As promised, the Vietnamese car manufacturer VinFast has opened its first two stores in Cologne (Germany) and Paris (France). However, the cars have been delayed to 2023 due to chip shortages affecting the launch.

VinFast has officially kicked off its European endeavor with the first stores in Cologne and Paris, located in “high-visibility corners” in the shopping districts of these two cities.

The stores are not meant to be fully-fledged dealerships with service centers but function as showrooms to familiarize potential customers with the brand and the models, much like Polestar’s ‘Spaces’.

People can walk in and explore the design and functionality of the VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs. In addition, they can get support from the stores’ staff, whom VinFast calls ‘electric vehicle experts’. They should be able to help with ordering the cars online as well.

A bit more patience

However, test drives will be a bit more difficult for now. VinFast had to delay its European launch of the VF 8 and VF 9 models to early 2023 due to chip shortages and other supply chain issues. VinFast has set no definite new launch date. The first shipment of VinFast models to the United States left Vietnam in November.

To recall, the European offering from VinFast consists of two models: the Vinfast VF 8 and VF 9, both battery-electric SUVs, but the VF 8 is a mid-sized model, with the VF 9 as the larger flagship.

VF8 and VF 9

For the VF 8, Vinfast offers a leasing solution from €599 per month, including the battery, a purchase price of €46 050 with a battery subscription of €120 per month, or an all-in purchase price of  €62 200, which places it in the same league as the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X, among others.

The VF 9 has three-row seating and is available from €899 per month, from €62 750 with a €150 per month battery subscription, or all-in from €82 950. Vinfast offers a 10-year warranty (up to 200 000 km). Service options include an at-home or at-work repair or maintenance option or at Vinfast locations with a workshop.