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Images of the VinFast VF Wild concept car were previously shown at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA in 2023. Photo: VinFast . |
"A close friend of the working class, pickup trucks have helped build the America we know today," reads author Mike Mueller's introduction to Classic Pickup Trucks.
This clearly shows how Americans view pickup trucks. They see them as vehicles for heavy-duty tasks, agricultural work, or transporting materials on construction sites. Therefore, American pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger, F-150, Chevrolet Cameo, and Jeep Silverado are often favored in the United States.
But in Vietnam, the story is somewhat different. Buyers in Vietnam generally expect more from a pickup truck. The vehicle not only needs to be powerful, durable, and practical, but also stylish and equipped with modern features to meet their daily needs.
In the Vietnamese market, the Ford Ranger is currently the "king" of this segment, followed by the Toyota Hilux. Recently, images of a pre-commercial version of VinFast's new pickup truck have been posted on social media, becoming a hot topic in online groups. So, what are consumers' expectations for a purely Vietnamese pickup truck?
A beautiful pickup truck.
From concept to pre-commercial model, the VinFast Wild's design clearly reflects a different design language for the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer compared to traditional competitors in the market.
The vehicle sports a glossy gray paint finish, combined with metallic details and LED lights extending from front to rear, creating a luxurious appearance. The wing motif is central to every design detail, reflecting the Vietnamese automaker's effort to create a unique identity in this emerging pickup truck segment.
Looking at the leaked images and videos on social media, it's clear that the showy details on the VF Wild concept have been adjusted for greater practicality. The B-pillar is present, and the gull-wing doors have disappeared. These changes bring the car closer to the configuration of a commercial model.
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The showy details in the concept design have been simplified, becoming more practical. Photo: Dan Thanh. |
Inside the cockpit, the brown and gold color combination from the concept car is still present in a certain way, but the new model has more similarities to the VF 8. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is retained. Meanwhile, the display system has been simplified, with only a central screen instead of the three-screen design seen in the concept.
Overall, the newly unveiled model is closer to a commercial version that could soon be available to consumers. VinFast seems to be trying to strike a balance between aesthetics and practicality. However, design is only part of the story. With a pickup truck, power and performance are what buyers care about most.
Front-wheel drive and EREV?
Judging from its design, the VinFast Wild seems to be geared more towards customers who use their vehicles daily. It could be a pickup truck suitable for city trips, casual outings, or carrying extra cargo in the rear, rather than focusing entirely on heavy work or cargo transport.
Based on leaked information and images, some sources suggest that the VinFast Wild may be equipped with front-wheel drive.
For customers who buy a vehicle for its design and don't frequently carry heavy loads or drive off-road, a front-wheel drive system can meet most of their daily needs. This configuration can also help optimize costs compared to a traditional 4x4 pickup truck.
However, for those who love the off-road capabilities of pickup trucks, a front-wheel drive model is unlikely to be the preferred choice. Therefore, if the first version focuses on urban customers, VinFast could certainly expand the lineup with a more powerful all-wheel drive variant.
Regarding the powertrain, according to some sources, a range-extending hybrid, or EREV, could be the direction VinFast chooses for the Wild.
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The VinFast VF Wild could be an EREV pickup truck. Photo: VinFast . |
If this information turns out to be true, the Wild will have a significant advantage. It can maintain electric power for most everyday driving conditions, while also alleviating concerns about range during long journeys.
VinFast seems to be taking a different approach from traditional pickup trucks with the VF Wild. While current market representatives are built on the image of durable, practical vehicles capable of serving work purposes, the Wild appears to be targeting a more "lifestyle" customer group.
These are people who want a pickup truck but don't necessarily need it for daily cargo transport. They need a model that's stylish enough for city driving, modern enough to use as an SUV, and still has a cargo bed when needed. This customer group could be the gap VinFast wants to tap into.
Instead of competing directly on cargo capacity, off-road capability, or power and torque specifications, the Wild can differentiate itself through design, technology, and electrified powertrain.
Once the details and pricing are officially revealed, all user expectations can be verified. That's also when VinFast will give the market an answer as to their plans for the Vietnamese pickup truck segment.