VinFast Pops (again), EV To Solve Affordability, Going To The Mall Is Back In Style

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Welcome to Wednesday as we shift gears into the last week of the month. Today, we’re talking about Vinfast’s continued market climb, the impact of EVs on new car affordability and how malls are back.

Show Notes with links:

• Just when we thought the valuation rollercoaster couldn't get any more wild, VinFast's shares stunned the market, more than doubling since their Wall Street debut. 
  • The spike comes on the heels of an announcement about South Korea's Star Group Industrial's plans for a new Vietnamese factory.
  • After its introduction to the market at $22 a share last week, the stock price reached $46.98, settling at $36.72 by market close. Marking a whopping $95 Billion Dollar valuation
  • VinFast's stock was prominently featured on Stocktwits' "Trending" list on Tuesday, indicating heightened interest from individual investors.
    
    
    
• A new study reveals a potentially surprising hero in the affordability challenge: EV leasing.
  • New research from Energy Innovation shows drivers can save over $400 monthly compared to traditional vehicles, thanks to government incentives and reduced fueling and maintenance costs. 
  • For instance, leasing a Tesla Model Y is around $425 cheaper per month than leasing a gasoline-fueled BMW X4. Similarly, leasing a Kia Niro EV saves about $367 per month compared to its gasoline version.
  • The $7500 IRA tax credit is the major contributor to lower payments and taxes paid
  • Even when the tax credit becomes unavailable in the future, leasing an EV is projected to remain a cost-effective choice. This is because EVs generally have lower fueling and maintenance expenses compared to gasoline vehicles. If gasoline prices rise, the cost advantage of EVs would further increase.

• If you thought malls are dying, think again. Contrary to popular belief, US malls are adapting, not dying, with many seeing higher occupancy and crowds than pre-pandemic.
  • Top-tier malls saw a 12% increase in foot traffic in 2022 compared to 2019, with an average leasing rate above 95%.
  • E-commerce growth complements brick-and-mortar retail; omnichannel marketing drives mall growth.
  • Gen Z, a crucial market segment, is reviving the mall experience, valuing sustainability and in-store luxury experiences.
  • The mall's evolution focuses on community, experience, and social aspects, with increased experiential tenants and emphasis on communal spaces.

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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