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2024 has been a year of new automotive brand entries into Vietnam. However, several manufacturers have revealed their plans but have not yet officially launched their vehicles in the country.
DongFeng Cars from China
In late October, DongFeng Motor Vietnam unexpectedly announced its plan to enter the local market. The company’s website displayed a series of images with the caption “coming soon” and a November timeframe. The launch was then postponed, and pre-orders were only accepted for the Box EV. As of now, the official launch date for DongFeng vehicles remains unknown.
According to Tri Thức – Znews, the first batch of DongFeng Box EVs has been successfully imported but is awaiting legal procedures before sales can commence. DongFeng intends to introduce four models simultaneously to the Vietnamese market: Box EV, E70 sedan, Huge, and Mage (in both gasoline and hybrid versions).
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DongFeng Mage (left) and Box EV (right). Source: DongFeng. |
The entire DongFeng range in Vietnam will be distributed by Carvivu, a company specializing in importing Chinese automobiles. They are also the distributors for the Haima brand in the country. Among these models, the Box EV, a pure electric hatchback, has had its anticipated price leaked. At a customer conference, DongFeng Motor Vietnam presented this model with an expected starting price of 550 million VND.
Zeekr Electric Vehicles
Since the third quarter, Tasco has confirmed that it will bring the Zeekr brand, part of the Geely Group, to Vietnam. However, information about the expected prices and launch timing of these electric vehicles remains unavailable. Enthusiasts of this brand may have to wait until mid-2025.
Tasco initially stated that they would introduce three models: the Zeekr X, an SUV in the C-segment; the 001, an SUV in the B-segment; and the 009, an MPV. If it follows the specifications of its home market, the Zeekr X will be equipped with dual motors, delivering a combined output of up to 422 horsepower.
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Zeekr X (left) and 009 (right). Source: Zeekr. |
The Zeekr 001 is a pivotal SUV for the brand’s sales performance in multiple markets. It was launched in April 2021 and has since garnered significant interest from domestic customers. Recently, Zeekr announced that they have sold over 250,000 units of this model.
With the current wave of MPV popularity, the 009 electric MPV is expected to be introduced in Vietnam alongside its SUV siblings. Positioned in the mid-to-high-end segment, this model is priced at approximately 94,370 USD in the Thai market. Upon its arrival, it will compete with the likes of the GAC M8, Denza D9, Kia Carnival, and Volkswagen Viloran.
Geely Coolray
In early December, the Geely Coolray SUV was launched in Malaysia under the name Proton X50. During the event, Mr. Jerry Gan, CEO of Geely, revealed that this model would also be exported to Vietnam. According to sources, Tasco will introduce this SUV in Vietnam as the Geely Coolray. In some markets, it is also known as the Proton X50 (Malaysia), Belgee X50 (Russia), or Geely Binyue (China).
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Geely Coolray. Source: Geely. |
Specific information about the pricing and launch timing of the Geely Coolray in Vietnam is not yet available. It is likely that the SUV will be introduced in the early part of the first quarter of next year. When it arrives, the Coolray will compete in the B-segment SUV category, one of the most crowded and fiercely competitive segments in the Vietnamese market. Some of its rivals include the Mitsubishi Xforce (599-705 million VND), Toyota Yaris Cross (605-765 million VND), GAC Aion Y Plus (888 million VND), Lynk & Co 06 (729 million VND), and Omoda C5 (589-669 million VND).
Launches Without Immediate Vehicle Delivery
Several models have been introduced in Vietnam, but due to shipment delays, deliveries are not expected until after the Lunar New Year. These include the Toyota Camry 2024 and the Denza D9, both of which made their debut at the Vietnam Motor Show (VMS 2024).
For the Toyota Camry 2024 with the hybrid engine option, dealerships are currently only accepting pre-orders. Speaking to Tri Thức – Znews, a sales consultant confirmed that customers who wish to purchase the hybrid version of the Toyota Camry 2024 would have to wait until February next year to take delivery of their vehicle. For the top-of-the-line HEV model, the waiting time could extend until March 2025. This delay, the consultant asserted, is common across all dealerships as the first batch of Camry HEVs is still awaiting customs clearance.
 In Malaysia, this SUV goes by the name of the Proton X50, a name that reflects its bold and dynamic nature. In China, it’s known as the Geely Binyue, a moniker that emphasizes its sleek and modern design.
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