VinFast: The Vietnamese Underdog Overtaking Titans on Wall Street

• Financial

The Wall Street Stock Exchange is no stranger to formidable debuts. However, few have been as remarkable as that of VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer. Not only did the company exceed expectations, but it also managed to surpass automotive giants such as Volkswagen and Ford in terms of market capitalization.

From Humble Beginnings to Wall Street Stardom

Founded in 2017 as an offshoot of Vingroup, one of Vietnam's most expansive conglomerates, VinFast has quickly become one of Vietnam's leading car manufacturers. Specializing in electric SUVs, scooters, and buses, VinFast has cultivated a loyal consumer base in its homeland, bolstered by an extensive network of charging stations.

The company's debut on the American Wall Street Stock Exchange was nothing short of stellar. With shares initially priced at $10, they swiftly soared, selling at $22 and eventually closing at an impressive $37 on the opening day.

This rapid appreciation led to a staggering 270 percent rise in the company's share value. Consequently, the company's market capitalization rocketed to over $85 billion, leaving behind Volkswagen's $69.7 billion and Ford's $48 billion.

At the heart of this financial triumph stands Pham Nhat Vuong, the president of both VinFast and Vingroup. Owning a colossal 99 percent of VinFast, Vuong witnessed a jaw-dropping increase in his wealth, with his fortune swelling by an astounding $39 billion following the company's Wall Street entrance.

Challenges and Global Aspirations

While VinFast enjoys significant popularity in Vietnam, their initial foray into the U.S. market was met with lukewarm reception. Reports from CNN indicated that early American customers were not entirely satisfied with the vehicles.

However, such hurdles haven't deterred VinFast's global aspirations. The firm has commenced construction on a facility in North Carolina, setting the stage for its expansion in the U.S. market. With a projected capacity to produce 150,000 vehicles annually, the factory signals VinFast's commitment to meeting the demands of American consumers. Furthermore, whispers in the industry suggest that Europe might be the next market on VinFast's horizon.