VietNamNet Bridge – Analysts believe that not many super-cars would be imported to Vietnam in 2013, because a lot of barriers have been installed which would block the way of the cars to Vietnam.

Despite the big economic difficulties, super cars still flowed to Vietnam in masses. The information that Bugatti Veyron, Rolls-Royce Phantom, or Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 were ordered by some millionaires stirred up the public.

However, analysts believe that the millionaires’ luxurious hobby of collecting super cars is one the wane. Meanwhile, they have warned that the technical barriers installed would make it more difficult for super cars to arrive in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, super cars have been imported mostly through the diplomatic channel, or carried to Vietnam by Viet Kieu (overseas Vietnamese) who return to the homeland. In general, car buyers like to see the cars to be brought through the diplomatic channel, because this helps them avoid big sums of tax.

This explains why only one out of the 56 Rolls Royces present in Vietnam so far was imported directly from the manufacturer. Meanwhile, the other 55 cars went to Vietnam as used cars, Viet Kieu’s cars or as the cars serving the diplomatic purposes.

However, the Decision No. 5737 issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in late October 2012 would put an end to the import of super cars under the mode of temporary import for re-export later.

The legal document stipulates that the goods belonging to group 8703, including the cars and motor vehicles designed to carry people are prohibited to be temporarily imported for re-export later.

The same fate has been projected for the super cars to be imported as the cars of Viet Kieu. The HCM City Customs Agency has suggested taxing Viet Kieu’s cars, while sources said it is very likely that the suggested plan would be approved in 2013.

As such, the two major ways through which super cars are carried to Vietnam would be locked. Players would have to spend huge sums of money to import cars through official channel, if they still want to possess super cars.

Meanwhile, analysts believe that no “big players” would be rich enough to be ready to spend so much money to possess super cars. A lot of big businessmen have fallen into difficulties in the context of the economic downturn.

Analysts have noted that no more super car has arrived in Vietnam after a couple of Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4’s arrived in June 2012.

In January 2012, an Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro docked a Vietnam’s port to the order of a big Vietnamese businessman, who decided to award himself on the occasion of the new lunar year 2012.

Meanwhile, there has been only a piece of noteworthy information that a Caparo T1 would arrive in HCM City on January 12, 2013. However, the car was not ordered by any big guy, and it appears in HCM City just to attend an event.

The enterprises specializing in importing cars have been nearly at the point of death.

“Seven out of every 10 car importers have been dead, two are nearly dying, and only one still nurses its hope,” said the owner of a car showroom.

The super cars, which were once the dream of many people, like Audi R8, Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo or Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 have been lying at the showrooms for a long time, because there has been no buyer.

A Ferrari 458 Italia was imported at nearly VND10 billion, but it has not been sold over the last year, even though the owner has offered the price discount of VND2 billion.

Kham Pha