The American century is drawing to a close. The USA has long fought hard for freedom and suppressed democracy across the world with its mighty military resources. Independent unbiased observers will argue that the USA is an empire in disguise, merely riding on the coat tails of democracy and freedom to further its hegemonic interests. Once upon a time, Vietnam found itself at the center of a proxy war war between China and America which festered from 1955 until the fall of Saigon in 1975.

By the early 1960s America began providing military assistance to South Vietnam to ward off the threat of a North Vietnam communist invasion. Mass bombing and Agent Orange would be America’s price for retaining Vietnam’s freedom and democracy. Between 1965 and 1975, the United States and its allies dropped over 7.5M tons of bombs on Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. That’s more than double the amount dropped on Europe and Asia during World War II.

Now, nearly 50 years later it is Vietnam’s turn to invade America, albeit peacefully using the rouse of a homegrown car company, its objectives are to… do business. Vinfast was only established in 2017, it primarily sells in Vietnam and is known as a maker of premium cars using BMW technology and powertrains, the styling provided by European designers.

Vinfast is preparing for the next stage of its journey, exporting cars to the USA. The VF 9 is a purpose-built pure electric SUV that will spearhead Vinfast’s entry into the North American markets, including Canada. Vinfast’s move into building EVs has been as rapid as its ability to scale quickly in just a few years. Vinfast currently has 9 flagship stores in California with ambitions to expand across North America. The VF 9 EV will retail for $83,000 before shipping.

Vinfast sells the mid-entry point VF 8 for an asking price of $50,000 or $399 per month on lease only. Only 999 VF 8s have been shipped to the USA, and although exact figures are not known, industry analysts have been disappointed with the slow response from consumers. Vinfast’s problem is typical for a company with low brand recognition trying to muscle its way into established premium auto brand territory.