VinFast, an electric vehicle-only brand, achieved sales that accounted for approximately 40% of the overall automotive market share. This marks the highest figure ever recorded by an automaker in Vietnam over the past 30 years. In 2025, the Vietnamese manufacturer also led the industry in sales, holding nearly 29% of the market share.
VinFast's influence permeated Vietnam's automotive sector in early 2026, with its affordable vehicles, models targeting first-time buyers, and service-oriented offerings becoming top sellers in their respective segments. Following Quarter I, VinFast secured 5 spots among the top 10 best-selling car models. In March alone, the Vietnamese brand claimed 7 positions within the top 10 best-selling vehicles.
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The Limo Green, Vietnam's best-selling vehicle after Quarter I/2026, at VnMS 2025, an event organized by VnExpress, December 2025. Photo: Thanh Nhan |
The VF 3, VF 5, VF 6, Limo Green, and VF MPV 7 models recorded superior sales compared to their competitors, positioning VinFast significantly ahead of other brands like Toyota (16,885 vehicles) and Hyundai (13,498 vehicles). VinFast is not only leading the electric vehicle purchasing trend but also serves as a primary growth driver for the overall market.
By the end of Quarter I, Vietnam's entire automotive industry sold 162,039 vehicles, an increase of approximately 37% compared to the same period in 2025. March marked the first month the market regained sales growth momentum after two consecutive declines.
Similar to VinFast, most automotive brands in the market saw a sales rebound following the Lunar New Year holiday. Hyundai sold a total of three months, marking an increase of nearly 18% compared to the same period in 2025. The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association (VAMA) and importing companies reported similar results, with 94,857 vehicles sold, representing a 31% increase.
With the exception of Peugeot and Honda, all brands under VAMA experienced positive growth. Kia, a Korean brand that saw continuous sales declines in the two previous years, had a positive start to 2026, selling over 8,000 vehicles, an increase of 30% compared to the same period in 2025.
Various discount and promotional programs from automakers, including cash incentives, registration fee reductions, fuel vouchers, and accessories, helped the market recover purchasing power in March. This trend is consistent with the market's usual practice in the years following the Tet holiday break.
Experts predict that the automotive market in April will remain vibrant, as promotional activities continue steadily at dealerships. Many brands are organizing test drive events, reaching target customers nationwide. Additionally, numerous new vehicle models, encompassing both mass-market and luxury segments, which debuted in March, are scheduled for sale in April.
Thanh Nhan
