Across the entire segment, sales reached 48,700 vehicles by November, marking a 225% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is primarily attributed to the VinFast VF 5, with a smaller contribution from the new Suzuki Fronx. VinFast did not disclose VF 5 sales for the same period in 2024, making it impossible to measure its growth in 2025. Over the past 11 months, this pure electric vehicle has carved out its own market, selling over 38,400 vehicles – nearly four times the combined sales of all its competitors. The VinFast VF 5 appeals to a diverse range of users, including individual buyers and ride-hailing businesses. While its selling price is not the lowest, its on-road cost is significantly reduced thanks to a 100% registration fee exemption from the Government. Coupled with the company's free charging policy, the VF 5's sales have surpassed the rest of the market.

The Suzuki Fronx recorded its first sales in November with 116 vehicles, falling short of its average target of about 200 vehicles per month. This sales figure suggests a slow start for the Suzuki model in the entry-level car segment. Similar to its competitors, the Fronx has offered promotions for the past two consecutive months. In November, the highest discount of 60 million dong was applied to the mid-range GLX version. The other two versions received reductions of 26 million dong and 35 million dong, respectively. This move aims to stimulate demand for the Suzuki model amidst a sharp decline in consumer interest for gasoline-powered products in this segment.

Fronx during VnExpress's car test journey in November. Photo: Luong Dung

Sales of gasoline-powered models reached 10,222 vehicles by November, a 32% decrease compared to the same period last year, despite the addition of the new Suzuki model. The three main models in the segment – the Toyota Raize, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue – all experienced sales declines of 22%, 30%, and 48%, respectively. The market's increasing number of choices, especially pure electric vehicles priced around 500 million dong – the same range as existing gasoline-powered A+ CUVs – has shifted consumer buying trends. Extensive promotions for B-segment vehicles, with prices deeply undercutting the A+ segment, further fragment the market share of these models.

The Sonet remains a key product for Kia and leads the gasoline-powered A+ segment, but its market influence has significantly diminished. Compared to its best sales year (2023), Sonet's sales for the first 11 months of 2025 decreased by 52%. The Raize and Venue serve as additional options for Toyota and Hyundai. While not core products, their sales have consistently declined over the past two to three years.

Pham Trung