Summary
– VinFast VF8 is one of the most negatively reviewed cars on the market today
– Almost 300 examples of the 2022 to 2024 model year VinFast VF8 may have been produced with inert airbag ignitors
– VinFast issued stop-ship and stop-sale orders due to the discovery of inert airbag ignitors in the vehicles
– VinFast reported a 444 percent jump in deliveries during the first quarter of 2024
– The starting price and driving range of the VF8 may make customers consider other EV options, such as the Tesla Model S Long Range RWD, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Chevrolet Equinox EV
Article
VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker, is known for its electric sport utility vehicle, the VF8, which has received negative reviews due to issues such as a software error that causes the multifunction head unit display to go blank. Recently, VinFast issued a recall for almost 300 units of the 2022 to 2024 model year VF8 due to inert airbag ignitors. The vehicles were assembled at the company’s plant in Vietnam, with the faulty airbags supplied by Ashimori Korea. The problem was identified when a VF8 brought in for an airbag warning light was found to have an inert ignitor in the front passenger side airbag, which is a serious safety concern.
The recall prompted VinFast to issue stop-ship and stop-sale orders for the affected vehicles, with 52 of the recalled vehicles already in the hands of customers. Despite the recall, VinFast has not received any reports of failed airbag deployments. Dealers have been instructed to inspect and replace suspect airbags, with owner notifications set to be mailed by June 7. This latest recall adds to the reputation of the VF8 as a troublesome vehicle, with issues ranging from software errors to faulty airbags.
In addition to the airbag recall, VinFast has also faced scrutiny for potentially inflated delivery numbers. An investigation revealed that the company may have artificially boosted delivery figures by selling electric vehicles to affiliated companies rather than actual customers. This investigation was prompted by a video showing numerous EVs parked in a field, vehicles that had been previously sold to a company owned by VinFast’s CEO. These controversies cast doubt on the company’s credibility and raise concerns about its business practices.
For consumers in the market for an electric vehicle, the VF8’s starting price of $46,000 and limited driving range of 264 miles may not be appealing compared to other options. Competing electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model S Long Range RWD, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Chevrolet Equinox EV, offer better value for money with lower prices and longer driving ranges. The VF8’s issues, combined with its higher price point and limited range, may deter potential buyers from considering VinFast as a viable option in the EV market.
Despite its reputation for producing problematic vehicles and questions surrounding its business practices, VinFast reported a significant increase in deliveries during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. The company’s future success will depend on its ability to address quality control issues, regain consumer trust, and compete effectively in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. As VinFast works to overcome these challenges, potential buyers will need to weigh the risks and benefits of choosing a VinFast vehicle over other more established electric vehicle manufacturers.
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