Vietnam International Motor Show set to open

                                                         Photo: VnEconomy

150 models from 18 brands on display from October 26 - 30 in HCMC.

The Vietnam International Motor Show 2016 (VIMS 2016) will be held at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City from October 26 to 30.

This second VIMS showcases more than 150 models from 18 brands, double the previous VIMS and is the biggest motor show in the country.

The 18 brands are Audi, Bentley, BMW, BMW Motorrad, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Porsche, Renault, Subaru, Suzuki, UD Trucks, and Volkswagen.

A notable absentee is Rolls Royce. A representative from the Organizing Committee told VET the esteemed car-maker is not taking part because high import taxes have affected sales.

There are three brands taking part for the first time: Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Suzuki.

Representatives from brands at the show have not revealed what their key models are but the representative from the Organizing Committee said there will be many new vehicles and upgraded versions and that many of the luxury cars haven’t been seen in Vietnam previously.

Mr. Laurent Genet from Audi’s official importer in Vietnam said the event will give a powerful boost to the car market.

VIMS 2016 is being organized by VIVA and Le Bros-CIS Vietnam and is expected to attract 120,000 visitors. Tickets are available at the door for VND50,000 ($2.25) and the motor show is open from 10am to 8pm.

According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturer’ Association(VAMA), the number of cars sold (both locallly-produced and assembled as well as imported) in the first eight months of this year reached 188,000 units, an increase of 32 per cent year-on-year.

Sales in July 2016 totaled 28,004 units, 14 per cent higher than in June. Passenger car sales rose 36 per cent while sales of commercial vehicles and specialized vehicles fell 10 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively.

The Truong Hai Auto Company led in July sales, with 5,170 units, or 42.1 per cent of the total, followed by Toyota Vietnam with 5,170 units, or 21.5 per cent.

by Hai Van / vneconomictimes.com