Vehicle prices could see a major surge next year when the government abolishes the set reference price on imports.

Members of the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) reported a month-on-month increase in sales in February but the level is still gloomy.

Nguyen Huu Tin, Deputy Chairman of the People’s Committee in Ho Chi Minh City, on Monday listened to a report on implementing a toll fee on cars plying in the city centre, and instructed the Department of Transport to organise a public opinion poll.

In anticipation of high market demand, auto manufacturers and traders have been vying each other to open used car dealerships which offer better customer services than before.

Auto manufacturers and traders have opened more used car dealerships in anticipation of high market demand.

As part of their efforts to limit personal vehicle use, the Ho Chi Minh City Transport Department and the District 1 People’s Committee have drawn up a plan to use small-sized buses for passenger transport in the city downtown.

The 8th international exhibition on Vietnam Automobile, Motorbike Industry and Supporting Industry, Saigon Autotech & Accessories 2012, will be held from May 31st to June 3rd in Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC), at 799 Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, HCM City, by Asia Trade Fair and Business Promotion (Holdings) – ATFA and Chanchao International Limited Company (Chanchao).

Vietnam is estimated to import 2,300 completely built units (CBU) of cars in February 2012, the lowest level over 2 recent years, the local newspaper Vneconomy reported.

Vietnam’s automobile market has remained stagnant since the beginning of the year due to several reasons, including higher vehicle registration fees in large cities and provinces.

The Ministry of Finance has submitted a plan to increase fees for special-use vehicles and the new hi-tech driving licences.