Vietnam’s car sales jump 20 per cent in May

Vietnam’s car sales for the period of January to May 2026 reached 125,405 units, 20 per cent higher compared to the same period last year.  

General overview 

Data from the Vietnamese Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA) revealed that its collective members’ year-to-date car sales amounted to 125,405 units in total. This figure is 20 per cent higher compared to the same period last year. Monthly sales increased as well with May sales amounting to 24,136 units, representing a 7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase. 

Out of May’s total sales, 15,968 units sold were passenger vehicles, which increased slightly by 4 per cent YoY. Commercial vehicles showed a similar increase of 5 per cent YoY with 6,483 units sold last month. Contrastingly, sales of special purpose vehicles decreased significantly from 61 units sold in May last year to just one in May 2025.  

A total of 14 battery electric vehicles (BEV) were sold last month, an improvement from none sold in May 2025. On the other hand, hybrid vehicles rose by 59 per cent YoY, selling 1,870 units in May 2026. 

Vehicle sales by type for May 2026 

Data taken from Vietnamese Automobile Manufacturers’ Association 

For year-to-date (YTD) sales, 84,740 passenger vehicles were sold from January to May. Commercial vehicles followed with 32,075 units sold. Sales of special purpose vehicles plummeted from 474 last year to just eight sold this year. BEVs and hybrids rose substantially by a staggering 80 per cent.  

Vehicle sales by type for the period of January – May 2026 

Data taken from Vietnamese Automobile Manufacturers’ Association 

For the first five months of the year, VAMA members’ sales reflected a shifting trend towards low-emission vehicles (hybrids and BEVs). This trend is largely helped by exemptions of vehicle registration for BEVs and a 30 per cent sales tax on hybrid vehicles.  

Sales by brand 

Data based exclusively on VAMA members’ sales reveal a general increase amongst car brands, with a few exceptions.  

Vehicle sales by brand for May 2026 

Data taken from Vietnamese Automobile Manufacturers’ Association 

In terms of monthly sales, Toyota sales only differ by 12 vehicles sold YoY. However, its monthly performance saw a decrease of 11 per cent compared to April 2026 despite acquiring 23.4 per cent of the market. Toyota fared better in YTD sales; from January to May 2026, the brand sold 28,916 vehicles in total, 25 per cent higher YoY. 

Contrastingly, Ford saw a decline of 14 per cent YoY but an increase of 22 per cent compared to the previous month. In May, the American brand took 14.5 per cent market share. In terms of YTD sales, Ford’s performance remained largely the same with only a 5 per cent increase. For the first five months of 2026, it sold 18,491 vehicles and took 14.7 per cent market share. 

The third-best performer of the month is Mitsubishi with sales of 3,111 in May. This figure marked a 43 per cent improvement YoY but a 10 per cent decline from April. The Japanese carmaker acquired 12.9 per cent of the market last month. YTD sales revealed Mitsubishi’s performance has improved markedly with 18,549 units sold so far this year, 52 per cent higher YoY.  

The total performance of Thaco brands (Kia, Mazda, Truck, Bus, Premium BMW+Mini) resulted in 7,425 units sold last month. Thaco Kia, Mazda, and Truck are the only Thaco brands to have entered Vietnam’s top 10 best-selling auto brands. Both Kia and Truck experienced increases in sales YoY, 35 per cent for the former and 12 per cent for the latter. On the other hand, Mazda’s sales saw a decline of 15 per cent YoY. 

Honda’s sales performance for May 2026 has improved compared to May 2025, increasing by 26 per cent. However, its YTD sales have totalled to 9,303 units, 4 per cent lower compared to the same period last year. 

Isuzu’s sales for May 2026 surpassed the 1,000-unit mark, improving by 14 per cent YoY. Sales for the first five months of the year saw an improvement of 18 per cent, increasing from 3,796 units to 4,485 units. 

Suzuki’s performance for May 2026 marked a 12 per cent improvement YoY. For its YTD sales, the company has sold 3,160 units overall, 36 per cent YoY. 

Lastly, Dothanh sold 317 units last month, 61 per cent up YoY. Its YTD sales are at 1,085 units with a 51 per cent increase from the same period last year. 

Did you find this article interesting? Click the ‘heart’ button above to give it a ‘like’!