VinFast: When Asia’s disruptor begins to redraw the green travel landscape

A few years ago, most Filipino consumers had never seen, touched, or experienced a VinFast vehicle in their daily lives. The brand has been largely present as a name attached to headlines at international auto shows, global expansion announcements, and long-term ambitions. Then, everything changed.

As the market enters 2026, VinFast has become a common place throughout Metro Manila. Green GSM electric taxi during the morning commute. A compact VF 3 that runs on tight residential streets. A V-Green charging station can be seen near the neighboring shopping mall. VinFast has gone beyond the invisible to become part of the city’s daily rhythm, cementing itself in the public consciousness as Southeast Asia’s clear face of electric mobility, and increasingly, as a guide in the EV era.

Many Filipinos now say: “My first step to install electricity was through VinFast, from our neighbor, Vietnam.”

According to Simon Austria from VinFast distributor BGC, this marks a very important moment in VinFast’s journey in the Philippines.

“When people stop seeing VinFast as something new and start treating it as something normal, something they choose every day, that’s when the brand really enters the market,” he said.

A Real Bug

For years, electric cars in the Philippines have been roaming the streets, present at shows, and in policy discussions, but rarely seen on public roads. Gasoline vehicles, supported by long-standing infrastructure and practices, continued to dominate daily travel.

VinFast chose a different approach. Instead of waiting for the market to be ready, the company set out to create readiness, actively leading consumers into the electronic age.

Launched in the area in May 2024, VinFast quickly installed a complete lineup of EVs, from the VF 3 and VF 5 to the VF 6, VF 7, and VF 9. “Initially, customers come to the showroom out of curiosity,” Simon remembered. “Later they came back because they see VinFast cars every day on the road.

This is how a true disruptor works, by reshaping habits through living knowledge.

As the number of VinFast vehicles increased, so did the level of customer conversations. People no longer ask what an EV is. They ask where the easiest charging is, how much they will put down each month, and how the car fits into their daily routines.

“The VF 3 is the model most frequently asked about in our showroom,” Simon commented. “Well suited to Philippine traffic, it’s compact, fast, easy to drive, and perfect for couples or young urban drivers.”

“The VF 3 isn’t just about its unique design. Its driving range, operating costs, and EV experience itself are what impress customers.”

The VF 6, on the other hand, represents a step into the best space. “The VF 6 clearly sounds classy. It’s perfect for small families of four, modern, well-sized, and very practical for everyday use.”

When Users Become Storytellers

Retailers are not the only ones shaping VinFast’s image in the Philippines. Everyday users become some of the most influential voices of the brand. Among them is Carl Macaisa, a well-known car mechanic and content creator in the local car community. For Carl, VinFast VF 3 is more than transportation.

“The VF 3 is like a blank canvas. You can express your personality with the car,” he said.

Its boxy, compact yet characterful design offers a rare platform for personalization, something deeply rooted in Philippine automotive culture. This openness has helped the VF 3 build a young, enthusiastic fanbase that treats the car as a travel tool and a personal statement.

Carl’s experience with the VF 3 eventually led him to upgrade to the VF 6, a high-end electric B-SUV that maintains VinFast’s approachable philosophy.

According to Carl, the strength of the VF 6 lies in its balance, enough performance for driving enthusiasts, enough space and comfort for family use, and, most importantly, no need to change daily habits when switching to an EV.

A Wide Ecosystem Few Can Match

If electric cars are the product, then the ecosystem is the strategy, and this is where VinFast clearly sets itself apart.

In addition to car sales, Vingroup, VinFast’s parent company has rolled out charging infrastructure with V-Green, launched electric rides with Green GSM, and backed everything with long-term sales goals. Together, these elements form a closed loop: Vehicles, infrastructure, and services work together.

“There are very few car manufacturers doing this, especially in Southeast Asia,” Simon insisted. “VinFast doesn’t just sell cars, it solves the whole EV consumption equation.”

Green GSM played a very important role in the initial stages. For many Filipinos, this is their first encounter with electric mobility.

“To be honest, I didn’t know much about VinFast before,” Simon agreed. “It was the Green GSM experience that impressed me, the smooth ride, professional drivers, and a completely different feel.”

Within a year, that first experience turned Simon himself into a part of the “VinFast family.”

Acceleration – Unique – Proven in Action

Three words Simon uses to describe VinFast and describe its strategy in the Philippines.

The faster, the faster a product goes from awareness to real world presence.

The difference is, in delivering a full ecosystem rather than selling autonomous vehicles.

And it is proven in action, because the commitment to infrastructure, services, and policies are made in parallel.

Programs such as long-term warranties, free charging incentives, and Retail Value Guarantee (RVG) have been instrumental in building trust. “It’s a winning model,” Simon said. “Customers have more options and feel more secure, while VinFast builds long-term confidence.”

In a market where EVs are still new and concerns about resale value remain strong, VinFast chose to address those concerns head-on. “This is a rare policy in the market,” Simon Austria commented. “VinFast customers know they always have a safety net.”

With RVG, owners have the option to sell their vehicle back to VinFast at a guaranteed price within specified timeframes. This reduces financial risk and fundamentally changes the way consumers perceive EV ownership.

More importantly, it sends a clear message: VinFast is willing to share responsibilities with users, rather than shifting all the risk to the customer, a common practice in the mainstream automotive industry.

Combined with long warranties and a fast-growing charging network, VinFast sells long-term peace of mind, a growing deciding factor for discerning Filipino consumers.

Asia’s Pride and 2026’s Most Anticipated

For Simon, VinFast represents the desire of Asia. “As a Filipino, I’m really proud to see an Asian brand like VinFast competing directly with American and European automakers,” he said.

After just two years in the Philippines, VinFast has established a solid foundation. Customer interest continues to grow, brand recognition strengthens, and the ecosystem continues to grow.

“I am sure that 2026 will be a year of promotion,” Simon said. “VinFast will expand its market share very quickly and play a leading role in driving the green travel revolution in the Philippines, and even throughout Southeast Asia.”

“And yes,” he added, “I really believe that VinFast can rise to the number one spot.”

As the global automotive industry enters a period of profound change, VinFast is not standing by. It aggressively enters the market, changes consumer habits through tangible action, and slowly proves to be a true disruptor.

In the Philippines, that story is just beginning.

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