September auto sales hits 6-month high

1 min readUpdated May 30, 2025Oct 16, 20236:10 AM

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Vietnam’s auto sales in September hit their highest peak since March, totaling 25,375 units, demonstrating a slight increase in demand.

But the figure for the period is still a 24% year-on-year drop, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA).

In the first nine months sales dropped 29% year-on-year to 209,929 units.

Truong Hai Auto Corporation (Thaco) sold more cars here than any other firm, totaling 67,228 units in the period, down 34% year-on-year.

Toyota followed with 38,490 units, down 40%.

Ford bucked the trend with 71% growth to 26,484 units.

Mitsubishi and Honda rounded out the top five.

Industry insiders said that the rise in September sales came as a batch of new models were released in August and many dealers offered large promotions to boost demand.

Customers also want to take advantage of a reduction in registration fee, which will only last until the end of the year.

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What this means

The September surge, while positive, masks underlying market fragility; the overall 29% nine-month sales drop indicates significant headwinds remain. Ford's exceptional growth contrasts sharply with competitors, highlighting the power of strategic product launches and targeted incentives. This dynamic suggests that agility and customer-centric offerings are crucial in challenging Asian markets, akin to Panpuri's strategic expansion or Alo Yoga's market entry. The impending expiration of registration fee reductions creates a precarious outlook for December, potentially leading to a sharp sales contraction into Q1. The next key indicator will be October's sales figures, revealing if September's momentum can be sustained without artificial boosts.

Wei Zhang · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What contributed to the increase in auto sales during September?

Industry insiders attributed the rise in September sales to two main factors: the release of new models in August and various promotions offered by dealers. Also, customers were eager to benefit from a temporary reduction in the registration fee.

Which car manufacturer saw the most significant growth in sales compared to the previous year?

Ford notably bucked the general trend among manufacturers. The company experienced a substantial 71% growth in sales, reaching 26,484 units, which is a significant increase compared to other major players in the market.

What is the overall year-on-year trend for auto sales in Vietnam up to September?

Despite September's slight increase, the overall trend for the first nine months of the year shows a significant decline. Sales dropped by 29% year-on-year, totalling 209,929 units, indicating a challenging period for the industry.

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