Local carmakers see sales bump

Local car manufacturers sold 9,386 units in May, up 7 per cent over the same period last year, according to the Association of Viet Nam Automobile Manufacturers (VAMA).

Multi-use vehicles enjoyed the strongest growth, with 1,846 units sold, up 24 per cent. Manufacturers also sold 5,202 commercial vehicles, representing a 9 per cent rise.

According to VAMA, the best-selling models in May included GM Daewoo’s new Cruze, Gentra, and Spark LT, and two Mercedes Benz models, the C250 CGI and the E250 CGI.

Toyota sold 404 Corrolla Atils, 400 Vios, and 134 Camry’s. Ford sold 107 of its Focus model and Honda sold 103 Civics.

Only 2,338 travel automobiles were sold in May, 45 units fewer than in April, representing a 6 per cent decrease against the same period last year, VAMA reported.

Honda passenger car sales dropped 23 per cent, Ford fell 7 per cent and GM Daewoo broke even. Mercedes Benz increased sales by 14 per cent from a year ago and Toyota enjoyed 2 per cent growth in the passenger market.

Total sales by local car manufacturers in the first five months rose by 5 per cent over the same period last year.