VinFast considering an electric ute

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is reportedly looking into producing its own fully-electric pick-up truck or ute for its key North American market.

As reported by Reuters, the start-up manufacturer is targeting the lucrative pick-up truck segment in the States as one of its next moves, potentially bolstering its existing vehicle line-up – which includes a number of SUVs and crossovers.

When asked about whether a pick-up truck could fit into its model plans, VinFast's United States chief service officer, Craig Westbrook, said its options were open.

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"We want to serve the needs of the market," Westbrook told Reuters.

"If we decide that's what the market needs and that fits our brand especially, and I think it absolutely could, yeah. It's something we should consider."

Rivian became the first manufacturer to launch an electric truck last year with its R1T, although the start-up has since faced major production and financial woes which have limited output.

Ford is the first of the "Big Three" American manufacturers to introduce an EV pick-up to market, launching the F-150 Lightning this year before its Chevrolet and Ram rivals could produce their respective offerings.

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Rivian's R1T became the first electric pick-up truck to launch last year

Earlier this year, VinFast revealed its five-strong model range for the North American market, with the five electric SUVs all set to be produced in Vietnam before being shipped over to the US.

Despite establishing a research and development branch in Australia back in 2019, VinFast pulled all of its local operations last year without warning, with no further intentions of being active in the local market.