shanghai launch automotive technology co designs vinfast car?
Yes,
Shanghai Launch Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. (also known as
Longchuang Design) played a significant role in the development of several VinFast models.
While VinFast often highlights its collaborations with famous Italian design houses like Pininfarina and Torino Design, technical records and industry reports show that Shanghai Launch provided extensive
turnkey R&D services for specific vehicles.
Key Details of the Partnership:
- Target Models: Shanghai Launch is most notably linked to the development of the VF e34 and VF 5.
- Scope of Work: Their involvement went beyond just "styling." They provided full vehicle engineering, including:
- Styling and body design.
- Chassis and electrical system engineering.
- Prototype production and validation.
- Vehicle integration and tooling fixtures.
- The "Turnkey" Claim: In its own corporate milestones, Shanghai Launch credits itself with helping VinFast build a modern EV industry from scratch, specifically referencing the VF e34 project as a major success for a Chinese independent design firm winning an international contract.
The Branding vs. Reality Context
There has been some discussion in automotive circles regarding how these cars were marketed. VinFast officially stated at events like CES 2022 that the VF 5, VF 6, and VF 7 were designed by Pininfarina and Torino Design. However, regulatory filings and industry news (such as reports from
Yicai Global) confirm that Shanghai Launch was the outsourced partner responsible for much of the heavy lifting in the engineering and physical development of the
VF e34 and
VF 5.
In short:
Torino Design often provided the initial aesthetic concepts (the "look"), while
Shanghai Launch executed the technical engineering and manufacturing preparation to bring the cars to life.