The End of Stockouts: Scooter Prices Remain Above Sticker

Improved supply, but scooter prices remain higher than suggested retail price. Photo by Hội An.

In early November, scooter dealerships saw an increase in stock, ready to meet the year-end shopping demand. While the actual prices remain high, buyers can now take immediate delivery, unlike a few months ago.

Abundant Stock

A Honda dealership in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, is bustling with customers, a stark contrast to the deserted showroom that Zing previously witnessed months ago.

According to the staff, their scooter line-up is well-stocked, offering almost all variants and colors.

“Currently, we only have the Standard version in white. However, for the other versions, we have plenty of units, and customers can choose any color they prefer for immediate delivery,” shared the staff regarding the Vision scooter.

As observed in the showroom, the price of the Honda Vision Standard is VND34.2 million, VND4 million higher than the listed price. The Premium and Special versions are priced at VND36.6 million and VND37.8 million, respectively, a difference of VND4.5-4.7 million compared to the prices on the official website.

Honda Vision is now more accessible, but prices remain high. Photo by Hội An.

The dealership is offering the Individual version at VND40 million, VND5.1 million higher than the price suggested by Honda Vietnam.

Notably, despite the premium pricing, improved inventory has allowed customers to take immediate delivery of their Honda scooters without waiting.

Additionally, the dealership is running two promotional programs, one of which includes a VND1 million genuine accessory package.

According to Zing’s observations, the SH Mode scooter prices at this dealership range from VND61.5 million to VND74.9 million, depending on the version.

The Air Blade scooters with 125cc engines are offered at VND41.2-44.4 million, while the 150cc engine option is priced between VND52.4-53.7 million.

Price Premium but No Shortage

At a Yamaha dealership in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Zing noted a similar situation, with a large number of scooters available.

Popular Yamaha scooter models in Vietnam, such as the Janus, Grande, and Latte, are all in stock with various versions and colors to choose from.

“Recently, we’ve received a significant number of units, so the shortage issue is almost non-existent,” confirmed the staff.

As per the showroom’s pricing, the Janus Limited Edition is offered at VND39.5 million, VND7 million higher than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

Additionally, the Special and Standard versions of the Janus are priced VND3.3-4.5 million higher than the suggested prices, at VND36.5 million and VND31.8 million, respectively.

The new Yamaha Grande still demands a premium at dealerships. Photo by Hội An.

The dealership staff shared that the 2023 Grande Special version is priced at VND56.6 million, while the previous-generation Grande Special is VND50.9 million. Similar to the Janus, customers interested in the Grande can also take immediate delivery thanks to the ample stock and color options available at the dealership.

Furthermore, the Latte scooter is also well-stocked at the dealership, with prices ranging from VND42.8-43.3 million, depending on the version.

When asked about year-end promotions, the sales consultant replied that while there are no manufacturer incentives, the dealership would offer customers complimentary accessories such as raincoats and helmets.

Improved Supply Meets Strong Demand

According to a report released by the General Statistics Office, the number of domestically produced and assembled motorcycles reached 284,400 units in September.

The report also estimates that domestic motorcycle assembly will reach 308,900 units in October, marking the second-highest level since the beginning of the year.

Essentially, Vietnam’s motorcycle supply is showing positive signs of improvement, with three consecutive months of positive growth.

Improved supply boosts strong motorcycle sales
Correlation between domestically assembled motorcycles and sales of VAMM members in the first three quarters (Data source: General Statistics Office, VAMM)
Label	Q1/2022	Q2/2022	Q3/2022
Number of domestically produced and assembled motorcycles	thousand units	830.9	715.9	752.3
Sales of VAMM members		753.6	655.4	762.2

Additionally, according to data released by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMM), the Vietnamese market consumed 762,154 vehicles from VAMM members in the third quarter. Cumulatively, from the beginning of the year, VAMM members sold a total of 2.17 million motorcycles.

The five VAMM members include Honda Vietnam, Piaggio Vietnam, Suzuki Vietnam, SYM Vietnam, and Yamaha Motor Vietnam.