Vietnam’s VinFast Enters Indonesia With 6 EV Models In RHD

Vietnam's VinFast officially debuted in Indonesia this week during IIMS 2024. This marks the brand's debut in a RHD market, and expansion into other RHD markets in the region are being planned. (Image: VinFast)

Vietnamese carmaker VinFast made a splash at the Indonesia International Motor Show 2024 (IIMS 2024) happening this week in the republic’s capital of Jakarta. This marks the VinFast brand’s debut in a right hand drive (RHD) market, and this is just the start.

At IIMS 2024, VinFast has put up no less than 6 models on display in RHD form for the first time, and all destined to go on sale in Indonesia soon. Amongst them are the VF 5, VF e34, VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9. All are electric (EV) crossover SUVs that cover a variety of sizes from the A-segment all the way up to the D- and E-segments.

At IIMS 2024, a total of 6 models were displays for the first time in RHD form. Pictured here are the VF 7 (left) and VF 5 (right). (Image: Kompas.com)

Other models shown at IIMS 2024 include the VF e34, VF 6, VF 8, and VF 9.  All six are set to be manufactured at the upcoming VinFast EV manufacturing plant located in Bekasi, West Java that's set to become operational by 2025.

Initially, VinFast will offer these models mentioned as fully imported (CBU) offerings before made-in-Indonesia (CKD) versions are set to follow suit in stages after. The latter will roll off the line from VinFast’s upcoming EV manufacturing facility located in Bekasi, West Java.

Set to become operational by 2025, this upcoming plant forms part of VinFast’s “long-term investment” in said country, which reportedly amounts to about IDR18.6 trillion (approx. RM5.6 billion). VinFast projects this facility to churn out up to 50,000 vehicles annually too.

That latter figure is pretty ambitious, but is somewhat justified given plans by VinFast to use this facility in Indonesia as a springboard to expand into other RHD markets in the region – Malaysia being one of which, confirms the automaker’s top execs present at IIMS 2024.

Besides local manufacturing and EV charging network, VinFast is poised to use its Indonesian operation as a springboard to expand into other RHD markets in the region - Malaysia included. The timeline for which, however, wasn't remains unclear at this point. (Image: Kompas.com) 

At the same time, VinFast is poised to establish a nationwide charging network throughout Indonesia. Sources from within the republic reports that the firm is in the midst of discussing with local partners to get this EV charging network of theirs up and running.

“It is an honor for VinFast to be able to participate in IIMS 2024 and introduce smart and environmentally friendly vehicles. We are here to empower Indonesian consumers with a variety of choices for greener and more sustainable mobility," said CEO of VinFast Indonesia, Tran Quoc Huy.