Hanoi, Vietnam | 6th September 2025: At the newly inaugurated Vietnam Exposition Center in Hanoi, visitors were greeted by a striking symbol of the nation’s progress—the Lac Hong 900 LX armored vehicle, its steel body still bearing the scars of rigorous ballistic testing. Displayed at the “80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness” exhibition, the vehicle commemorates Vietnam’s August Revolution of 1945 and the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1946. More importantly, it signals VinFast’s growing role as a national champion in both defense and automotive innovation.
VinFast Vehicles Take Center Stage at National Day Parade
Beyond the exhibition hall, another milestone was unfolding on Hanoi’s parade grounds. Specially customized, open-top VinFast VF 9 SUVs—built for ceremonial purposes—joined rehearsals for Vietnam’s September 2 National Day parade. Together, the Lac Hong 900 LX and the VF 9 parade fleet demonstrate VinFast’s versatility, with capabilities spanning from head-of-state protection to public ceremonial functions.
“This proves Vietnam is now among only 18 countries worldwide capable of producing vehicles under its own brand,” noted automotive analyst Dinh Van Nam.
Lac Hong 900 LX: Vietnam’s First Armored Vehicle to Achieve VPAM VR7 Standard
The Lac Hong 900 LX armored car is more than symbolic—it’s a technical achievement. Tested at the German Beschussamt Ulm center, the vehicle survived 440 rounds of live ammunition and 11 explosive blasts, meeting the prestigious VPAM VR7 ballistic standard required for presidential-level protection. This makes it the first Vietnamese-made car to achieve this certification.
The project was developed in partnership with INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing (Canada), combining global expertise with final assembly at VinFast’s Hai Phong plant. Distinctive Vietnamese touches include the gold-plated Lạc bird emblem, a bamboo-inspired grille, and interiors crafted with Golden Nanmu wood and Nappa leather, blending cultural heritage with modern engineering.
VinFast VF 9 Parade Edition: Flexibility in Production
For the 80th National Day celebrations, VinFast built four specially modified VF 9 SUVs at the request of the Ministry of Public Security. Modifications included:
- Open-top body design with pillars removed
- Redesigned grille and hood
- Refreshed premium leather interiors
- Custom electrical and ceremonial features
Each vehicle required nearly 2,400 hours of labor to complete.
In addition, VinFast delivered 12 VF 9s customized for Vietnam’s Traffic Police, featuring specialized sirens, flag mounts, and new ventilation designs. Each unit took 60–80 hours of engineering work, highlighting VinFast’s ability to rapidly meet government demands.
A Step Forward in Vietnam’s Automotive Industry
By achieving the VR7 safety certification and delivering custom fleets for defense, police, and state ceremonies, VinFast demonstrates not only technical excellence but also production agility—key qualities for winning international contracts.
As the Lac Hong 900 LX and VF 9 parade vehicles make their public debuts, they represent more than just cars. They are symbols of Vietnam’s industrial rise, proving the country’s capability to compete in the global automotive and defense sectors.
