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  • Vietnam’s Auto Market Zooms Ahead: 15% Hike in Sales with Hybrids and Imports in the Lead

    Vietnam’s Auto Market Zooms Ahead: 15% Hike in Sales with Hybrids and Imports in the Lead

    The Vietnamese auto market has witnessed a significant growth of 15% in sales during the first half of 2026, as compared to the same period last year. A substantial portion of this growth can be attributed to the robust sales of imported and hybrid vehicles. Cumulative sales during this period amounted to 149,761 vehicles, which presents an increase of 4% from the previous month with total sales reaching 31,104 vehicles, as per a report by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA).

    The Uneven Recovery of the Auto Market

    Despite the substantial growth, the auto market recovery in Vietnam appears to be inconsistent. When compared to June 2025, the sales for June 2026 reflect a decrease of approximately 2.7%. The first half of the year marked the sales of over 100,000 passenger cars, around 38,000 commercial vehicles, and nearly 10,865 hybrid vehicles, which witnessed a remarkable growth of 83% year-on-year.

    The surge in the sales of hybrid vehicles suggests a growing preference for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. VAMA reported the sale of 2,347 hybrid vehicles in June alone, marking an increase of 41% from the previous month and nearly double the sales in June 2025, making hybrid vehicles the most rapidly growing sector in the auto market.

    Competitive Landscape and Market Growth Prospects

    Among the brands under VAMA, Toyota secured the leading position with the sale of 6,494 vehicles in June, accounting for nearly 27% of the total sales. They were followed by Mitsubishi with 3,158 units sold, and then Ford with 2,741 units. Kia and Mazda, both distributed by THACO, sold 2,675 and 2,361 vehicles respectively, making it to the top five best-selling brands of June.

    The competition has been intensifying in the market, as reflected by the narrowing gap in sales among the leading brands. It spans across various segments including B-segment sedans, urban SUVs, MPVs, and pickup trucks.

    Industry experts anticipate that the positive performance in the first half of 2026 will lay a strong foundation for greater growth in the second half. Several automakers are planning to introduce new models, expand their hybrid and electric vehicle lineups, and implement promotional programs to boost demand.

    Given the competitive auto loan interest rates, stable supply of vehicles, and a diverse product range, Vietnam’s automotive market is likely to sustain its growth momentum for the rest of 2026. SUVs, MPVs, and hybrid vehicles are expected to continue to drive overall market sales.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the growth rate of sales in the Vietnamese auto market in the first half of 2026?
    The Vietnamese auto market recorded a growth rate of 15% in sales in the first half of 2026.

    Which are the top-performing vehicle brands in June 2026?
    Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, Kia, and Mazda were the top-performing vehicle brands in June 2026.

    What type of vehicles are expected to drive overall market sales for the rest of 2026?
    SUVs, MPVs, and hybrid vehicles are expected to be the key drivers of overall market sales for the rest of 2026.

  • Google Meet Zooms onto CarPlay: A Hands-Free Meeting Revolution Android Auto Can’t Join Yet

    Google Meet Zooms onto CarPlay: A Hands-Free Meeting Revolution Android Auto Can’t Join Yet

    Google has recently introduced its video meeting application to automobile dashboards, enhancing the in-vehicle experience for iPhone users. Now, through CarPlay, drivers can join Google Meet calls hands-free while commuting. However, it’s worth mentioning that this feature is not yet available for Android Auto users.

    Google Meet on CarPlay: An Audio-Only Experience

    Google has officially confirmed that Google Meet is now accessible on Apple CarPlay. The feature was launched on March 23rd and is expected to be available to all users within a fortnight.

    The operation is simple and user-friendly. Upon connecting your iPhone to a CarPlay-compatible vehicle, the Google Meet application automatically appears on your vehicle’s display. Users can view their upcoming meetings and join them with a single click, enjoying an audio-only call experience.

    By design, there is no video functionality in this setting. The camera remains off, and users will not see other participants’ video feeds. The interface is simplified to only include two buttons—one to mute the call and another to leave the meeting. For a comprehensive meeting experience, users are advised to park their vehicle and switch to their phones.

    A minor setback for Google is the lack of this feature for Android Auto users. The company has confirmed that an Android Auto version of Google Meet is underway but has provided no further details regarding its release.

    Significance for Commuters

    This new feature holds significant potential for millions of individuals who use Google Meet for work. Commuters with tight schedules no longer need struggle with their phones to join meetings. The real advantage lies in the calendar integration, which presents upcoming meetings directly on the vehicle’s display.

    This development aligns well with the broader evolution of CarPlay. As Apple continues to enhance the capabilities of CarPlay, the presence of Google applications on this platform bolsters its appeal and functionality.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new Google Meet feature on Apple CarPlay?
    Google Meet is now accessible on Apple CarPlay, allowing users to join meetings with a single click and engage in audio-only calls.

    Is the Google Meet feature available for Android Auto users?
    Currently, the Google Meet feature is not available for Android Auto users. However, Google has confirmed that it is working on a version for Android Auto.

    What are the benefits of Google Meet’s integration with Apple CarPlay?
    The integration of Google Meet with Apple CarPlay simplifies the process of joining meetings for commuters. The calendar integration feature, which displays upcoming meetings on the vehicle’s screen, is particularly beneficial for users with busy schedules.

  • Vietnam’s Auto Market Zooms Ahead: 24% Sales Growth in October Fueled by Promotions & EV Surge

    Vietnam’s Auto Market Zooms Ahead: 24% Sales Growth in October Fueled by Promotions & EV Surge

    In a significant rebound from an initially sluggish year, the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) reported a 24% surge in car sales in October, with a total of 37,910 vehicles sold. This increase reflects a revival in consumer demand coupled with an abundant supply, and is also attributed to the appeal of promotional programs during the year-end shopping season. The association, which comprises more than a dozen major auto companies, provided this information in its latest report.

    October Sales in Detail

    Breaking down the October sales, passenger cars dominated, with 27,246 units sold marking a 33% rise from September. Commercial vehicles also saw a boost, accounting for 10,162 units, a 6.6% increase. However, special-purpose vehicles experienced a slump in sales, dropping 15% to 502 units. Locally assembled vehicles saw a 19% increase in sales to 17,129, while imports, or completely built-up (CBU) units, witnessed a 28% surge with 20,781 units sold.

    SUVs, sedans, and MPVs were the top selling segments, aligning with the urban mobility needs of consumers.

    Factors Driving the Surge

    Industry experts pin the October sales boom on a confluence of factors. Aggressive promotional campaigns, improved supply chains, more flexible consumer credit, lower interest rates, and rising urban demand all played a role. The launch of multiple new models from Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and European brands also fueled the increase in sales.

    In the year to date, VAMA members have sold a total of 289,331 units, a 9.5% hike year-on-year. Sales of domestically assembled vehicles increased by 2%, while imports saw a significant 18% jump, indicating a growing consumer preference for imported vehicles with diverse designs and advanced technology.

    VinFast’s Record Performance

    However, it’s worth noting that these figures from VAMA may not fully represent the market, as the association does not include several major players such as VinFast and Hyundai, the two leading carmakers by market share in Vietnam, along with other brands like Audi, BYD, and Jaguar Land Rover.

    VinFast, a local automaker, reported a record delivery of 20,380 electric vehicles in October, bringing its total for the first ten months of 2025 to 124,264 units, the highest ever for a Vietnamese automaker. This milestone solidifies VinFast’s leadership in the electric vehicle segment and underscores its significant contribution to the local automotive industry.

    Looking Forward

    Vietnam’s auto market is poised for a promising year-end, with the influx of new models, growing demand for imported cars, and VinFast’s record performance shaping a dynamic, competitive, and technology-driven industry landscape.

    Questions & Answers

    What were the factors driving the surge in October auto sales in Vietnam?
    Promotional campaigns, improved supply chains, flexible consumer credit, lower interest rates, and rising urban demand, along with the launch of new models, primarily contributed to the surge.

    Which was the top-selling vehicle type in October?
    Passenger cars dominated the sales in October, registering a 33% rise from September.

    What does VinFast’s record delivery of electric vehicles indicate?
    VinFast’s record delivery underlines its leadership in the electric vehicle segment and marks a significant contribution to the Vietnamese automotive industry.