In March, sales reports from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association (VAMA) showed that the Yaris Cross was the best-selling gasoline and diesel vehicle in the domestic market, with 2,378 units delivered to users. In addition to the main gasoline-only version, the Japanese manufacturer recorded sales of 464 hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) units, an increase of more than 7 times compared to the previous month, placing it among the top 5 best-selling hybrid vehicles in the market.

Toyota stated that this marks the highest sales volume for the Yaris Cross HEV since its launch in Vietnam.

Yaris Cross HEV displayed at a Toyota dealership. Photo: Pham Anh

Nguyen Tuan Anh, sales manager at a Toyota dealership, said that previously, Yaris Cross buyers primarily chose the gasoline version, while hybrid buyers opted for models like the Corolla Cross or Innova Cross. "Since Tet (Lunar New Year), interest in the Yaris Cross HEV has risen due to reduced prices, registration fee incentives, and new after-sales policies from the manufacturer. These factors have boosted sales of this hybrid vehicle line," Tuan Anh added.

Supporting this, experts suggest that fluctuating gasoline prices and evolving consumer mindsets are also contributing factors to the surge in hybrid vehicle sales, particularly for the Yaris Cross HEV. According to VAMA statistics, 3,143 hybrid units were delivered to users in March, bringing the total accumulated sales for Quarter I to 5,125 vehicles, double the figure from the same period last year. VAMA also reported that Toyota continues to dominate the gasoline-electric hybrid market, holding a 70% market share.

The trend of choosing hybrid vehicles in Vietnam

More than 6 years since the first official HEV model arrived in the country, users now have a better understanding and experience of self-charging hybrid technology, as well as the value these vehicles offer.

Users learning about the Yaris Cross HEV at an event. Photo: TMV

According to Toyota Vietnam, compared to conventional gasoline cars, the company's self-charging hybrids can save more than 50% on fuel while also reducing environmental emissions. For instance, the gasoline Yaris Cross has a fuel consumption of 7,41 liters per 100 km. The HEV version's figure is 3,56 liters per 100 km.

Ms. Thu Huong (Ba Dinh ward), an accountant at a foreign company, shared that she drives herself to work every day, a route of about 20 km, navigating some of Hanoi's busiest streets. "Since switching to the Yaris Cross HEV, I save an average of 500,000 dong in gasoline costs each month," she stated. "The vehicle's warning and driver assistance features operate accurately and are easy to monitor. During traffic jams, the car's interior remains quiet thanks to the electric motor, creating a comfortable feeling and reducing stress during rush hour commutes."

According to the owner, the compact size of the Yaris Cross HEV also makes it easy to maneuver through crowded city streets, meeting the criteria for parking right in their home courtyard.

Yaris Cross HEV on city streets. Photo: TMV

Experts believe that fluctuating gasoline and oil prices will encourage users to explore fuel-efficient vehicles like hybrids. Additionally, the Yaris Cross HEV benefits from the Toyota brand's reputation for durable vehicles and high resale value. The manufacturer stated that it has never recorded any warranty cases related to the hybrid battery components of HEV models in the Vietnamese market. "Essentially, the cost of HEV maintenance milestones is similar to gasoline cars," a Toyota Vietnam representative said.

Currently, the selling price of the Yaris Cross HEV is close to that of the gasoline version, especially with the application of a 50% registration fee incentive from the manufacturer, along with an extended warranty of 10 years or 185,000 km, whichever comes first. For HEV models, Toyota Financial Services Vietnam offers preferential interest rates starting from 6,49% per annum for the first six months, applicable to installment buyers across its national dealership network.

Quang Anh