Vietnam's homegrown EV, VinFast VF8, is the country's best-selling car in May 2023

Vietnam’s automotive industry is not the most established in Southeast Asia compared to Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. However, it has been accelerating in the past decade by attracting brands like Hyundai and Kia as well as having its own homegrown carmaker, VinFast.

According to the latest sales data, the best-selling car in Vietnam in May 2023 is the VinFast VF8 which saw plenty of buzz over in the United States, for mostly the wrong reasons. In its home market though, the electric SUV has been accepted by Vietnamese buyers who propel it to the number one spot with 1,274 units.

The 5-year-old carmaker completely revamped its line-up by offering only electric vehicles (EVs) since making the announcement at CES 2022. It stopped producing and selling internal combustion engine (ICE) models which were based on the F15 BMW X5, F10 BMW 5 Series, and Opel Karl at the end of 2022.

Also read: From Vietnam to USA in 4 years, VinFast makes its debut there with 5 EVs

The latest sales data also showed that VinFast had two of its models in the top 10. Alongside the VF8, the smaller VF e34 took the fifth spot with 960 units sold in May 2023. The VF e34 was the best-selling car in Vietnam in April 2023 (2,332 units) with a huge gap between it and the second-place Ford Ranger (1,427 units).

Also read: Vietnam’s first EV – VinFast VF e34 goes on sale, RM 125k but batteries not included

Back to the May data and between the two VinFast models are the Mitsubishi Xpander in second (1,171 units), followed by the Honda City (1,035 units), and the Toyota Corolla Cross (1,014 units) in third and fourth respectively.

The Ford Ranger continues to hold on to its title as Vietnam’s best-selling pick-up truck with 932 units sold in May 2023 and placed 6th overall that month. Its SUV twin, the Ford Everest also sold very well in May, placing tenth with 635 units.

Also read: Toyota Hilux is always No.1? Here are countries where it's not

Meanwhile, the Toyota Vios which was a best-seller in Vietnam at one point slumped to 12th place with 586 units sold. It is no longer the preferred sedan choice in the country as it’s a battle between the Honda City and the Hyundai Accent.

Vietnam’s monthly sales data always see plenty of changes on which car takes the number one spot. With a homegrown EV reaching the top spot two months in a row, perhaps Vietnam’s automotive industry will eventually catch up to Malaysia and overtake it soon.

Also read: How many years before Vietnam overtakes Malaysia’s car industry? About 10