The MPV segment recovered from its seasonal low during the seventh lunar month, with most models recording improved sales in September. Of the 11 models tracked, eight posted sales increases, with Honda BR-V, Toyota Alphard, Mitsubishi Xpander and KIA Carens all growing by more than 30 percent. Two models, Hyundai Custin and Toyota Avanza Premio, saw sales decline, while Innova Cross and Carnival remained virtually flat.

Combined sales of the 11 models reached 3,689 units in September, up 632 from 3,057 in August, equivalent to an increase of 20.7 percent. However, the recovery was uneven. Xpander retained the top spot, followed closely by Innova Cross, while Veloz Cross ranked third. At the lower end of the segment, Custin and Avanza Premio continued to record low sales, highlighting intensifying competitive pressure.

Mitsubishi Xpander

Mitsubishi Xpander continued to lead the MPV segment in September, selling 954 units, up 286 from August. The 42.8 percent increase indicates a significant recovery in demand following the seasonal slowdown. Xpander's year-to-date sales reached 10,496 units.

The model benefits from its positioning as a family vehicle, spacious interior and relatively accessible price. It regularly ranks among Vietnam's best-selling cars, giving it a broad customer base.

Toyota Innova Cross

Innova Cross sold 831 units in September, just two more than in the previous month, representing growth of 0.2 percent. It was the second-best-selling model in the group, but its increase was negligible. Sales in the first nine months of the year reached 5,082 units.

Compared with Xpander, Innova Cross occupies a higher price bracket and targets customers seeking a spacious family vehicle with modern features, including a hybrid version. Its stable sales indicate that it remains appealing to buyers, although it showed little momentum in September.

Toyota Veloz Cross

Veloz Cross sold 602 units, up 48 from August, or 8.7 percent. The MPV remained among the segment's stronger performers, competing directly with popular family vehicles such as Xpander. Its strengths include youthful styling, seven-seat capacity and features designed for family travel.

However, the sales gap with Xpander remained substantial: Veloz Cross sold 352 fewer units in September. Its cumulative sales for the first nine months reached 7,152 units, keeping it among the segment's notable choices.

KIA Carens

KIA Carens recorded sales of 363 units in September, up 92 from the previous month, or 33.9 percent. This represented a significant recovery, although its total remained below those of the segment's leading models. Carens benefits from its design, range of variants and suitability for family use.

However, it faces competition among price-sensitive buyers, a market segment in which Xpander and Veloz Cross have already established relatively strong positions. Carens' cumulative sales over the first nine months reached 3,536 units.

KIA Carnival

Carnival sold 258 units in September, up slightly from August by two units. This large MPV appeals to a different customer base from mainstream models, offering spacious interiors, comfort features and positioning aimed at affluent families and businesses.

However, its high price limits its potential customer base, making it harder to achieve sales volumes comparable to Xpander or Veloz Cross. Almost unchanged sales in September reflect relatively stable demand, but show no clear sign of growth. Carnival's sales totaled 3,289 units in the first nine months.

Honda BR-V

Honda BR-V was one of the segment's standout performers in terms of growth, selling 258 units in September, nearly double the 131 units sold in August. Its 96.9 percent increase was the highest growth rate among the models tracked, although its sales volume remained significantly below those of Xpander and Innova Cross. 

However, one month of strong growth is not enough to conclude that the model has changed its market position. Its cumulative sales for the first nine months reached 1,888 units.

Hyundai Stargazer: 200 units, up 30.7 percent

Stargazer sold 200 units in September, up 47 from the previous month, or 30.7 percent. Hyundai's MPV stands out for its features and distinctive design, but its sales remained modest compared with those of the leading competitors.

Intense competition in the segment, along with the popularity of models such as Xpander and Veloz Cross, has made it difficult for Stargazer to expand its market share. Nevertheless, September's increase indicates an improvement in sales. The model recorded 2,597 units in cumulative sales over the first nine months.

Hoang Hiep