Race in the billion-dollar MPV segment: GAC M8 challenges Kia Carnival and Volkswagen Viloran

The GAC M8 model is stirring up the MPV market, not only having the style of luxury cars like Toyota Alphard but also having many features that are no less than Lexus models - Photo: TC

At the end of September 2024, car manufacturers launched a different "punch" for their beloved cars, attracting customers. GAC - a Chinese car company - announced the price of the M8, with a new and luxurious design, looking like the Toyota Alphard or Lexus.

Volkswagen - the German car company - has just revealed a new product line that is about to launch in October with the detail "the only SUV with business-class seats in the segment".

The confrontation of the "big guys", customers have new choices

The MPV market in Vietnam is witnessing strong growth, especially in the billion-dollar car segment, which is popular with car consumers and is gradually becoming a popular segment in Vietnam.

MPV is the abbreviation of the phrase Multi Purpose Vehicle, also known as multi-purpose vehicle. In Vietnam, multi-purpose MPVs are currently divided into many segments with different sizes, equipment, and prices.

Among them, GAC M8 - a new car model from China - has created great attention, becoming a formidable competitor to familiar names such as Kia Carnival and Volkswagen Viloran.

Entering the Vietnamese market in the third quarter of 2024 through distributor Tan Chong, GAC M8 quickly became a highlight thanks to its modern design and many high-end features.

The car's impressive dimensions (5,212 × 1,940 × 1,823mm) provide a spacious interior, along with a luxurious exterior with a chrome grille and an automatically adjustable LED lighting system.

This model not only has the style of luxury cars like Toyota Alphard but also has many features that are no less than Lexus models.

The interior of the GAC M8 is meticulously cared for, with premium leather seats integrated with heating, cooling and massage features. The car is also equipped with a 14.6-inch central entertainment screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a premium 8-speaker sound system.

Thanks to that, GAC M8 brings a comfortable and convenient experience for both passengers and drivers on long trips.

MPV seats for spacious rear seats on many MPV models - Photo: TC

In terms of price, the GAC M8 is priced between 1.6 and 2.1 billion VND, directly competing with big names such as Kia Carnival and Volkswagen Viloran. Kia Carnival, assembled by Thaco , is priced between 1.1 and 1.7 billion VND, and has dominated the market thanks to its flexibility and reasonable price.

Carnival is suitable for both family needs and high-end transportation services. Meanwhile, Volkswagen Viloran is an imported car with a price range of 1.9 to 2.1 billion VND, popular thanks to its sophisticated interior design and famous German brand.

However, the GAC M8 is not only competitive on price but also impresses with its balance between luxury and practicality.

Spacious design, many modern features and safety equipment such as collision warning, 360-degree camera and automatic parking system make GAC M8 a worthy choice in the high-end MPV segment.

Not only GAC M8, competition in the MPV segment in Vietnam is increasingly fierce with the appearance of many new models such as Ertiga hybrid, Toyota Veloz Cross or Hyundai Stargazer.

Vietnamese consumers have more choices at all price levels, from popular MPVs to luxury, comfortable models.

Customers are favoring the MPV segment, car sales are impressive

According to a report by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), in July 2024, the MPV segment achieved sales of 5,064 vehicles, bringing the total number of vehicles sold in the first 7 months of the year to 24,269 units, accounting for 23.7% of the total number of vehicles sold.

This figure reflects the shift of Vietnamese consumers from compact cars such as hatchbacks and sedans to larger, more comfortable multi-purpose vehicles.

According to auto experts, the race in the billion-dollar MPV segment will continue to be exciting as car manufacturers continue to improve and enhance product quality. New car models promote competition, bringing more choices to consumers.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cuoc-dua-phan-khuc-xe-mpv-tien-ti-gac-m8-thach-thuc-kia-carnival-va-volkswagen-viloran-20240928092020668.htm