Integrating advanced AI and XR tech
Vietnam’s electric vehicle maker VinFast has launched a new digital car-buying experience in the Middle East through a partnership with Metadome.ai, a company specialising in artificial intelligence and extended reality technologies.
The collaboration aims to transform the way consumers in the region explore and purchase electric vehicles (EVs) by offering an immersive online platform.
The new interface enables users to interact with realistic 3D models of VinFast vehicles, including the all-new all-wheel-drive VF8 compact SUV, through their mobile devices, desktop browsers, and showroom installations.
The experience is now live on VinFast’s Middle East website (see here https://me.vinfast.com/en/vf8), marking a shift away from traditional dealership-first strategies in the region.
Users can browse, customise, and compare vehicles virtually, with cutting-edge technology that enables real-time adjustments to features such as colour, trims, and design elements. The initiative comes as digital car shopping gains traction in Gulf markets, particularly among younger, tech-savvy buyers.
AI and XR integration
Shorya Mahajan, Co-Founder and COO of Metadome.ai, said: “We have always believed in using technology to make experiences more real-life and human. Using our AI, XR, and real-time 3D technologies, we aim to bring products like VinFast’s EV models to life, creating an experience that feels real, intuitive, and immersive.
“When a customer explores a car using our technology, it is not just about the visuals; we want them to feel a connection so they can see it, feel it, customise it, and interact with it like it is right in front of them.
“What distinguishes us is that whether people are using their phone, laptop, or in a showroom, this experience can easily fit into people’s lives. Together with VinFast, we aim to reimagine the car-buying experience, making it smarter and more seamless,” Mahajan added.
Do Hoai Linh, Middle East CEO of VinFast, stated: “Purchasing a car is no longer just an in-showroom experience—it begins the moment curiosity strikes. With Metadome.ai, we are making that very first moment smarter, more interactive, and more accessible. It is not about complicating the process with technology; it is about simplifying the journey and empowering customers to explore on their terms.”
Enhancing CX
The platform includes several digital tools designed to enhance the online retail experience. A 3D configurator enables users to rotate vehicles in a 360-degree view and apply feature changes in real-time.
A comparison tool enables side-by-side analysis of different VinFast models, including performance and pricing. There is also a presentation module that helps sales teams conduct virtual or in-person demonstrations using the same interface.
Metadome.ai utilises advanced rendering software to accurately replicate fine details, including surface finishes, lighting effects, and interior materials of VinFast’s vehicles.
This visual fidelity, the company says, improves customer understanding of the product and reduces the need for multiple visits to VinFast’s showrooms. Early data from pilot testing suggests that user engagement on the platform is significantly higher than on conventional auto retail websites, with visitors spending more time configuring vehicles and requesting follow-up information.
The initiative aligns with broader industry trends as automakers look to integrate digital and physical retail strategies. Several global car brands are adopting similar tools to streamline sales, reduce operational costs, and cater to customers who expect seamless digital experiences.
Middle East scenario
The Middle East is becoming a key growth market for EV adoption, with governments across the region investing in charging infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.
The UAE, in particular, has introduced incentives to encourage EV ownership, while Saudi Arabia has made clean transport central to its Vision 2030 plan. VinFast, a relatively new entrant to the global EV market, sees the region as an essential testbed for its digital-first strategy.
VinFast’s move follows similar efforts by other auto manufacturers to digitalise retail operations in emerging markets. Metadome.ai, which has also partnered with major global automotive brands including Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Mahindra, and Lexus, is positioning itself as a key player in the automotive tech space.
VinFast and Metadome.ai confirmed to Middle East News 247 that the partnership would extend beyond retail into areas like product design and training. The firms are also exploring how AI-powered platforms can assist with internal team education and vehicle development processes.
The partnership reflects a broader shift within the automotive industry as it adapts to digital consumer behaviour and seeks efficiencies through technology. If the Middle East rollout proves successful, the model could be scaled to other international markets.
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Vingroup JSC—one of Vietnam’s largest multi-sector conglomerates—is a dedicated EV manufacturer committed to accelerating the global transition to sustainable mobility.
Its portfolio features a diverse range of electric SUVs, electric scooters, and electric buses. As part of its growth strategy, VinFast is rapidly expanding its global footprint by increasing its distribution and dealership networks, while also ramping up its manufacturing capabilities.
The company is prioritising key international markets in the Middle East, North America, Europe, and Asia to drive its next phase of growth and market penetration.
Metadome.ai is pioneering the future of digital interaction by seamlessly integrating 3D, AR, VR, and AI technologies into immersive, high-fidelity experiences. These innovations empower brands to transform the online shopping journey, enabling customers to visualise, explore, and evaluate products virtually, anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
With operations in Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, Metadome.ai is experiencing rapid growth. The company has secured $11.5 million in funding from top-tier investors, fuelling its growth in next-generation XR commerce experiences.
VinFast currently has local dealerships in the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, and plans to appoint new ones in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Image: The new interface enables users to interact with life-size 3D models of VinFast vehicles, including the all-new all-wheel-drive VF8 compact SUV, through their mobile devices, desktop browsers, and showroom installations. Credit: VinFast
