FYI: Former Tata Technologies engineer raises serious safety concerns about VinFast’s latest models.
VinFast Under Scrutiny: Safety Concerns and Alleged Corporate Retaliation
VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker already grappling with unfavorable car reviews and low sales, is now under the spotlight for a different reason. Hazar Denli, a key engineer on VinFast’s recent models, claims that he was dismissed and blacklisted after voicing serious safety concerns about the company’s product lineup. Denli, who was employed by Tata Technologies, a renowned consulting firm, expressed his worries about the quality and durability of VinFast’s suspension components in a Reddit discussion.
Red Flags in Engineering Practices
Denli’s concerns are rooted in his observations that VinFast’s development might have been rushed, compromising essential safety features. His specific allegations include rapid wear and tear on the suspension parts, notably for the VF6 and VF7 crossover models. Denli noted that during validation testing, components wore out up to five times faster than industry standards, with some only lasting a mere 15,000 miles instead of the expected 95,000 miles. He stressed that such premature wear could cause dangerous vehicle malfunctions like wheel detachment.
Safety and Corporate Ethics in Question
The engineer further alleged that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Tata Group, VinFast’s chassis engineering partner, collaborated to identify him as the source of the Reddit post. Following this revelation, Denli was fired and found himself blacklisted within an industry recruitment platform, according to BBC reports. Notably, the public records from VinFast’s IPO highlight that Tata Technologies has been involved in the chassis engineering across various models, barring the VF3 and VF5.
Accident Investigation Heightens Concerns
Concerns regarding VinFast’s product safety are heating up, particularly after a tragic incident involving a VF8 model. The car reportedly struck a tree and burst into flames, leading to the loss of a family of four, prompting an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These circumstances echo earlier reports involving Sonnie Tran, a Vietnamese blogger allegedly targeted by VinFast for his critiques, reportedly resulting in police harassment and threats.
VinFast’s Global Aspirations Amid Controversy
Despite these alarming issues, VinFast remains intent on expanding its market footprint. The VF6 model has recently been launched in select European countries, with plans for U.S. market entry by 2026. Meanwhile, the VF8 has attracted 28 complaints, underscoring the growing apprehension about its reliability.
Looking Ahead
As the saga unfolds, it is set to test not only VinFast’s engineering integrity but also its corporate ethics and response to criticism. As Denli pursues an employment tribunal against JLR, he stands firm in his defense that he acted solely out of concern for public safety.
In this continuously evolving narrative, questions about accountability in the automotive industry take on added weight. Stay informed with us at tips@automotive.fyi or follow our insights on Twitter @automotivefyi.
By William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
