VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker, has been facing a series of challenges and controversies surrounding the quality and safety of its vehicles. Recently, Hazar Denli, an engineer who worked for Tata Technologies, a consulting firm that played a significant role in the chassis engineering of VinFast’s models, came forward with serious safety concerns.
Denli claimed that he was fired and blacklisted after expressing his worries about the inadequate suspension components of VinFast’s VF6, VF7, VF8, and VF9 models on a Reddit thread. According to Denli, during validation testing, certain parts showed premature wear and tear, which could potentially lead to a loss of control of the vehicles. He highlighted issues such as the front strut-to-knuckle connection loosening, posing a serious safety risk.
The situation escalated when JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) and Tata Group, along with VinFast, identified Denli as the source of the Reddit thread. Subsequently, Denli was terminated from his position and blacklisted in the industry’s recruiting software. This move raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of VinFast in addressing safety issues raised by its employees.
This controversy adds to the existing problems faced by VinFast, including an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into an accident involving a VinFast VF8 that resulted in a fatal crash. The allegations made by Denli align with previous reports of VinFast using police to silence critics, as seen in the case of Sonnie Tran, a Vietnamese blogger critical of the brand’s products.
Despite these challenges, VinFast continues to push forward with its plans to produce and export its models to new markets, including the U.S. by 2026. The brand recently launched the VinFast VF6 in European countries, further expanding its reach. However, with the growing number of complaints and safety concerns surrounding VinFast’s vehicles, it remains to be seen how the company will address these issues and regain consumer trust.
As Denli seeks legal recourse against JLR for his termination, the industry and consumers will be closely monitoring the developments in this ongoing controversy. The safety and quality of VinFast’s vehicles are crucial aspects that need to be addressed promptly to ensure the well-being of drivers and passengers. For further updates on this matter, readers can reach out to the author at kevin.williams@insideevs.com.