U.S. registrations fell 63% to 389 vehicles through July 2026.
Three new dealers and an updated VF 8 part of VinFast’s latest retail push.
North Carolina is seeking to reclaim VinFast’s delayed factory site.
VinFast is attempting to steady its U.S. operations after registrations, dealer coverage and its North Carolina manufacturing plan all moved in the wrong direction.
The Vietnamese EV manufacturer recorded only 389 U.S. registrations during the first seven months of 2026, according to Mobility Global. The figure represents a 63% decline from the same period in 2025. The VF 8 two-row crossover accounted for 319 registrations, while the larger three-row VF 9 generated 70. VinFast does not break out specific, standalone sales or delivery figures for the Canadian market.
VinFast’s decline was considerably steeper than the 22% contraction across the American EV market. Total electric vehicle registrations reached 578,531 from January through July, and their share of light-vehicle sales fell to 6.1% from 7.7% a year earlier.
The company is responding with three additional franchised dealerships, an updated VF 8 and a certified pre-owned program. New retailers are planned for Tustin and Redondo Beach, California, along with Philadelphia. Fewer than 12 active locations appeared on VinFast’s U.S. website in late September. Only five are shown active in Canada, with 15 NexDrive Service Centers (shops authorized to service VinFast vehicles).
VinFast to Resume Construction of its U.S. Factory in Time for a 2028 Production Start
Both networks are substantially smaller than once envisioned. VinFast entered California through direct sales in early 2023, later recruited franchised retailers and said in April 2025 that it had signed 38 dealers. It subsequently closed all 15 company-operated California stores, while several franchisees left the brand. Ten stores were initially planned in Canada however by mid-2025, five were slashed.
Sales of the 2027 VF 8 began in September, in the U.S. The Canadian website continues to list both the 2026 and 2025 model years. The 2027 gains added driver-assistance equipment includes rear automatic emergency braking and lane-change assist. Pricing starts at US$41,790 including delivery, US$500 above the 2025 version. VinFast is offering 0% financing for as long as 84 months. Canadian pricing for the 2026 VF 8 starts at approximately $57,000 with fees before rebates and incentives.
2025 VinFast VF9 | Photo: Olivier DelormeHeavy incentives have already supported the two-model range. Motor Intelligence calculated average discounts of nearly US$19,000 on the VF 8 and almost US$20,000 on the VF 9 between January and August. Rebates exceed $16,000 in Canada for the VF 8.
The new certified pre-owned program carries financing from 2.99% for up to 72 months. VinFast offers a similar program in Canada.
VinFast’s unresolved North Carolina project presents a separate problem. The state’s Department of Commerce sued in May to recover the industrial property, alleging missed construction deadlines. VinFast disputes that claim and argue it qualifies for an extension to begin production in 2028. The US$4-billion vehicle and battery plant was originally scheduled to open in 2024, following the groundbreaking ceremony in July 2023.
Although the company has discussed bringing additional models to North America, including the VF 6, VF 7, VF 3 microcar and VF Wild pickup, it has not confirmed an updated launch plan. Outside the U.S., VinFast delivered 70,085 vehicles globally in the second quarter, up 96% year over year, supported by growth in India, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Source: Automotive News
