VinFast arrives in Australia

The Australian research and development arm of ambitious Vietnamese automotive start-up VinFast has been officially launched.

Based on the edge of the CBD in Port Melbourne, VinFast Australia has recruited heavily from Holden for its engineering staff as well as Ford, Toyota and other auto companies such as Jaguar Land Rover.

According to VinFast, the focus of the Australian operation, which is titled Automotive Technology Institute 2 (or ATI 2), is development of new models using both internal combustion and battery electric powertrains.

ATI 2 is headed up by GM Holden veteran Kevin Yardley and has a staff of around 100.

Just two weeks ago VinFast released photos of its first – and as-yet-unnamed – EV undergoing testing in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi.

It already has developed two models based on BMW architectures for sale in Vietnam – the Lux A2.0 sedan and Lux SA2.0 SUV. It also offers the Opel Karl-based Fadil in its showrooms.

VinFast has also built a new assembly plant in Hai Phong capable of producing 250,000 vehicles and 250,000 electric motorcycle per year.

It intends to launch exports into the US market in 2021 and has previously stated its interest in Australian sales. According to the press release, the company is on a “journey to conquer the world”.

That might sound like hyperbole, but as VinFast is backed by Vietnam’s richest man it seems to have the cash and resources to have a pretty good crack at its ambitions.

VinFast has also confirmed it is considering purchasing the GM Holden proving ground at Lang Lang in Victoria.

VinFast says it chose Melbourne as the site for its R&D office because of its history as a centre of the local auto industry ensured the right facilities, supply chains and “experienced human resources”. It was also attracted to Melbourne by the Monash University wind tunnel and research facilities.