Vietnam’s automotive market expanded by 31.1 per cent in the first half of 2026, recording the fastest growth among six major Southeast Asian markets. Rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and changing consumer preferences contributed to the increase, according to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a partner of TV BRICS.
Across Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore, combined vehicle sales reached approximately 1.76 million units during the period, an 11.1 per cent increase year-on-year.
Vietnam sold around 291,000 vehicles, up from approximately 222,000 in the first half of 2025. The increase of nearly 69,000 units accounted for almost 40 per cent of the total growth in vehicle sales across the six markets.
Vietnam ranked fourth in overall sales volume, behind Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. Indonesia recorded growth of 15.9 per cent, while Thailand’s market expanded by 15.1 per cent. Singapore reported an increase of 6.9 per cent and Malaysia 2.6 per cent.
Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming an increasingly important part of Vietnam’s automotive market. Hybrid vehicle sales rose by 83 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2026.