Car models that are 'making waves' in Southeast Asia

Advantages in design, price as well as production and supply network are helping Japanese car brands "make waves" in the Southeast Asian market.

Thailand

Known as the Detroit of Southeast Asia, Thailand has long been considered a paradise for pickup trucks. With its mountainous terrain and difficult roads, high-chassis, powerful cars have brought out all their advantages. For many years, the leading position in this lucrative car market has always been a two-horse race between the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-max models. Each model has an average price of about 700,000 baht, equivalent to 450 million VND.

After many times coming in second, Isuzu D-max is now holding the opportunity to surpass Toyota Hilux, which is in the top position in 2016.

Indonesia

If in Thailand, Toyota is facing fierce competition from Isuzu in the pickup truck segment, then in Indonesia, no force can surpass Toyota with the two models Calya and Avanza. Both of these models belong to the multi-purpose MPV segment for families.

In Indonesia, the price of each Toyota Calya is only about 250 million VND. The Avanza is priced higher but is only about 370 million VND.

Singapore

With sky-high import taxes, Singapore is currently one of the countries with the highest car prices in the world. Most of the cars here are imported from Japan. The two dominant models are the Honda Vezel priced at VND2.3 billion and the Toyota Corolla Axio sedan priced at nearly VND2 billion.

Laos

Similar to Thailand, with its unique terrain and traffic conditions, Lao people also love pickup trucks. Currently, Toyota Hilux is holding a unique position in this country with sales accounting for nearly 30% of vehicles sold.

Malaysia

This is the only country in ASEAN that favors domestic products. The low-cost sedan Perodua Bezza produced in this country is supported by consumers. The standard version with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine costs only about 200 million VND but is still equipped with features such as a rear camera, airbags, and ABS brakes.

Myanmar

As a newly opened economy, the number of cars sold in Myanmar is not much. Each quarter, there are only a total of more than 2,000 cars sold. Moreover, the urgent need in Myanmar is to transport goods, so light trucks are the priority vehicle here. The leading position currently belongs to the Suzuki Super Carry.

Vietnam

In the past 3 years, Toyota Vios has become a force in the Vietnamese market with an average sales of 1,000 cars/month. With a selling price of 564 - 622 million VND, suitable for many customers, along with ease of use, repair and especially resale value after use... are the factors that help Vios win the trust of Vietnamese people. After 11 months of 2016, Toyota Vios achieved sales of 15,430 cars, firmly consolidating its position as the best-selling car of the year in Vietnam.

According to TNO