The VinFast VF 3 has garnered significant attention as the most captivating model within the Vietnamese automotive brand’s lineup. This is evident from the record-breaking number of pre-orders in Vietnam’s automotive history – a remarkable 27,649 units within just 66 hours.
The VinFast VF 3 has become a phenomenon, capturing the interest of many with its attractive design and affordable price point. Not long after its official delivery in Vietnam, VinFast brought the VF 3 to the Philippines. However, according to newly revealed plans, this model is set to expand its reach even further to additional countries.
A fleet of VinFast VF 3s at the handover ceremony in Hanoi.
Specifically, according to exclusive insights obtained by the electric vehicle-focused website CleanTechnica, the VinFast VF 3 will soon be available for purchase in the Middle East as well as several other Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
However, a notable difference arises when comparing these markets to the Philippines and Vietnam, which drive on the right-hand side of the road. Many of VinFast’s target countries in this expansion drive use a left-hand traffic system, necessitating a redesign of the current steering wheel placement.
CleanTechnica’s source also acknowledged this challenge, suggesting that VinFast is already working on developing a left-hand drive version of the VF 3 to enhance its compatibility with a broader range of markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, which the company considers a key focus area.
Graphic image of the VinFast VF 3’s interior.
The source further revealed that VinFast intends to enter these aforementioned markets as soon as the left-hand drive version is finalized.
In Southeast Asia, the countries that drive on the left-hand side of the road include Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Timor-Leste. Conversely, Vietnam, along with Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Myanmar, are right-hand traffic countries.
Interior of the VinFast VF e34 left-hand drive version.
Prior to this expansion news, VinFast had announced its plans to construct a factory in Indonesia with an annual capacity of approximately 50,000 vehicles. The groundbreaking ceremony for this facility took place in mid-July.
Details about the Indonesian factory indicate that it will be an assembly plant with dedicated areas for body construction, assembly, painting, and testing. The plant is expected to commence operations by the end of next year, producing the left-hand drive versions of the VF 3, VF 5, VF 6, and VF 7 for the Indonesian market.
A batch of VinFast VF 3s being transported to the Philippines by air.
Beyond Southeast Asia, there is also potential for the VinFast VF 3 to make its way to the United States. Earlier in September, an article on the automotive news website Automotive News hinted at this possibility, suggesting that VF 3 is part of VinFast’s plans for the American market, alongside the VF 6, VF 7, and VF 9 models.
While the distribution strategy for the VF 3 in the US has not yet been disclosed, speculations suggest that this mini electric car could be available for purchase in the latter part of 2025 or early 2026, following the launch of the VF 6 and VF 7.
VinFast’s decision to bring the VF 3 to the US is an intriguing one. During a meeting with representatives of their US distribution partners, VinFast received highly positive feedback, as the American market currently lacks an affordable car option following the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Spark and Fiat 500.
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