Influx of Chinese autos driving competition in Vietnam
VietNamNet – Local automobile manufacturers all say that they are worried about the overflow of Chinese cars into Vietnam, which, thanks to low prices, may dominate the market.
Though the Chinese Lifan 520 was introduced just a few days ago, auto salons planning to sell the new models are mushrooming in Mekong Delta provinces selling vans and pick-ups at prices just 50-60% of Hyundais or Isuzus. The new showrooms will be the main distributors the Chinese sedans.
Huynh Xuan Phong, Sales Director of Saigon Ford, said that the Chinese models appeal to Vietnamese customers for their low prices, but some are still worried about quality.
Tran Van Toi, Marketing Director of Mekong Auto, said that the Chinese models attract local customers for their diversity, and that many local models were out of reach for many due to their higher price.
Mr Toi added that the development of Chinese automobile industry has been worrying even the auto giants in the US and Europe. China has bought back the famous British Rover, exported cars to many countries in the world and made the products that can compete with world auto giants.
“Chinese cars will be the worrying competitive products, which should not be disregarded,” Mr Toi said.
Though still cautious about sales, dealers are moving ahead.
The newcomer on the domestic market has caused headaches for the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA), forcing them to re-think how they will compete without cutting prices.
Mr Toi said that VAMA is lobbying the Government for higher technical barriers on the Chinese imports, but pointed out that even that may not stop the flow.
VietNamNet – Local automobile manufacturers all say that they are worried about the overflow of Chinese cars into Vietnam, which, thanks to low prices, may dominate the market.
Though the Chinese Lifan 520 was introduced just a few days ago, auto salons planning to sell the new models are mushrooming in Mekong Delta provinces selling vans and pick-ups at prices just 50-60% of Hyundais or Isuzus. The new showrooms will be the main distributors the Chinese sedans.
Huynh Xuan Phong, Sales Director of Saigon Ford, said that the Chinese models appeal to Vietnamese customers for their low prices, but some are still worried about quality.
Tran Van Toi, Marketing Director of Mekong Auto, said that the Chinese models attract local customers for their diversity, and that many local models were out of reach for many due to their higher price.
Mr Toi added that the development of Chinese automobile industry has been worrying even the auto giants in the US and Europe. China has bought back the famous British Rover, exported cars to many countries in the world and made the products that can compete with world auto giants.
“Chinese cars will be the worrying competitive products, which should not be disregarded,” Mr Toi said.
Though still cautious about sales, dealers are moving ahead.

The newcomer on the domestic market has caused headaches for the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA), forcing them to re-think how they will compete without cutting prices.
Mr Toi said that VAMA is lobbying the Government for higher technical barriers on the Chinese imports, but pointed out that even that may not stop the flow.