According to a recent report by the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, an estimated 70,806 new cars were added to the Vietnamese market in January 2026. This figure includes both locally produced and imported vehicles and reflects a 2% increase compared to December 2025’s total of 69,407 units.

Of that total, domestic production accounted for approximately 56,200 vehicles - up 2.7% from December and a staggering 48.5% higher than January 2025. This surge sets a new production benchmark for the country’s auto industry and highlights the commitment of Vietnamese manufacturers to start the year strong.

In contrast, imports saw a slight dip. An estimated 14,606 completely built units (CBUs) were brought into Vietnam last month, valued at $385 million. This marks a marginal decrease of 0.7% in volume and 5.2% in value compared to December 2025, when 14,707 vehicles worth $406.4 million were imported, according to Vietnam Customs.

However, compared to January 2025, the number of imported vehicles more than doubled - rising 104% in volume and 140% in value. This suggests that importers are not only bringing in more vehicles but are also shifting toward higher-value models, moving away from lower-end, budget segments.

The Vietnamese car market is currently experiencing its most active phase of the year as the Lunar New Year approaches. Transaction volumes are soaring, and an unprecedented wave of discounts and promotions is sweeping across all segments - from entry-level vehicles to luxury models - making car prices more attractive than ever.

Experts predict that the abundant supply of new vehicles could trigger further price cuts after the Tet holiday, as demand typically cools in the following months.

Hoang Hiep