Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast has announced its pioneering collaboration with Sony, making it the first automaker to offer drivers access to Sony’s new RIDEVU in-car streaming service. This exclusive feature will be available to VF 8 customers in the United States, providing access to Sony’s vast library of over 2,000 movies, with options to rent and purchase premium content.
The VF 8, VinFast’s flagship EV, made its debut in the US market two years ago as a 2023 model. Despite encountering initial software challenges, VinFast has persevered, aiming to increase its presence on American roads by stimulating demand and expanding its dealer network.
VinFast has prioritized enhancing its vehicles to attract potential US customers, with entertainment being a key focus. Today, the automaker revealed that the VF 8 will incorporate Sony’s new streaming service, RIDEVU, marking a world-first for an EV.
According to a VinFast press release, both new and existing customers can access Sony’s RIDEVU service as part of the automaker’s VF Connect Prime package. Customers with the package can easily add RIDEVU through an over-the-air (OTA) update.
RIDEVU, developed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, offers a dynamic streaming platform with a library of over 2,000 movie titles that are regularly updated, providing unlimited replays of up to 100 movies. Additionally, VF 8 drivers will have the opportunity to access premium titles directly through the app by redeeming credits, renting, or purchasing movies outright.
David Duncan, VinFast US’ vice president of sales and marketing, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Sony:
“We are thrilled to be the world’s first automobile manufacturer to officially launch RIDEVU, offering an engaging entertainment experience for our U.S. customers. I believe that as a smart and green mobility solution, the VinFast VF 8 will deliver a convenient and enjoyable experience to customers wherever their journey takes them.”
Sony RIDEVU allows synchronization and streaming across multiple screens, including in-car displays in the VinFast VF 8 and handheld devices. A Screen Manager feature enables owners to control playback on all connected displays from the EV’s center screen in the dashboard.
To ensure safety, VinFast drivers and passengers can only view Sony RIDEVU content on the center display while the EV is parked. However, passengers can watch movies on their mobile devices using the RIDEVU Companion app while the vehicle is in motion. Sony RIDEVU is compatible with Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV, and Linux.
The VinFast VF 8, now featuring Sony RIDEVU, is available for sale in the US, primarily in California, with a starting MSRP of $47,200.
