Asia Tech Wire (May 28) -- Vietnamese electric car maker VinFast has expanded into the UAE, having entered into a partnership with a local dealer.

VinFast announced in a statement that it has signed an agreement with Al Tayer Motors to distribute electric vehicles in the UAE.

AL Tayer Motors will be VinFast's exclusive partner in the UAE and plans to establish a network of VinFast facilities across the country.

Founded in 1982, AL Tayer Motors is currently the official distributor in the UAE for a number of major U.S. and European automotive brands.

The dealership's first VinFast stores will open in 2024 and will sell the VinFast VF 6, VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9 cars when they become available.

Since the fourth quarter of 2023, VinFast has shifted its strategy from a direct-to-consumer sales model to a hybrid model that leverages its existing distribution infrastructure through the establishment of a global distribution network.

The company expects sales through dealerships to contribute significantly to its turnover in the second half of 2024.

In addition to key markets such as the U.S., Canada and Europe, VinFast is actively entering Asian countries such as India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, as well as the Middle East and Africa.