Vietnam’s automotive sector is regaining momentum in early 2025, with rising vehicle sales and growing consumer confidence setting the stage for greater trade engagement. According to the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) through its Office of Commercial Affairs in Hanoi, the Vietnamese auto market is showing clear signs of recovery, offering promising export prospects—particularly for Thailand’s automotive industry.
April 2025 vehicle sales reached 29,585 units, representing a 21% increase year-on-year despite a minor 7% dip compared to March. This consistent upward trajectory highlights renewed consumer demand and a revitalized business environment that is supporting both local and international automotive trade flows.
One of the most significant trends supporting trade is the surge in imported vehicle sales. Imported (Completely Built-Up or CBU) vehicles rose by 7% from the previous month, reaching 15,695 units. This demand for foreign cars showcases Vietnam’s appetite for high-quality imports and points to increased trade opportunities for automotive exporters from Thailand and the region.
The cumulative vehicle sales from January to April 2025 reached 101,834 units, marking a 23% increase from the same period last year. Within this growth, passenger vehicle sales rose by 22%, commercial vehicles by 27%, and multi-purpose vehicles by an impressive 49%. Notably, imported vehicles grew by 35%, while domestically assembled vehicles saw a 13% increase—reinforcing the strong market for foreign-made vehicles.
Hybrid cars are also gaining popularity among Vietnamese consumers. April alone recorded 973 hybrid units sold, contributing to a total of 3,535 hybrid vehicles sold in the first four months of 2025—an 82% surge year-on-year. This trend reflects not only consumer interest in greener alternatives but also the effectiveness of government incentives promoting sustainable mobility.
Thailand, known as a major automotive hub in Southeast Asia, stands to benefit significantly from these developments. As demand grows for CBU vehicles, auto parts, accessories, and related services like repairs and maintenance, Thai businesses are well-positioned to expand their footprint in the Vietnamese market. Increasing purchasing power and the diversification of vehicle models offer even more room for trade and investment growth.
With SUVs continuing to dominate Vietnam’s vehicle preferences, followed by MPVs and sedans, there is strong potential for exporters to align offerings with local demand. Additionally, the recovery of the commercial vehicle segment—including pickups and small vans—signals opportunities in logistics and utility vehicle markets, particularly in rural and urban distribution.
Vietnam’s improving economy, paired with rising consumer spending, is expected to drive further growth throughout the second and third quarters of 2025. As automakers respond to changing preferences and environmental priorities, cross-border trade in automotive products is set to increase, offering a dynamic space for international cooperation.
The current market recovery offers a strategic window for Thai automotive exporters to scale their presence and tap into Vietnam’s evolving automotive ecosystem. With favorable trends in both economic conditions and consumer behavior, 2025 may mark a turning point for greater regional trade integration in the auto sector.
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