San Diego, California, August 21, 2025
News Summary
VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has officially launched its first authorized dealership, VinFast San Diego, in California. This marks a pivotal shift from a direct sales to a franchise model in the U.S. market. The grand opening showcased the VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs to eager consumers and received positive feedback from attendees. The dealership aims to provide a comprehensive range of services, reinforcing VinFast’s commitment to expanding its presence in California’s growing electric vehicle sector.
California: VinFast Launches First Authorized Dealership in the State
VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, officially opened its first authorized dealership in California, named VinFast San Diego, on August 19, 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it transitions from a direct sales model to a franchise dealership sales model throughout the United States.
The grand opening event attracted company executives, local media, and enthusiastic consumers. Attendees had the opportunity to test drive VinFast’s two flagship electric SUVs available in the U.S. market—the mid-size VF 8 and the full-size VF 9.
VinFast San Diego is a collaborative venture with the Sunroad Automotive Group and began operations earlier in the summer of 2025. This new dealership in San Diego symbolizes the company’s strategy to replace its existing 15 company-owned retail stores across California with franchise dealerships. California has been identified as a top priority market for VinFast due to the state’s substantial growth potential in the electric vehicle sector.
The new dealership will provide a range of comprehensive services, including sales, warranty support, maintenance, repairs, and authentic VinFast parts. Currently, VinFast operates nearly 30 authorized dealerships across 14 states in the U.S., with a focus on major markets such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.
The pricing for VinFast’s electric SUVs starts at $39,900 for the VF 8, with leasing options beginning at $279 per month. The VF 9 is priced from $62,900, with leasing options starting at $449 monthly. Both vehicle models come with an extensive warranty, covering 10 years or 125,000 miles for the vehicle itself, and a 10-year, unlimited mileage warranty for the battery, applicable for non-commercial use.
VinFast initiated its transition to a franchise model after signing its first five franchise agreements in late 2023 while keeping its previous company-owned locations operational. The company aims to expand its operations globally beyond North America and Europe, with plans to enter new markets in Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and the Middle East.
The president of Sunroad Holding Company expressed pride in being VinFast’s pioneering dealership partner in California. Meanwhile, the vice president of sales and marketing for VinFast U.S. acknowledged the positive feedback from local consumers during the grand opening event. This transition to the franchise model is seen as a pivotal step to enhance business efficiency while leveraging the expertise and reputations of local partners.
The San Diego dealership contributes to VinFast’s ambitious goal of expanding its national dealership network. The company is currently valued at $8.35 billion and reported preliminary domestic deliveries of 11,479 electric vehicles in Vietnam for July 2025. In a community engagement effort, Bob Weidinger from the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association donated $25,000 to support the training of automotive service students.
Though VinFast has faced challenges in achieving profitability, analysts note a robust revenue growth potential for the company. The increasing consumer interest in electric vehicles in the U.S. market bodes well for VinFast’s future operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did VinFast San Diego open?
VinFast San Diego opened on August 19, 2025.
What electric vehicle models are available at VinFast San Diego?
VinFast San Diego offers the VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs.
What are the prices for the VinFast electric SUVs?
The VF 8 starts at $39,900, and the VF 9 starts at $62,900.
What warranty does VinFast provide for their 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).
Key Features of VinFast San Diego
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Models Available | VF 8 and VF 9 |
| Pricing (VF 8) | Starting at $39,900 |
| Pricing (VF 9) | Starting at $62,900 |
| Leasing Options (VF 8) | Starting at $279/month |
| Leasing Options (VF 9) | Starting at $449/month |
| Warranty (Vehicle) | 10 years or 125,000 miles |
| Warranty (Battery) | 10 years unlimited mileage (non-commercial use) |
| Number of Dealerships Nationwide | Nearly 30 dealers across 14 states |
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 California dealership
- Auto Remarketing: VinFast’s First California Dealership Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: VinFast
- Motor Illustrated: VinFast Founder Bets on Asia and Dealer Partnerships
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, 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 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
