Vietnamese carmaker VinFast is taking back its initial set of 999 electric cars in the United States due to a display malfunction that could potentially compromise safety.
VinFast has decided to recall its products as a precautionary measure, even though there have been no reported incidents in the field, according to a statement made by the EV manufacturer to Nikkei Asia on Thursday.
A Software Solution
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is set to introduce a software solution on Thursday to address a problem that prevents drivers from viewing control icons.
The issue affects the VF 8 SUV, causing its display screen to go blank and fail to show crucial safety information like speedometer readings and warning signals. This increases the likelihood of accidents, as per the report filed by VinFast with the agency.
Vietnam's largest conglomerate, Vingroup, delivered keys to California customers in March, marking the first time Vietnamese cars would be seen on American roads. The company intends to establish a factory in North Carolina and also intends to offer shares on a United States stock exchange later in the year.
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"Extremely Safe"
When asked about criticism regarding the driving experience and comfort of their vehicle, they emphasized that the VF 8 is extremely safe and has been awarded the highest safety rating (5 stars) by the ASEAN NCAP, a program that assesses new cars in Southeast Asia.
The car manufacturer exports electric vehicles from Vietnam, and has already made sales in Canada. Their future plans include selling in Europe and Southeast Asia and making a profit by 2025. Additionally, they have announced a trade-in program for vehicles in three European markets, but they have not specified which ones.
On April 27, VinFast was made aware of an issue with their display and began actively looking for any comments regarding a blank screen. They found 18 instances and discovered that there was a problem with communication which was causing a disruption in the data feed to the screen.
VinFast is determined to make a name for itself in the global automotive industry. The company aims to offer affordable yet high-quality EVs that will appeal not only to eco-conscious consumers but also those seeking value for money.
In addition, VinFast has been actively investing in research and development of autonomous driving technology with the aim of becoming a leader in this field as well. They have partnered with some renowned tech firms such as Nvidia Corporation and Qualcomm Inc., among others.
The Vietnamese automaker is also committed to sustainability initiatives such as using recycled materials in their manufacturing processes and reducing carbon emissions from their operations. Their factory was built following green building standards which ensure energy efficiency through systems like rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation, etc.
Overall, Vinfast's entry into foreign markets marks a significant milestone for Vietnam's economy that could potentially open up more opportunities for other home-grown businesses looking towards international expansion.
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