News Summary
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast has inaugurated its first California dealership in San Diego. The opening on Balboa Avenue showcases VinFast’s commitment to expanding its presence in the U.S., especially in California, the largest EV market. Customers can test drive the VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs, with a focus on zero-emission vehicles and sustainable mobility. The dealership offers a full suite of after-sales services and aims to improve air quality while navigating market challenges.
San Diego – VinFast, a rapidly growing Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has officially opened its first dealership in California, located in San Diego. The grand opening took place on August 19, 2025, at a site operated by the Sunroad Automotive Group on Balboa Avenue in Kearny Mesa.
The dealership comes during a time of significant momentum for the EV industry, particularly in California, which is recognized as the largest EV market in the United States. VinFast’s Chairwoman, Le Thi Thu Thuy, highlighted California’s impressive rates of EV adoption and emphasized the state’s supportive culture surrounding sustainable living and electric vehicle use.
Paul Fillmore, the General Manager of Sunroad Automotive Group, spoke optimistically about the future of the EV industry despite recent shifts in government policies and uncertain market conditions. He underscored the crucial role of zero-emission vehicles in improving air quality and noted that while there are concerns regarding potential tariffs affecting EV sales, it is still too early to assess their full impact.
Currently, VinFast operates over 30 dealerships in 15 states and has ambitious plans to expand its presence further within California. The new San Diego location will offer test drives of VinFast’s flagship electric SUVs, the mid-size VF 8, designed to accommodate five passengers, and the full-size VF 9, which features a three-row layout for up to seven passengers.
In addition to vehicle sales, the dealership is committed to providing comprehensive after-sales support, which includes maintenance services, warranty support, and access to genuine parts for both vehicle models. VinFast has embraced a franchise dealership model since late 2023, allowing for greater efficiency and reach across all 50 states.
The VF 8 SUV has a starting price of $39,900, with leasing options beginning at $279 per month. The larger VF 9 SUV starts at $62,900, with lease offers starting from $449 per month. Both models come with an extensive warranty offer that includes coverage for 10 years or 125,000 miles on the vehicle, and a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery under non-commercial use.
Globally, VinFast is making strides to increase its market presence, exploring opportunities in several countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and the Middle East. The company, which has emerged as the best-selling automotive brand in Vietnam, boasts a diverse lineup of products that includes not only electric SUVs but also e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-buses, further enhancing its commitment to sustainable mobility.
As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, VinFast’s new San Diego dealership marks a significant step in its strategy to establish a stronger foothold within the highly competitive U.S. market, where consumer interest in electric vehicles remains robust.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 8
- PR Newswire
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Reuters
- Benzinga
- Wikipedia: Electric Vehicle
- Google Search: VinFast dealership California
- Google Scholar: VinFast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: VinFast
- Google News: VinFast California
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
