The Tom Bush Family of Dealerships is approved to become a VinFast authorized dealer and service center in Jacksonville.
The Tom Bush company said VinFast Jacksonville is among the first dealerships in the U.S. as the Hai Phong, Vietnam-based electric vehicle manufacturer expands its presence in markets across North America.
Within 30 days, Tom Bush will have the five-passenger VinFast VF 8 in stock, said Megan Bush Del Pizzo, vice president of Tom Bush Family of Dealerships.
“By the end of the year, we will have seven-passenger VF 9 demos and two more vehicles will be released in the U.S. next year,” she said.
The VinFast EVs will be displayed in a former pre-owned vehicle showroom next to Tom Bush Volkswagen at 9850 Atlantic Blvd., near Atlantic Boulevard and Anniston Road.
One of the models expected to be available at dealers in 2025 will sell for less than $25,000, according to auto industry reports.
“The affordability side of EVs is what’s making mass adoption slow,” Del Pizzo said.
Having enough locations for charging an EV also has been a hindrance to mass adoption. Del Pizzo said Tom Bush is working with JEA to upgrade power supplies and infrastructure at its dealerships and “advance EVs in the Jacksonville market.”
The Tom Bush VinFast facility currently has Level 2 and Level 3 electric vehicle chargers available for complimentary charging.
VinFast also has Florida dealers in Gainesville, Winter Park, New Port Richey and Pensacola, according to vinfastauto.us.
The late Tom Bush Jr. opened a Volkswagen dealership in 1970. The family automotive group has since grown to offer Volkswagen, Mazda, BMW, Mini Cooper, pre-owned vehicles and a certified collision center now under the leadership of Tom’s son, John Bush.
Vice Presidents Brian Bush and Del Prizzo represent the fourth generation of the Bush family in the business.