Imported Cars Surge as Vietnam’s Auto Market Cools

After experiencing a significant increase in sales during March, Vietnam’s automobile market exhibited a slight decline in April, witnessing a 7% drop. Nonetheless, imported cars are still preferred over locally manufactured ones, indicating a growing inclination among consumers for foreign-made vehicles.

Data from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) reveals that its affiliates sold 29,585 vehicles in April 2025, which included 20,766 passenger cars, 8,619 commercial vehicles, and 200 specialized vehicles. Sales for both passenger and commercial vehicles saw a 7% decline compared to March, while sales of specialized vehicles increased by 11%.

From January to April, VAMA members registered sales of 101,834 vehicles, marking a notable 23% increase from the same timeframe in 2024. Sales of passenger cars grew by 22%, commercial vehicle sales rose by 27%, and specialized vehicle sales surged by 49% compared to last year.

Despite the growth overall, the figures for April indicate a slowdown following the highs of March, with ample supply still available.

Consumer preferences continue to favor imported vehicles. In April, sales of domestically produced cars dropped by 7% to 13,890 units, while 15,695 imported vehicles were sold, which also experienced a 7% decrease but remained higher.

In the first four months of 2025, imported car sales totaled 52,870 units, representing a significant 35% year-on-year increase. In contrast, domestic vehicle sales reached 48,964 units, reflecting a more modest increase of 13%.

This trend underscores a growing appeal for imported vehicles among Vietnamese consumers, even as local manufacturing expands.

According to Vietnam’s General Statistics Office, 56,563 new vehicles (including both domestic and imported) entered the market in April, which is a 4.8% increase from March. Domestic production hit 39,500 units, up 3.7% from March and 60% higher than the same time in 2024, making April the month with the highest production of 2025 thus far.

However, it’s important to note that VAMA’s statistics do not account for sales figures from VinFast and Hyundai, which are reported separately.

While demand appears to be leveling off in April, the consistent growth in vehicle supply indicates a well-stocked market as the year progresses. The disparity between imported and domestic vehicle sales continues to expand, reflecting the changing preferences of consumers in Vietnam’s evolving automotive sector.