Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast made a remarkable debut on New York’s Nasdaq, surpassing the valuations of established giants like Ford and General Motors (GM). With its stock price soaring 255% on its first day of trading, VinFast achieved a market valuation of $85bn, significantly higher than Ford’s $48bn and GM’s $46bn. This milestone reflects the growing belief among investors that the future lies in electric vehicles, with Vietnam emerging as a low-cost East Asian competitor to China in the US market.
VinFast’s rise to prominence can be attributed to the company’s strategic approach and the strong backing it receives from Vingroup, a business with a proven track record of growth. Unlike many EV start-ups that struggle to secure profitable core operations and external funding, VinFast benefits from Vingroup’s financial support. This advantage, combined with the company’s innovative approach to going public through a special purpose acquisition company (Spac), sets it apart from other start-ups that have faced significant challenges after their mergers.
However, VinFast is not without its challenges. The EV market is fiercely competitive, with established players like Tesla and BYD dominating the industry. To differentiate itself and gain market share, VinFast will need to navigate the intense price competition in the market. Tesla, for example, has been cutting prices to boost sales and remains the undeniable industry leader, delivering over 889,000 vehicles in the first half of the year compared to VinFast’s 11,300. VinFast’s financial performance will also need to improve, as the company reported a net loss of $598m in the first quarter of this year and losses exceeding $2bn in 2020.
Despite these challenges, VinFast has made significant strides in establishing itself as a global player in the EV market. Construction has already begun on a $4bn plant in North Carolina, marking the company’s expansion into the US market. This move positions VinFast to benefit from increased manufacturing capabilities and access to the American customer base. As EV adoption continues to surge worldwide, VinFast’s success highlights the potential for emerging markets to compete with established industry players.
However, industry experts caution that the EV market’s rapid growth and intense competition also entail risks. Start-ups like Lordstown Motors and Faraday Future, which also went public using Spacs, have faced substantial stock market losses and struggled to generate sustainable profits. VinFast will need to carefully manage its financial resources and demonstrate a clear path to profitability to avoid a similar fate.
In conclusion, VinFast’s meteoric rise in the EV market has attracted significant attention and highlighted the potential of emerging market players. By leveraging its strong financial backing from Vingroup and pursuing an innovative public listing strategy, VinFast has positioned itself for success. However, the company must address its financial performance and withstand fierce competition from industry leaders like Tesla. VinFast’s expansion into the US market and ongoing investments in manufacturing capabilities signal its commitment to long-term growth. With strategic decision-making and a focus on profitability, VinFast has the potential to become a major player in the global EV landscape.
