|
Car sales increase with Toyota leading the pack
Car sales reached 10,839 in July – the first time this year they have risen against the same period in 2008 – according to the Viet Nam Automobile Manufacturers Association.
"In July, the total volume of VAMA members’ sales increased by 26 per cent over same month last year," the association said.
For the first six months of this year, car sales showed negative growth.
In April, May and June 2009, car sales decreased significantly in comparison with the same period in 2008, falling by 42 per cent, 24 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively.
In July, the northern region bought the largest number of cars, with 4,671 units sold. In the southern region, 4,488 units were sold, while 1,680 units were sold in the central region.
Passenger car sales saw the greatest increase, up 41 per cent over the same period last year. Commercial models rose 35 per cent year-on-year.
However, special-purpose vehicle sales were down on last year.
"This month, the SUV/MPV (sport utility vehicle/multi-purpose vehicle) segment decreased by 2 per cent," VAMA said.
Ten VAMA members out of a total of 16 reported that sales were satisfactory in July.
The VMC is the leading manufacturer in terms of sales growth, selling 145 units last month – a growth rate of 263 per cent over July 2008.
The growth rate for popular brands such as Toyota, Ford and GM Daewoo were 14 per cent, 27 per cent and 87 per cent, respectively.
Toyota was still the favourite brand, with 2,786 units sold – an increase of 25.7 per cent over June.
There were 1,358 units of GM Daewoo sold, while Ford Viet Nam sold 582 cars.
Meanwhile, well-known brands Mercedes Benz and Honda showed negative growth. Sales decreased in comparison with the same period in 2008 by 4 and 53 per cent, respectively.
The automobile market, which has suffered from the economic downturn and changes in tax policies, has improved since the Government-initiated demand stimulus package kicked off.
The stimulus package included a 50-per cent reduction in the ownership registration tax on models with fewer than 10 seats.
Although showing positive growth in July, the auto industry still saw a decrease in sales in the first seven months of the year over the same period in 2008.
vietnamnews
|
