Vietnam’s VinFast is going global with a roadshow in California – one of the world’s largest EV markets – giving potential buyers from its “home in the US” a look at its newly unveiled all-electric VF 8 and VF 9 SUVs, and the opportunity to place early orders for them.

The roadshow kicked off on the weekend with a private event tied in with the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl celebrations, and will continue on a tour of several cities in the state’s north and south, winding up in San Francisco on March 06.

As part of the tour, VinFast said it would provide “specifications and images” of its EV models to potential customers, who would also be able to “experience” the vehicles and place reservations.

On that front, roadshow attendees would be given access to the “exclusive VinFirst pre-order program,” which offers early-bird reservation holders premium rewards including a 5-star resort stay and $US3,000 to $US5,000 discounts on EV purchases.

The Vietnamese EV maker also flagged its plans to roll out retail locations throughout California in the coming months, where customers would be able to customise their own VF 8 or VF 9 using in-store applications, design elements and configurators.

“We are thrilled to provide potential customers a first-hand opportunity to experience our brand and learn more about our premium electric SUVs,” said VinFast US chief Van Anh Nguyen.

“California is VinFast’s home in the US, with operations in Los Angeles and San Francisco, so it’s important that we start our journey building relationships with local communities in our own backyard.”

Hopefully it won’t be too long before these vehicles are also cruising the sunshine state of Queensland!

David Waterworth is a researcher and writer, a retired school teacher who continues to provoke thought through his writing. He divides his time between looking after his grandchildren and trying to make sure they have a planet to live on. He is long on Tesla.