VinFast to temporarily close Australian R&D division due to COVID-19

May 09, 2021 | 22:57

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VinFast is planning to temporarily close its research and development (R&D) centre in Melbourne, Australia due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic.

vinfast to temporarily close australian rd division due to covid 19

VinFast invest about $15-20 million to develop the test track and the emission laboratory in Australia

According to Australia-based newswire CarAdvice, the Vietnamese car maker will soon close its design and technical office in Port Melbourne after just over a year in the country. The establishment was home to nearly 50 former Holden, Ford, and Toyota engineers.

Responding to queries, VinFast stated that COVID-19 is the main reason behind the closure. The health crisis has hampered travel among the countries and the manufacturer is now looking to summon its strength to develop automobiles in Vietnam while the difficulties last. Employees who worked at the R&D centre will be arranged work in Vietnam.

However, VinFast's Lang Lang test track in Australia will continue to operate normally.

VinFast in last June poured about $15-20 million to buy the test track and the emission laboratory in the suburbs of Melbourne. Its technical analyst department landed in the nation in December 2019.

Australia is one of the overseas markets VinFast eyes in its global expansion ambitions. According to Nguyen Thi Van Anh, deputy general director of VinFast, in the short term, the company focuses on researching vehicles using internal combustion engines and electric motors in Australia.

By Van Anh

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