HCMC – Vietnam imported more than 91,260 completely-built-up (CBU) cars from Thailand and Indonesia between January and September, surging by 62% year-on-year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.
In the year to September, 33,970 cars from Indonesia and 57,290 others from Thailand had been shipped to Vietnam, representing 80% of the country’s total auto imports during the nine-month period.
In September alone, Vietnam spent some US$197 million importing over 8,660 CBU autos, mainly from Indonesia, Thailand and China. The number of autos imported from the three markets accounted for 91% of the country’s total auto imports in the month.
Some 114,400 CBU cars were shipped to Vietnam between January and September, up 71% year-on-year. Of the total, there were some 78,280 cars with fewer than nine seats, soaring by 57.8%.
During the nine months, Vietnam spent US$3.7 billion importing auto parts, up 39.8% year-on-year, the local media reported.
Market watchers said that the country’s car imports would continue to rise in coming months as many provinces and cities nationwide have brought the pandemic under control and life has gradually got back to normal.
Where are these cars going to go? And why not small cars? And why aren’t these vehicles assembled in VietNam where unemployment could be further reduced?
Already the roads are filled with corporate “perks” with a driver and a single passenger. Notice on weekends how clear the roads of these company benefits?
There are so many vehicles they invade the motorcycle lanes and many drivers haven’t a clue as to driving skills, obviously thinking cars are just big motorcycles.
BTW, I ride a bicycle and a motorscooter in the city, and a car when traveling over 60 kilometres out of town.