[VMS 2024] Vietnam Motor Show: A Showcase of the Best

With overwhelming public support, this year’s exhibition exceeded expectations and set new records in the history of the Vietnam Motor Show (VMS). Notably, it boasted several “firsts” and unique attractions that garnered significant attention from visitors.

The VMS exhibition featured the highest number of senior officials and VIP guests.

Vietnam Motor Show 2024 (VMS 2024) impressed not only with its scale and high-tech vehicles but also with the largest-ever gathering of senior officials and VIP guests from the industry.

This year, the event was honored to host numerous government officials, ministers, and leaders from domestic and international auto and motorcycle companies, including: Mr. Truong Thanh Hoai – Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade; Mr. Nguyen Danh Huy – Deputy Minister of Transport; Mr. Bui Ta Hoang Vu – Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade; Mr. Le Van Duong – Head of the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment, Ministry of Transport; Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong – Vice President of the Office of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Southern Representative; Mr. Luong Duc Toan – Representative of the Industry Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade; along with representatives of various brands and many other partners and guests.

The presence of these esteemed guests affirmed the importance of the exhibition for the automotive and motorcycle industry in Vietnam. It also reflected the deep interest and support of the leadership amid the strong development of green trends and sustainable technology.

The VMS exhibition introduced the most new vehicle models making their debut in the Vietnamese market.

Out of approximately 200 automotive and motorcycle products displayed at VMS this year, dozens of models were new launches in the Vietnamese market. Visitors could witness the predominant theme of the event: the green transition, with a significant presence of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Isuzu, Subaru, and GAC MOTOR each introduced a new model at VMS 2024. Specifically, Isuzu unveiled the upgraded version of its D-Max pickup truck. Subaru launched the Crosstrek, a crossover model imported directly from Japan. The Chinese brand GAC MOTOR, making its first appearance at VMS, introduced two high-end models: the MPV GAC M8 and the SUV GAC GS8, while also launching the M6 Pro, an MPV in the C-segment, priced from 699-799 million VND.

MG Vietnam officially introduced and announced the price of the MG Cyberster – a pure electric 2-seater roadster priced at 3.2 billion VND. This limited edition model is restricted to 100 units for the Vietnamese market.

Honda displayed its new products, including two Civic Hybrid models on the main stage in their exhibition area, along with two compact electric motorcycle models: the ICON e: and CUV e:…

The BYD exhibition area was impressive with its diverse and unique range of electric vehicles, including the Denza D9 MPV, which made its first appearance in Vietnam and will compete with models such as the Kia Carnival, GAC M8, and Toyota Alphard…

Meanwhile, Skoda, the only European automotive brand and a first-time participant in VMS 2024, brought six products covering various segments, with five of them making their debut in the Vietnamese market. Skoda introduced the most new products at this year’s exhibition.

The Skoda Octavia on display at VMS 2024 was the high-end vRS version, with an engine output of up to 261 horsepower. It is expected to be launched in Vietnam next year and will compete directly with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis.

The Skoda Superb, a model previously hinted to be introduced in Vietnam, appeared at VMS 2024 as a wagon, but the version expected to be distributed in Vietnam is a sedan in the D-segment, competing directly with the Toyota Camry.

The pure electric Skoda Enyaq iV, which was revealed to be assembled in Vietnam and launched in 2025, features an electric motor with an output ranging from 146-340 horsepower, depending on the variant, and a maximum range of 340-566 km depending on the battery pack.

The VMS exhibition featured the largest booth space, covering nearly 2,500 square meters indoors and outdoors.

For the first time, Honda Vietnam brought its entire product portfolio, from motorcycles to large-displacement motorcycles and automobiles, to VMS. With a booth space of nearly 2,500 square meters, both indoors and outdoors, the company arranged its products into themed areas, offering visitors diverse perspectives on mobility solutions.

Honda also introduced four new products at this year’s exhibition. The highlight was the Civic e:HEV RS, Honda’s second hybrid model in the country after the CR-V e:HEV. Next were two newly introduced electric motorcycle models: the CUV e: and ICON e:. The ICON e: is expected to be priced below 30 million VND, while the CUV e: will be distributed through a rental model with free battery swaps at dealerships.

Lastly, the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP sports motorcycle was introduced. Thus, Honda Vietnam’s new products focus on green mobility solutions, aligning with the exhibition’s theme of “Technology Opens the Way to a Green Future.” The remaining areas were dedicated to popular motorcycles and scooters and retro-style vehicles. Industry experts believe that Honda’s significant booth investment was a strategic move, given the company’s strong presence in the two-wheeler market.

The VMS exhibition featured the highest number of motorcycle and large-displacement motorcycle brands.

Unlike previous editions, VMS 2024 was not solely an “automotive playground,” as eight motorcycle and large-displacement motorcycle brands participated, including: Honda, Yamaha Motor, SYM, UM Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson, Triumph Motorcycles, KTM, and Husqvarna Motorcycles. Electric scooters and sports motorcycles were the predominant two-wheeler products at VMS 2024.

With the largest exhibition space this year, Honda showcased, in addition to its automotive line, 44 motorcycles and scooters, including both electric and gasoline models, as well as manual and automatic transmission options. The display also included iconic models from the brand, such as the Super Cub and the previous-generation Super Dream.

Honda introduced two compact electric scooter models: the ICON e: and CUV e:. The Honda ICON e: has a compact design and comes in various colors, targeting students as its primary users. It features a lithium-ion battery that can be charged directly or removed for convenient charging. Meanwhile, the Honda CUV e: is a premium electric scooter that uses two removable and swappable Honda Mobile Power Pack e: (MPP) batteries. Its design resembles the Lead model. The CUV e: is expected to be distributed in Vietnam in 2025 through a rental model, with a limited number of approximately 200 units.

Yamaha Motor’s exhibition area attracted attention with two pure electric concept models: the MOTOROiD2 and ELOVE, featuring minimalist designs, AI integration, self-balancing at low speeds, and the ability to recognize and interact with the owner like a companion.

Yamaha’s actual product lineup at VMS 2024 was divided into four distinct areas. The MAXi series sport scooter group included models such as the XMAX 300, TMAX 560, NMAX 155, NVX 155, and LEXi 155VVA-ABS. The Fashionable Ride group featured the Grande and Janus.

The Chill Ride group included the PG-1, XSR155, LEXi, and XMAX. The Adventure Ride group comprised the TENERE 700, TRACER 9, TRACER 9 GT, MT-07, MT-09, and MT-10. Lastly, the Adrenaline Ride group featured speed and performance-oriented models like the R15, R3, R7, and Exciter 155.

The Taiwanese brand SYM introduced 12 models, including the Priti 50, Shark 50, and Elegant 50 sports version in the 50cc segment. In the higher displacement category, they showcased the Tuscany 150 and Priti 125, along with six imported models and one export model, the VF 185.

Brands like Harley-Davidson, Husqvarna Motorcycles, KTM, and Triumph Motorcycles had exhibition spaces designed according to their unique concepts and attracted a distinct customer base compared to the more mainstream brands.

UM Motorcycles chose VMS 2024 as its debut in the Vietnamese market. The American motorcycle brand showcased three models with a free-spirited and bold design aesthetic. The Renegade Freedom 300cc is a sports-oriented cruiser that blends modern aesthetics with classic cruiser styling.

The Renegade ST 300cc is positioned as a Sport Touring Cruiser, combining power and sophistication, highlighted by its sleek batwing fairing. The Renegade Sport 125cc is a lightweight model with a refined appearance. For those seeking a classic and gentle ride, the Scrambler X Café 125cc is an option.

The VMS exhibition featured three automotive brands from China.

Among them, GAC MOTOR took this opportunity to introduce the MPV M6 Pro, offered in two variants with a price range of 699-799 million VND.

MG Vietnam also displayed new products such as the MPV G50 and the electric SUV IM LS7, and announced the price of the Cyberster electric sports car. The MG G50 is expected to be launched in late 2024, with a price range of 500-600 million VND. The IM LS7 is an electric SUV with appealing technology from SAIC, the parent company of MG. Its design evokes comparisons to the Tesla Model X and Aston Martin.

BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle brand, showcased its entire range of five models currently on sale in Vietnam (Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal, Han, and M6). Additionally, they presented the YangWang U8 and Denza D9, showcasing their technological prowess.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)