VinFast, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer controlled by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, has announced a significant delay in the construction of its US factory in North Carolina. The company initially planned to begin production at the facility in 2025 but now expects to start manufacturing EVs there in 2028. This decision comes as VinFast grapples with economic headwinds and aims to optimize capital allocation and manage short-term spending more effectively.
VinFast's prudent outlook is based on the realities of market volatility and potential challenges, according to Thuy Le, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors. Despite these setbacks, VinFast anticipates strong sales growth in the second half of 2024 driven by a diverse product range with competitive pricing targeting a larger customer base and a rapidly expanding global distribution network.
The delay in opening its North Carolina factory is not the first for VinFast. In March 2023, the company announced that production would be delayed until at least 2025. The groundbreaking ceremony was held last July, but little progress has been made beyond clearing and grading the site.
VinFast's financial performance has been lackluster, with a gross loss of over $150 million reported in the first quarter of 2024. Pham Nhat Vuong, VinFast's owner and CEO, has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the company to support its growth.
Despite these challenges, VinFast remains committed to its long-term strategy and execution capabilities. The company delivered 12,058 electric vehicles in the second quarter of 2024, a 24% increase from the previous quarter. VinFast plans to release its 2Q financial results before the market opens on August 15.
VinFast's delay in opening its North Carolina factory is not an isolated incident. The global EV landscape has been experiencing economic headwinds, with uncertainties in different macro-economies and potential challenges necessitating a more prudent outlook for the rest of the year. VinFast now anticipates delivering approximately 80,000 electric vehicles in 2024, below its initial expectation of 100,00 units.
VinFast's North Carolina factory was expected to create 7,500 jobs and invest $4 billion in the state. The delay may impact the local economy and job creation plans.