VinFast has opened its first authorized dealership in California, marking a major milestone in the Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker’s U.S. expansion strategy. The San Diego-based store, operated by Sunroad Automotive Group, is set to officially begin operations this month and is part of VinFast’s transition to a full franchise dealership model across all 50 states.
The new dealership will showcase and offer test drives, sales, and leasing for VinFast’s flagship electric SUVs—the mid-size VF 8 and the full-size, three-row VF 9. In addition to sales, VinFast San Diego will provide after-sales services, including warranty support, maintenance, repairs, and genuine parts.
“We’re incredibly proud to be VinFast’s first dealership partner in California,” said Paul Fillmore, General Manager of VinFast San Diego, in the company’s press release. “We believe in VinFast’s strong potential to make a lasting impact in the North American market.”
California was selected as a top-priority state due to its robust EV adoption and growth potential. The EV maker is actively pursuing additional dealership partnerships throughout the state to expand its growing U.S. footprint. The company now has more than 30 authorized dealerships in 15 states, including Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.
Additionally, the San Diego team will receive in-depth training to ensure expertise in VinFast product knowledge, maintenance, and repair procedures. The company says this is part of its commitment to delivering a superior ownership experience as it builds out its U.S. network.
VinFast’s entry into California also supports its broader global strategy. In late 2023, the company adopted a franchise dealership model to strengthen its market reach and streamline operations. According to Mike Nolte, the company’s VP of U.S. sales, “Adding our first dealership in California signifies VinFast’s next strategic step.”
VinFast’s electric SUVs are competitively priced, with the VF 8 starting at $39,900, offering a lease of $269 per month, and the VF 9 starting at $62,900 or $449 per month. Both models come with a 10-year/125,000-mile vehicle warranty and a 10-year/unlimited-mile battery warranty.
The automaker, already Vietnam’s top-selling car brand, is also expanding into new international markets, including India, Indonesia, and the Middle East. Through its flexible global strategy and localized partnerships, VinFast aims to drive the green mobility revolution and make EVs more accessible worldwide.
