logo
Vietnam's VinFast Rides the Green Wave into the Gulf

Vietnam's VinFast Rides the Green Wave into the Gulf

Zawya16-05-2025

VinFast, Vietnam's electric vehicle champion, is steering into the Gulf with ambition and pride, transforming the nation's global image from factory floor to innovation force.
HANOI, VIETNAM- Media OutReach Newswire - 16 May 2025 - Ford means America. Toyota means Japan. And now VinFast - a name unfamiliar to most Westerners just 8 years ago - is becoming synonymous with Vietnam. The automaker, born from the Vingroup conglomerate, isn't just selling cars. It's selling a new image of a nation long associated with rice farmers, poverty, and war.
From its start as a gasoline car manufacturer primarily serving Vietnam, VinFast has quickly evolved into a global electric vehicle (EV) brand. Its journey from domestic assembly lines to international presence unfolded at remarkable speed, establishing footholds in North America, Europe, and Asia within just a few years.
On a recent day in May, VinFast signed new dealer agreements with ASTRADA SIMVA in France and Schachtschneider Automobile in Germany, respectively. While the news are are not big per se, the significance runs deeper than business headlines suggest. Each VinFast dealership opening represents Vietnam planting a flag in markets once exclusively dominated by German engineering, American muscle, and Japanese reliability.
"We are proud to partner with VinFast, standing alongside this Vietnamese brand in driving the global green revolution," said Renzo Schachtschneider, owner of Schachtschneider Automobile, which will operate three new dealerships[1].
VinFast's European push follows similar moves across North America and Asia, but it doesn't merely want to be a passive participant in the EV transition. Increasingly, developing countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, where the VinFast dream was born, want to embed themselves deep into the EV supply chain. This audacity signals a shift in how Vietnam positions itself in the international order, from manufacturing hub to innovation source.
Countries have long used commercial brands as extensions of national identity. South Korea leveraged Samsung to reshape global perceptions. Japan did the same with Sony decades earlier. Vietnam's strategy through VinFast follows this playbook while writing its own chapter.
The road isn't smooth. EV demand fluctuates. Competition is fierce. Yet the company's willingness to adapt, shifting toward a dealership sales model globally and entering untapped markets like the Middle East and India, reflects a distinctly Vietnamese resilience.
The Middle East entry is particularly telling. These are markets with deep pockets and high standards, where luxury European brands have long dominated. VinFast's move into this territory shows confidence not just in its vehicles but in the "Made in Vietnam" identity they carry.
But even more than that, governments in the region are increasingly paying attention to clean mobility solutions and green industrial partnerships, with initiatives to bring about a sustainable future like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 or the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. These national agendas create fertile ground for a new player like VinFast, one that offers not just electric vehicles, but also the chance for diversification beyond traditional Western and Chinese sources.
In stores from Germany to Dubai, VinFast is reshaping perceptions one test drive at a time. Vietnam is no longer just a vacation destination or manufacturing location; rather, it's the home of a company bold enough to challenge automotive giants on their home turf. The vehicles carry passengers, but they also carry Vietnam's story into the world.
Hashtag: #vinfast
https://vingroup.net/en
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
VinFast

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Africa Tech Festival announces strategic themes for 2025 event, focusing on innovation, investment, and collaborative growth
Africa Tech Festival announces strategic themes for 2025 event, focusing on innovation, investment, and collaborative growth

Zawya

time24 minutes ago

  • Zawya

Africa Tech Festival announces strategic themes for 2025 event, focusing on innovation, investment, and collaborative growth

Africa Tech Festival ( the leading platform for stakeholders in the continent's technology industry, returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa, from 11 to 13 November 2025. This year, the event's strategic focus areas are grouped under forward-looking themes that reflect the rapidly evolving nature of Africa's technology and digital landscape. The themes of the 28 th edition of Africa Tech Festival – Responsible Innovation, Inclusive Investment, Connectivity for Development, and Policy Harmonisation – will be incorporated across all four of the festival's anchor events, namely AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and the AI Summit Cape Town. These events will each explore their respective specialised focus areas through the lens of the overarching 2025 themes, positioning Africa Tech Festival as a unified platform with strategic intent, rather than a collection of disconnected discussions. The 2025 edition of the Africa Tech Festival will also align with key global dialogues on technology and innovation, as it coincides with the prestigious G20 Leadership Summit. Additionally, the event will host the second, expanded edition of The Ministerial Summit, reaffirming its role as a catalyst for policy-driven discussions and high-impact collaborations. 'The themes mirror the recent trends emerging at Africa Tech Festival, as well as the continent's shifting focus towards advanced technologies that incorporate aspects of sustainable and inclusive digital progress. Artificial Intelligence, in particular, is emerging as a transformative force – from intelligent automation in industry to AI-powered solutions for financial inclusion and public health. They are reflected in our event agenda and will be instrumental in achieving our aim of driving positive change and fostering collaboration within the African tech ecosystem,' said James Williams, Event Director of Africa Tech Festival. 'As technology advances, so does the need for scalable, collaborative solutions that drive Africa's economic growth, digital readiness, and equitable access. By weaving these themes – from AI, cloud and cybersecurity to connectivity and digital inclusion – into the sessions, networking opportunities, and our international exhibitions, we highlight the interconnectedness of Africa's technology landscape and the collective role of its stakeholders in driving innovation and growth.' Africa Tech Festival is Africa's biggest showcase of enterprise tech innovation across key sectors like telecoms, connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud and data centres, green ICT, and media and entertainment. With an anticipated attendance of 17,000 delegates from across the continent and the world, along with more than 300 exhibitors, and 450 speakers, the 2025 event will be the largest edition yet. Building on the success of 2024, Africa Tech Festival will continue to deliver top-quality content and expert-led discussions on crucial topics, including national digital strategies, economic growth, infrastructure development, and sustainable partnerships between the public and private sectors. While a formal partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has not yet been finalised, the 2024 edition saw valuable engagement with senior government officials, leading to insightful discussions and policy-focused nearly three decades, the Africa Tech Festival has served as a forum for conversations and connections that elevate African tech onto the global stage. As the continent's digital transformation journey advances, the themes for 2025 will help guide these conversations, shape policy, attract investment, and foster partnerships that grow and advance Africa's technology ecosystem. For more information or to register, visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival. About Africa Tech Festival: Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together over 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The festival encompasses four anchor events: AfricaCom – The continent's largest telecoms and connectivity event AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa's startup ecosystem The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and multiple networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the largest and most influential tech event on the continent.

Toyota supplier hit with criticism at shareholder meeting over $33bln deal
Toyota supplier hit with criticism at shareholder meeting over $33bln deal

Zawya

time24 minutes ago

  • Zawya

Toyota supplier hit with criticism at shareholder meeting over $33bln deal

TOKYO - Some investors in Toyota Industries voiced disapproval of a $33 billion buyout offer on Tuesday, adding to criticism that the bid from Japanese parent Toyota Motor was unfair to minority shareholders. The 4.7 trillion yen ($33 billion) offer to take the forklift maker private has already come under fire from international shareholders including London-based Zennor Asset Management and Hong Kong-based Oasis Management. But on Tuesday, domestic shareholders at what is likely to be the company's last annual general meeting before it is taken private, also expressed their concerns about the plan. The world's top-selling automaker plans to take Toyota Industries private in a complex, multi-part transaction that includes an offer price of 16,300 yen a share. The price, some shareholders have said, undervalues the supplier's intrinsic value and strengthens the founding Toyoda family's control over the broader group. "I don't think I am the only one who feels the price is too low," said one shareholder at the meeting. Another said the acquisition would lead to the "domination" of Toyota Industries, one of Toyota's key suppliers, by the automaker. The meeting ran for almost 2 hours, its longest ever, the company said. Toyota Industries' executives also took some two dozen questions from shareholders, the most ever. On Thursday Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda may face similar questions at the automaker's annual general meeting. Toyota has said the acquisition would allow Toyota Industries to deepen collaboration with group companies, without concerns of short-term profit targets, as Toyota itself becomes a broader "mobility company". Under the deal, a new holding company will be set up. Unlisted real estate company Toyota Fudosan will invest 180 billion yen while Toyoda, the founder's grandson, will invest 1 billion yen. Toyota Motor will invest 700 billion yen for non-voting preferred shares. "This was not a decision that neglected minority shareholders, but rather one that was taken with all the factors in mind," Toyota Industries' President Koichi Ito told shareholders. Oasis, which has shares in both Toyota Motor and Toyota Industries, said on Friday it would push for a higher price. Zennor and some others have said the price undervalues the substantial real estate on Toyota Industries's books. Toyota Industries had 1.5 trillion yen of property, plants and equipment on its balance sheet as of the end of March, a number that reflects the cost paid for the assets, minus depreciation, rather than their current market value. Toyota Group companies hold at least 39% of Toyota Industries, according to LSEG data and the deal is widely expected to go through. Shares finished at 16,300 yen on Tuesday. Toyota Industries, formerly Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, was founded in 1926 to make automatic looms. An automotive division within the company was set up and later spun off as Toyota Motor. (Reporting by Maki Shiraki; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Kate Mayberry)

Dubai Media City and Dubai Science Park to spotlight innovation pathways at Europe's largest start-up and tech event, VivaTech
Dubai Media City and Dubai Science Park to spotlight innovation pathways at Europe's largest start-up and tech event, VivaTech

Zawya

timean hour ago

  • Zawya

Dubai Media City and Dubai Science Park to spotlight innovation pathways at Europe's largest start-up and tech event, VivaTech

VivaTech's thematic focus this year includes sustainability, climate & mobility; health & longevity; and creative industries & gaming TECOM Group's in5 entrepreneurship incubator will also highlight AI-powered innovation from its ecosystem at VivaTech, taking place in Paris on 11-14 June Dubai, UAE: Dubai Media City and Dubai Science Park will demonstrate pathways to nurture innovation at Viva Technology (VivaTech), Europe's largest start-up and tech event, taking place in Paris on 11-14 June 2025 with a thematic focus on areas including sustainability, climate & mobility; health & longevity; and creative industries & gaming. Dubai Media City is the cornerstone of the Middle East's media landscape, while Dubai Science Park is the region's leading science-focused hub. The districts, part of TECOM Group PJSC, will attend VivaTech as part of the Dubai stand led by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Dubai Media City and Dubai Science Park will be joined at VivaTech by in5, TECOM Group's start-up incubator, showcasing their contributions to nurturing innovation in line with Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33', Dubai Research and Development Programme, and UAE Digital Economy Strategy. The UAE ranks first in the North Africa and Western Asia region in the Global Innovation Index (GII), which captures innovation ecosystem performance across levers such as human capital and research; infrastructure; market sophistication; and knowledge and technology outputs. TECOM Group's portfolio of 10 business districts and services such as in5 enriches Dubai's and the UAE's innovation landscape by enabling innovation and attracting global companies and skilled talent through specialised sector-focused ecosystems, world-class infrastructure, and added value services. in5 has supported more than 1,000 start-ups that have collectively raised more than AED 7.8 billion in funding since its inception 2013. Operating through dedicated verticals across the technology, media, design, and science sectors, in5 will spotlight its innovators at VivaTech, including Coralytics, a marketing platform tailored for the real estate sector that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance real estate listings and attract buyers, tenants, and sellers. Suppy, providing fully customisable and branded mobile and web e-commerce solutions for retailers, wholesalers, and marketplaces, will also join in5 at VivaTech, alongside Aire, which uses big data, AI, and automation tech to prepare real estate feasibility studies. Dubai Media City has fuelled the region's creative sector since its inception more than two decades ago. Alongside Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City, the district forms TECOM Group's Media Cluster, home to more than 4,000 businesses including CNN, Reuters, Discovery Networks, and Epson, and 40,000+ creative professionals. Dubai Science Park strengthens Dubai's position as a hub for scientific knowledge, and is home to more than 500 industry leaders, including AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Bayer, and BeiGene, in addition to 6,500 professionals. TECOM Group has contributed to Dubai's economic ambitions for more than two decades through sector-focused districts including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Design District (d3) and Dubai Industrial City. About TECOM Group PJSC TECOM Group has been developing strategic, sector-focused business districts across the emirate of Dubai since 1999. TECOM Group is well-positioned to continue playing an integral role in cementing Dubai's status as a global business and talent hub. The TECOM Group portfolio consists of 10 business districts catering to 6 vital knowledge-based economic sectors, including design, education, manufacturing, media, science, and technology. The Group provides a varied and tailor-made leasing portfolio – which includes offices, co-working spaces, warehouses, and land – to over 12,000 customers and more than 137,000 professionals. TECOM Group offers additional value-added services to deliver a competitive and attractive environment for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive in and to facilitate engagement between the districts' community members. Government and corporate services are made available through an integrated smart services platform, 'axs', which enhances ease of doing business and provides community members with a seamless experience. TECOM Group also provides industry specialised facilities, including media production studios, laboratories, and higher education campuses. in5, its enabling platform for entrepreneurs and start-ups, offers innovation centres supporting tech, media, and design start-ups and SMEs. Its future-focused co-working spaces D/Quarters deliver stimulating work environments for tenants, and the 'GoFreelance' package serves freelance talents.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store