In a significant rebound from an initially sluggish year, the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) reported a 24% surge in car sales in October, with a total of 37,910 vehicles sold. This increase reflects a revival in consumer demand coupled with an abundant supply, and is also attributed to the appeal of promotional programs during the year-end shopping season. The association, which comprises more than a dozen major auto companies, provided this information in its latest report.
October Sales in Detail
Breaking down the October sales, passenger cars dominated, with 27,246 units sold marking a 33% rise from September. Commercial vehicles also saw a boost, accounting for 10,162 units, a 6.6% increase. However, special-purpose vehicles experienced a slump in sales, dropping 15% to 502 units. Locally assembled vehicles saw a 19% increase in sales to 17,129, while imports, or completely built-up (CBU) units, witnessed a 28% surge with 20,781 units sold.
SUVs, sedans, and MPVs were the top selling segments, aligning with the urban mobility needs of consumers.
Factors Driving the Surge
Industry experts pin the October sales boom on a confluence of factors. Aggressive promotional campaigns, improved supply chains, more flexible consumer credit, lower interest rates, and rising urban demand all played a role. The launch of multiple new models from Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and European brands also fueled the increase in sales.
In the year to date, VAMA members have sold a total of 289,331 units, a 9.5% hike year-on-year. Sales of domestically assembled vehicles increased by 2%, while imports saw a significant 18% jump, indicating a growing consumer preference for imported vehicles with diverse designs and advanced technology.
VinFast’s Record Performance
However, it’s worth noting that these figures from VAMA may not fully represent the market, as the association does not include several major players such as VinFast and Hyundai, the two leading carmakers by market share in Vietnam, along with other brands like Audi, BYD, and Jaguar Land Rover.
VinFast, a local automaker, reported a record delivery of 20,380 electric vehicles in October, bringing its total for the first ten months of 2025 to 124,264 units, the highest ever for a Vietnamese automaker. This milestone solidifies VinFast’s leadership in the electric vehicle segment and underscores its significant contribution to the local automotive industry.
Looking Forward
Vietnam’s auto market is poised for a promising year-end, with the influx of new models, growing demand for imported cars, and VinFast’s record performance shaping a dynamic, competitive, and technology-driven industry landscape.
Questions & Answers
What were the factors driving the surge in October auto sales in Vietnam?
Promotional campaigns, improved supply chains, flexible consumer credit, lower interest rates, and rising urban demand, along with the launch of new models, primarily contributed to the surge.
Which was the top-selling vehicle type in October?
Passenger cars dominated the sales in October, registering a 33% rise from September.
What does VinFast’s record delivery of electric vehicles indicate?
VinFast’s record delivery underlines its leadership in the electric vehicle segment and marks a significant contribution to the Vietnamese automotive industry.
Source: retailnews