B-segment sedans in September: Toyota Vios surges ahead, Korean cars fall behind.
Toyota Vios made a spectacular surge in September, reclaiming the top spot in the B-segment sedan market, while Honda City declined and Hyundai Accent continued to lag behind.
The September sales race and the return of the Vios.
The Vietnamese automotive market in September witnessed significant fluctuations in the B-segment sedan market, one of the most competitive segments. According to reports from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) and TC Motor, total sales in this segment reached 2,778 vehicles, recording growth compared to the previous month. This increase was mainly driven by improved sales of most models, with the exception of one notable model.
The Toyota Vios made an impressive comeback, selling 1,292 units, nearly double the 726 units sold in August, reclaiming its familiar leading position. Meanwhile, its direct competitor, the Honda City, saw a significant drop, from 1,136 units in August to just 475 units in September. Although it still held second place, this setback created a large gap between the City and the Vios.
Other models in the segment also recorded positive sales results. The Hyundai Accent saw a slight increase to 406 units, the Mazda2 sold 432 units, the Mitsubishi Attrage reached 155 units, and the Kia Soluto sold 18 units. This consistent growth indicates a gradual recovery in purchasing power; however, the differentiation between models is becoming increasingly evident.
Comparison table of B-segment sedan sales in August and September.
| Car model | August sales figures | September sales |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Vios | 726 | 1,292 |
| Honda City | 1,136 | 475 |
| Mazda2 | 399 | 432 |
| Hyundai Accent | 332 | 406 |
| Mitsubishi Attrage | 87 | 155 |
| Kia Soluto | 11 | 18 |
The long-distance race and the advantage of Japanese car models.
In terms of cumulative sales after the first nine months of the year, the Toyota Vios' position is further solidified. With a total of 8,496 units sold, this model not only leads its segment but is also the only sedan to be included in the list of the top 10 best-selling cars in Vietnam. This demonstrates the enduring popularity of the Vios among consumers.
The Honda City ranked second with 6,377 units sold, while the Hyundai Accent lagged behind with 5,035 units. This gap shows that models from South Korea are facing many challenges. The Kia Soluto, another representative from South Korea, also only achieved a modest sales figure of 215 units after 9 months, indicating the difficulty in finding a foothold.
What does the future hold for affordable sedans?
The dominance of high-riding vehicles like SUVs and MPVs is an undeniable trend in Vietnam. This has caused lower-riding vehicle segments, including B-segment sedans, to gradually lose their appeal. Once the top choice for first-time car buyers or those in the service industry, sedans now face much fiercer competition.
However, this segment is not entirely obsolete. The departure of the Suzuki Ciaz from the market has been offset by the arrival of the Skoda Slavia, showing that manufacturers still see opportunities. The biggest advantage of B-segment sedans today is their competitive pricing and attractive promotional programs.
To stimulate demand, car manufacturers are continuously launching large promotional packages. In October, both the Toyota Vios and Honda City received 100% support for registration fees, equivalent to a reduction of 46-57 million VND depending on the version. The Hyundai Accent also joined the trend with a cash discount of up to 50 million VND. The Mitsubishi Attrage also received a similar offer of 100% registration fee support. These policies help B-segment sedans maintain their competitiveness and remain a worthwhile option for consumers.
