VinFast partners with auto experts

VinFast is spearheading the development of Vietnam’s automotive industry to contribute to the transformation of the country’s economic and industrial capability and, ultimately, to help improve the lives of the Vietnamese people.

 

The collaborative partnerships are central to VinFast's strategy to develop two world-class cars with international standards of quality, reliability, durability, safety and design from a clean sheet to series production within two years. To achieve these goals, VinFast and its partners have undertaken the two vehicles’ design and development programmes in parallel, while also constructing an all-new state-of-the-art production facility.

 

World-class design

 

VinFast gave the people of Vietnam the opportunity to determine the styling direction at the very start of the design process through a unique public vote. Starting with Italdesign’s winning styling concepts, the cars’ designs have since been developed and completed by the world-renowned Pininfarina design team. This process has ensured VinFast’s first two models exhibit Italian design flair and sophistication with heavy Vietnamese influence.

 

Modern new platforms

 

VinFast and its vehicle engineering partners are developing two world-class cars in half the usual period taken to develop a new car. To ensure the ambitious programme timing could be achieved without compromising quality, VinFast chose the leading experts in their fields.

 

Over 400 engineers from leading vehicle engineering specialist, Magna Steyr, are developing a new platform for each of VinFast’s inaugural models. The Austrian consultancy is responsible for integrating newly-developed vehicle systems, latest-generation ECU technologies from Bosch, and a new cutting-edge electric and electronics architecture. Based in part on licenced patents and know-how, the new platforms incorporate extensive use of aluminium and the latest generation of hot-stamped ultra-high strength steels. Testing is being undertaken using 300 prototype development cars in Vietnam and in Europe.

 

The resulting platforms exhibit the quality, dynamics and refinement of the latest class-leading models from established premium brands, as well as being future-proofed for forthcoming safety regulations and technologies.

 

New powerful, efficient engine

 

An extensive engine development programme has been conducted by a global leader in powertrain engineering, AVL of Austria, incorporating licensed patents and know-how. The result is a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder gasoline engine that meets local requirements and delivers exceptional performance and high efficiency. It will be available in a 130kW and 170kW outputs and will be one of the first on sale in South East Asia to be Euro 5 emissions regulations compliant.

 

The new VinFast engine is mated to ZF’s renowned eight-speed automatic transmission, celebrated as one of the very best available in the world.

 

State-of-the-art production complex

 

VinFast’s all-new 335-hectare production complex is nearing completion on a site partially reclaimed from the sea near the major port city of Hai Phong in northern Vietnam.

 

The plant will be one of the most advanced in the world, fully embracing Industry 4.0 systems, with data collection and management systems, interconnected sensors and cloud servers supplied by Siemens and SAP. This technology will help VinFast continuously improve efficiency, productivity and quality in all areas of production.

 

The 50,000m2 stamping shop contains production processes and technology provided by Schuler of Germany. The full automated bodyshop (100,000m2) will be the most modern in South East Asia, and has been designed and fitted out by FFT, EBZ and Hirotec, and with over 1,200 robots manufactured by ABB.

 

The primary partner for the paint shop is Dürr, which has installed several advanced paint processes and technologies to ensure the paint process meets international environmental standards and delivers a world-class paint finish for VinFast cars. Dürr’s EcoSmart VEC intelligent air management system maximises energy efficiency in the drying process. The paint shop has a capacity of over 800 vehicles per day.

 

The engine shop has been designed and supplied by industry leading specialists including GROB, Thyssenkrupp, AVL and MAG, with precision machining technology and a hot and cold inspection facility.

 

The 200,000m2 assembly and finishing line is the result of a partnership with Eisenmann. It has designed and installed a highly automated process of conveyor belts and self-propelled trucks, and the main assembly processes are highly flexible in allowing multiple models to be assembled on the line at the same time.

 

Further partnerships are being progressed, in particular with a view to supporting world-class suppliers to locate facilities at the production complex’s dedicated supplier park. This space will enable VinFast to support the ongoing development of the automotive supply chain in Vietnam and increase the locally-supplied content to its factory. Several major global tier one suppliers have already committed to the supplier park, including Germany’s ZF Group, Lear Corporation of the USA, and Thailand’s AAPICO.

 

Beyond partnerships in technology and production processes, VinFast is also partnering with Eckhert Schulen to train 200 apprentices each year at a purpose-built onsite training centre. With courses in Industrial Mechanics and Mechatronics delivered to German standards, graduates will receive a certificate issued by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

 

VinFast is a subsidiary of Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s largest privately-held businesses, with annual revenues in 2017 of 3.8 billion USD. The group, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a leader in the Vietnamese construction and real estate sectors, and also has major interests in the country’s education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and consumer retail sectors. VinFast will echo the values of its parent – to bolster the industrial development of Vietnam, continue to spearhead the modernisation of the country, and improve the lives of the Vietnamese people.