Vietnam’s domestic automaker VinFast presented a range of specialized vehicles during the country’s 80th National Day celebrations, highlighting the nation’s expanding automotive manufacturing capabilities. The display included both defensive and ceremonial vehicles, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam’s industrial development.
At the Vietnam Exposition Center in Hanoi, VinFast exhibited the Lac Hong 900 LX armored vehicle as part of the “80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness” exhibition. The vehicle bears visible marks from extensive testing, having undergone 440 bullet impacts and 11 explosive tests at Germany’s Beschussamt Ulm testing facility. The armored car achieved the European VPAM VR7 ballistic standard, qualifying it for head-of-state protection duties.
The Lac Hong 900 LX represents a collaboration between VinFast and Canadian armoring specialist INKAS, with final assembly completed at VinFast’s Hai Phong manufacturing facility. The vehicle features distinctly Vietnamese design elements, including a gold-plated Lạc bird emblem, bamboo-inspired grille patterns, and interior materials incorporating Golden Nanmu wood and Nappa leather.
Simultaneously, VinFast produced specialized vehicles for the National Day parade ceremony. The company delivered four custom open-top VF 9 vehicles to the Ministry of Public Security, requiring extensive modifications including pillar removal, roof separation, exterior refinishing, and electrical system updates. The conversion process consumed approximately 2,400 labor hours across all four vehicles.
Additionally, VinFast supplied 12 white VF 9 vehicles configured for Traffic Police operations. These units featured modified hoods, redesigned grilles with horizontal elements, and specialized law enforcement equipment including emergency lighting, communication systems, and ceremonial accessories. Each police vehicle required 60 to 80 hours of customization work.
The technical achievement of meeting European ballistic standards represents Vietnam’s entry into an exclusive group of nations capable of producing armored vehicles for government use. Automotive industry analyst Đinh Văn Nam noted that Vietnam now joins approximately 18 countries worldwide with established domestic automotive manufacturing capabilities.
The vehicle customization projects demonstrate VinFast’s production flexibility and ability to meet specialized government requirements. State parade and official duty vehicles represent a niche market segment requiring high reliability standards and strict protocol compliance. Success in this area may position VinFast for international government fleet contracts.
The extended wheelbase of the Lac Hong 900 LX, measuring 20 centimeters longer than the standard VF 9, presented manufacturing challenges while increasing interior capacity. Industry observer Nguyễn Mạnh Thắng of WhatCarVN highlighted this modification as evidence of VinFast’s advancing technical capabilities.
The National Day vehicle showcase occurs as Vietnam continues expanding its automotive manufacturing sector. The country’s progression from a war-affected nation to producing vehicles meeting international defense standards represents significant industrial development within a relatively brief timeframe.
VinFast’s dual presentation of defensive and ceremonial vehicles indicates the company’s capacity to serve diverse market segments, from high-security applications to public service functions. The successful completion of both projects within National Day timeline requirements demonstrates operational efficiency and manufacturing flexibility.
The vehicles’ public debut during Vietnam’s most significant national celebration provides visibility for the country’s automotive ambitions on both domestic and international stages. The technical achievements and production capabilities displayed may influence Vietnam’s position in regional automotive manufacturing competition.