His appointment comes as VinFast announces plans to export its cars to the US and Europe.

VinFast’s export program initially targets the US, Canada, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The company owns the former Holden proving grounds at Lang Lang, southeast of Melbourne.

VinFast said Mr Lohscheller’s task will be to implement strategic initiatives to turn the car-maker into a global smart electric car company.

The vice chair of VinFast parent company Vingroup, Thuy Le, said Mr Lohscheller “will accelerate VinFast’s up and running global expansion”.

“Michael Lohscheller’s participation in VinFast’s senior management team reaffirms Vingroup’s long-term plan in attracting outstanding talents and acquiring management expertise from elite circles of the global automotive industry,” she said.

Mr Lohscheller gained leadership experience in finance, technology, purchasing and logistics. He has more than 20 years in the automotive industry and had senior roles including executive vice president and CFO at Mitsubishi Motors Europe before becoming Volkswagen Group of America executive vice president.

He then moved to Opel, where he was CEO for the past four years. During his leadership, Mr Lohscheller led the former General Motors subsidiary to sustainable profitability after decades of suffering losses and oversaw its transformation into an electrified car brand.

Mr Lohscheller said: “During my career, I have always been attracted by new challenges. When the opportunity came to join VinFast, I was immediately attracted because of the growth opportunities. I look forward to working with the leadership team to grow the company and establish it as a global smart electric car company.”

VinFast will launch three new electric SUVs – VF e34, VF e35 and VF e36 respectively occupying the small, medium and large segments – in Vietnam, North America and Europe in 2021 and 2022.

Michael Lohscheller

By Neil Dowling