Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast has signed its first authorised dealership in California, marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion strategy within the US.

The new dealership, located in San Diego and part of the Sunroad Automotive Group, is set to begin operations this month, offering California consumers the chance to explore and purchase VinFast's electric SUVs, the VF 8 and VF 9.

The San Diego dealership will not only provide sales of VinFast's electric vehicles but also offer comprehensive after-sales services, including warranty support, maintenance and repair, and genuine VinFast parts.

The dealership is strategically positioned to cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles in California and will serve as a model for VinFast's dealership sales model, introduced in late 2023.

VinFast's transition to a franchise dealership model across all 50 states reflects a strategic move to maximise business efficiency and optimise operations.

The company has already established a network of over 30 authorised dealerships across 15 key states, including Texas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, and New York.

VinFast San Diego general manager Paul Fillmore said: "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.”

The company's commitment to accelerating the green transition is evident in its competitive pricing and sales policies in the US market.

The VF 8, a 5-passenger electric mid-size SUV, is available starting at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $39,900, while the larger VF 9 starts at $62,900.

All VinFast EV models in the US offer a 10-year or 125,000-mile vehicle warranty and a 10-year unlimited mileage battery warranty for non-commercial use.