VinFast Philippines expects sales to top 8,000 units this year

VinFast Auto Philippines Corp. projects sales will exceed 8,000 units in 2026, driven by demand for battery electric vehicles amid high fuel prices. Sales reached 5,417 units by end-September, making it the top-selling BEV brand in the nine-month period.

VinFast Auto Philippines Corp. expects sales to exceed 8,000 units this year, citing the continuing impact of high fuel prices which are driving demand towards its battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Deputy Chief Executive Officer Victor Jose Vela told reporters on Monday that sales could reach about a thousand per month from October to December.

At the end of September, the Vietnamese brand's sales hit 5,417 units, against 115 a year earlier. It was the top-selling BEV brand during the nine-month period, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc.

Mr Vela attributed VinFast's high sales this year to demand for more energy-efficient modes of transport after fuel prices turned volatile in the wake of the Middle East fighting. "People are opting for alternative means of transportation, alternative sources of fuel, which is the electrified segment," he noted.

In the Philippines, the VF3 all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) has been the brand's top selling model, accounting for 70 per cent of VinFast sales. VinFast is launching its VF8 all-new electric SUV in November, classified as a D-segment car. Mr Vela said the company has another three to four new models to be introduced in the next six months.

On Monday, VinFast launched its online-to-offline (O2O) platform in the Philippines, allowing users to explore and order vehicles online, book test drives, and arrange deliveries. Deputy Chief Executive Officer Roxildes Lacerna said the platform offers convenience, transparent pricing, and a more personal experience. He noted the platform will not compete with dealerships but complement them by giving customers more choices and flexibility.

VinFast has about 40 dealerships in the Philippines, mostly concentrated in Metro Manila, and is hoping to expand to 60 by year's end. Parent firm Vingroup has announced plans to build a P32-billion production facility in the Philippines and expressed interest in availing of tax incentives for local vehicle manufacturing.