EV automaker VinFast opens first California authorized dealership
VinFast, a Vietnamese EV manufacturer, has officially opened its first authorized dealership in California, in the Kearny Mesa community of San Diego.
VinFast San Diego, part of the Sunroad Automotive Group, successfully hosted a grand opening event on Aug. 19. In a press release, the company called the event “a significant milestone in VinFast’s global strategy to expand its sales model through a robust dealership network, a move that simultaneously underscores the company’s long-term commitment to providing American consumers with high-quality products and superior service.”
Event attendees were able to test drive VinFast’s two flagship U.S. electric SUVs — the mid-size, five-passenger VF 8 and the full-size, three-row, seven-passenger VF 9.
“VinFast is accelerating the development of its dealership network across the U.S., with California identified as a top priority state due to its significant EV growth potential,” the release states. “In addition to the San Diego location, VinFast is actively seeking and evaluating opportunities with other potential dealerships throughout California.”
The San Diego dealership offers after-sales services, including warranty support, maintenance and repair, and genuine VinFast parts.
“The successful grand opening of our San Diego dealership was met with a positive response from local consumers,” said Mike Nolte, VinFast U.S. vice president of sales and marketing, in the release. “This event marks a pivotal moment in our strategy to build a robust U.S. dealership network, reaffirming our long-term commitment to California and the broader North American market. We are committed to effective and sustainable expansion by leveraging our partners’ strong reputation, established infrastructure, and deep understanding of the local market.”
VinFast introduced a dealership sales model in late 2023 that focuses on optimizing operations and strengthening market position.
“Recognizing the distinct advantages of this distribution channel, the company recently made a strategic decision to fully transition to a franchise dealership model in all 50 states, aiming to maximize business efficiency,” the release states. “To date, VinFast has established a robust network of nearly 30 authorized dealerships, with a strong presence across 14 key states in the U.S., including California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, New York, and others.”
Uri Feldman, president of Sunroad Holding Co., added, “We’re incredibly proud to be VinFast’s first dealership partner in California, and to join this dynamic Vietnamese brand in shaping an exciting new chapter in the global electric vehicle revolution. We believe in VinFast’s strong potential to make a lasting impact in the North American market. At Sunroad, we’re committed to being a trusted and strategic partner, working together to create mutual value, drive growth, and deliver high-quality vehicles along with exceptional experiences to our customers.”
The company says it’s committed to flexibly adapting its strategies and business objectives based on in-depth market analysis and macroeconomic conditions, while “remaining steadfast in its pioneering vision to drive the global green revolution.
The VF 8 is offered at an MSRP of $39,900 for the Eco trim and $44,900 for the Plus trim. The VF 9 is priced starting at an MSRP of $62,900. All non-commercial U.S. VinFast EV models come with a 10-year/125,000-mile warranty for the vehicle and a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery.
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Featured image: VinFast officially opened its first authorized dealership in California, in the Kearny Mesa community of San Diego, on Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo provided by VinFast)