Eight-month auto imports rise sharply
(VOV) -Vietnam has imported 22,000 automobiles worth more than US$408 million in the first 8 months of 2013, up 21.9% in volume and 5.7% in value on the comparable period last year.
According to the General Statistics Office, 9,900 imported completely built unit (CBU) automobiles defied the local auto market’s general gloomy outlook.
The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association reported domestic auto sales fell 3% to 9,360 in July.
But local auto retailers are offering discounts and increasing the number of domestically-assembled cars ahead of an expected surge in business later this year.
Recent Ministry of Industry and Trade statistics reveal car import volatility, with volume up in May and June but down in July and August.
The Republic of Korea remains Vietnam’s major car supplier, exporting 9,258 CBU models in the 8-month period. It represents a 39.09% rise on the same period in 2012 and accounts for 37% of Vietnam’s total automobile imports.