Vietnamese Electric Vehicles Shine at Laos National Day Parade

On the morning of December 2nd, the celebration, military parade, and march commemorating the 50th National Day of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the 105th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane took place at Thatluang Square in Vientiane.

Leading the armed forces procession at the parade celebrating the 50th National Day of the Lao PDR was the VinFast VF 9, an electric vehicle model from Vietnam. Photo: Sonemanyla Vilaiphone.

As they watched the parade, tens of thousands of Lao citizens and Vietnamese residents in Vientiane were surprised to see the open-top Vietnamese electric vehicles—VinFast VF 9s—leading the armed forces into the square.

This marks the first time a Vietnamese vehicle has been used in a national-level event of another country, symbolizing the strong and enduring relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

Vietnamese electric vehicles at the 50th National Day celebration of the Lao PDR

The VF 9 models featured in Laos were customized to meet specific Lao requirements and standards, resulting in slight differences. Notably, the vehicles were painted black with white-rimmed tires. The front displayed the Lao national emblem, while the sides featured the Lao national flag and the flag of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

Every detail on the vehicles was meticulously adjusted to ensure safety and solemnity for the parade. Photo: Sonemanyla Vilaiphone

Technically, the open-top structure of the VF 9 used during this significant event was achieved by removing pillars B, C, D, and the connection between the roof and pillar A. The entire structure was then meticulously surface-treated to ensure precise assembly and optimal aesthetics. The interior was reupholstered with new leather and redesigned to fulfill its role as the lead vehicle. The vehicle’s electrical system was also enhanced for better waterproofing, ensuring stable operation in all weather conditions.

Images of the Vietnamese vehicles navigating through a sea of flags and flowers, witnessed by tens of thousands of Lao citizens and international guests, quickly spread on social media, evoking pride.

The sight of the “Made in Vietnam” electric vehicles amidst the flag-filled celebration deeply moved Vietnamese expatriates in Laos. Photo: Thống Nhất.

Vietnamese expatriates in Laos were visibly moved. “Seeing Vietnamese vehicles lead the procession at Laos’ national celebration felt both familiar and profoundly proud,” shared Mr. Nguyễn Sơn, an engineer working in Vientiane, after witnessing the “Made in Vietnam” vehicles pass the grandstand.

According to Mr. Sơn, Vietnamese electric vehicles have long been operational in Laos through the Xanh SM taxi service. However, seeing them at Thatluang Square amplified his pride in Vietnam’s industrial advancements, demonstrating the country’s capability to produce vehicles suitable for such significant national and international events.

“The selection of Vietnamese electric vehicles for such a momentous occasion highlights the trust and respect Laos places in Vietnamese products and ingenuity,” he remarked.

This marks the first time a Vietnamese vehicle model has been used in a national-level event of another country. Photo: Sonemanyla Vilaiphone

Previously, Vietnamese electric vehicles have served as lead vehicles in major events within Vietnam: the open-top VF 9 at the National Day parade on September 2nd and the 30th April celebration, the open-top VF 8 at the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, and the Lạc Hồng 900 LX, which honored international leaders during the 80th National Day celebration.

Selected as the lead vehicle for the 50th National Day of the Lao PDR and the 105th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane, VinFast electric vehicles continue to demonstrate their world-class quality and reliability. For many observers, this is a clear testament to Vietnam’s national strength on the global stage, marking a significant leap forward in science, technology, and industry.

Nhung Nguyễn (Tuoitrethudo)