US automaker Tesla Inc has established a new import and distribution company in Vietnam, called Tesla Motors Vietnam Ltd, according to local reports citing business registration records recently published by the government.

The new company is registered at an address in Ho Chi Minh City, and is licensed to carry out vehicle export, import and wholesale distribution activities in the country, as well as the wholesale of auto parts and accessories.

In addition to automobiles, its registered business activities include the wholesale of machinery, equipment and machinery parts; other specialised wholesale; general wholesale; and general retail. These activities also include provisions concerning the right to import, export, or distribute goods in Vietnam.

According to the reports, Tesla Motors Vietnam has also separately registered for business licenses for the sale of vehicles and auto parts and accessories, as well as for the sale of machinery, equipment and machinery parts.

Tesla has yet to announce a date for the launch of operations in the country, and has yet to establish a dealer network. The company has a significant presence in the Chinese market, and its largest global manufacturing plant is located in Shanghai. Other key markets in the region are South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines.