diego, which officially opened on August 19, 2025. The opening event drew significant attention, with company executives, local media, and consumers present to celebrate the milestone. The dealership aims to enhance the presence of the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer in the competitive Californian market, noted for its rapid growth in electric vehicle adoption.
During the grand opening, attendees had the opportunity to test drive VinFast’s mid-size VF 8 and full-size VF 9 electric SUVs, which underscore the company’s product offerings in the U.S. The VF 8 is priced starting at $39,900, with leasing options available from $279 per month. The VF 9 starts at $62,900, and its leasing begins at $449 per month. Both models come with extensive warranties, including a 10-year or 125,000-mile warranty for the vehicle, and a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty on the battery for non-commercial use.
VinFast San Diego is operated by the Sunroad Automotive Group and began its operations earlier in the summer. The opening signifies a strategic shift for VinFast as it transitions from a direct sales model to a franchise dealership approach across all 50 states. This change is part of a broader strategy, with plans to replace VinFast’s existing 15 company-owned retail stores in California with franchise dealerships. California has been identified as a key market for the company, driven by the substantial growth potential for electric vehicles in the state.
The dealership will offer a range of services beyond vehicle sales, including warranty support, maintenance, repairs, and the availability of genuine VinFast parts. The establishment of VinFast San Diego is a critical step in the company’s effort to expand its dealership network in the U.S., aiming to enhance customer service and accessibility.
As of now, VinFast has nearly 30 authorized dealerships across 14 states, including major markets like Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. The company’s recent expansion comes on the heels of signing its first five franchisees in late 2023, while it maintains its previous company-owned locations.
VinFast is also expanding its operations globally, targeting new markets in Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and the Middle East. This international growth complements its domestic efforts and highlights the company’s drive to solidify its footprint in the competitive automotive industry.
At the opening ceremony, stakeholders reinforced their commitment to community engagement, which included a contribution of $25,000 from Bob Weidinger of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association aimed at providing training for automotive service students.
Despite facing profitability challenges, VinFast is recognized for its revenue growth potential and received positive feedback from local consumers during the San Diego dealership’s grand opening. The company is currently valued at $8.35 billion and recorded preliminary domestic deliveries of 11,479 electric vehicles in Vietnam for July 2025, indicating a promising trajectory for future developments in the U.S. market.
VinFast’s transition to a franchise dealership model aims to optimize business efficiency and leverage local partners’ market knowledge and reputations. The San Diego location marks a notable advancement in VinFast’s goal of solidifying its presence and expanding its dealership network nationwide, underscoring strong consumer interest and support for electric vehicles in the U.S.
FAQ
What is the significance of VinFast’s new dealership in California?
The dealership represents VinFast’s first authorized franchise in California, marking their transition from a direct sales model to a franchise sales model across the U.S.
What vehicles are available at VinFast San Diego?
VinFast San Diego offers two flagship electric SUVs, the VF 8 and the VF 9.
What is the pricing for the VF 8 and VF 9 models?
The VF 8 starts at $39,900 with leasing options from $279 per month, while the VF 9 starts at $62,900 with leasing from $449 per month.
What services can customers expect from the dealership?
Customers can expect comprehensive services, including sales, warranty support, maintenance, and access to genuine VinFast parts.
Where else in the U.S. does VinFast have dealerships?
VinFast has nearly 30 authorized dealerships across 14 states, including major markets such as Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.
Key Features of VinFast San Diego
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dealership Location | San Diego, California |
| Models Available | VF 8, VF 9 |
| VF 8 Starting Price | $39,900 |
| VF 9 Starting Price | $62,900 |
| Leasing Options | VF 8 from $279/month, VF 9 from $449/month |
| Warranty Offered | 10-year/125,000-mile for vehicles; 10-year unlimited mileage for batteries (non-commercial use) |
| Services Offered | Sales, warranty support, maintenance, repairs, genuine parts |
| Franchise Dealership Model | Transition from direct sales to franchise |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Investing.com: VinFast Opens First California Dealership
- Wikipedia: VinFast
- PR Newswire: VinFast Celebrates Grand Opening
- Google Search: VinFast dealership California
- AutoRemarketing: VinFast’s First California Dealership Opens
- Google Scholar: VinFast electric vehicles
- CBS8: VinFast Launch First California Dealership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: VinFast
- The EV Report: VinFast Opens First California Dealership
- Google News: VinFast California dealership
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