Vietnam's A-class gasoline cars: Market share shrinks because of electric cars

In the first 9 months of 2025, A-class gasoline cars reached 11,915 vehicles, nearly 4,500 vehicles lower than the same period in 2024; VinFast VF 3 and VF 5 sold more A-SUV and hatchback models each month.

The market share of A-class gasoline cars in Vietnam is shrinking as the group of urban electric cars of the same size accelerates. According to VAMA and TC Motor data, the cumulative 9 months of 2025, A-class gasoline car models (including hatchbacks and A-SUVs) reached 11,915 vehicles, nearly 4,500 vehicles lower than the 16,378 vehicles of the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, in September alone, VinFast VF 5 sold 3,847 vehicles and VF 3 reached 2,682 vehicles, creating direct pressure on the group of cheap gasoline cars.

9-month picture: Clear contraction

The A-segment petrol segment, once a popular choice for first-time buyers, has seen a decline. After nine months of 2025, Kia Sonet led the group with 3,591 units, followed by Toyota Raize with 2,541 units and Hyundai Grand i10 with 2,255 units. Compared to the same period in 2024, the overall segment sales were significantly lower, reflecting weakening demand and the shift to electric vehicles.

Car model	3rd quarter 2024 (car)	3rd quarter 2025 (vehicle)
Kia Sonet	5,083	3,591
Toyota Raize	2,968	2,541
Hyundai Grand i10	3,292	2,255
Toyota Wigo	1,900	1,657
Hyundai Venue	2,584	1,653
Kia Morning	551	218

Gasoline car A image 4

September shows the trend: Slight increase but not sustainable

In September, total sales of A-class gasoline cars reached 1,174 units. Most models increased slightly compared to August, except for Toyota Raize (290 units) and Toyota Wigo (110 units) which decreased compared to the previous period. Kia Morning sold 32 units, an improvement of more than 6 times thanks to the upgrade, but the cumulative sales since the beginning of the year are still very low.

A short-term increase occurred during the preferential registration fee period for assembled cars from September 2024, but the cumulative gap has widened so far. Data shows a decrease of nearly 4,500 cars in the first 9 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Gasoline car A photo 1

Urban electric vehicles put direct pressure

In September, VinFast VF 5 reached 3,847 units; this number even exceeded the total number of Kia Sonet sold since the beginning of the year. VinFast VF 3 reached 2,682 units in the month, higher than the cumulative sales of Hyundai Grand i10 in 9 months. The large difference in models of the same size shows a clear shift in buyers' choices.

Competitive prices are one reason. VinFast VF 3 is priced at 299 million VND, VinFast VF 5 at 529 million VND; besides, there is Wuling Mini EV from 197 million VND and Wuling Bingo from 399 million VND. Electric vehicles are currently completely exempt from registration fees, helping buyers save from tens to hundreds of millions of VND in rolling costs; some models also have free charging incentives at the V-GREEN public system, reducing usage costs.

Gasoline car A photo 2

Gasoline car A image 3

The market gap is narrowing.

The preference for high-chassis vehicles once caused A-SUVs to explode, but now demand is mainly limited to urban areas and continues to be overtaken by electric vehicles. Even in small urban areas, options such as Hyundai Grand i10, Toyota Wigo, Kia Morning or A-SUVs such as Kia Sonet, Toyota Raize, Hyundai Venue are all facing fierce competition from urban EVs.

A bright spot is the Suzuki Fronx with a hybrid powertrain, which could attract a group of first-time buyers. However, in the current sales scenario, reaching the 500–1,000/month mark is not simple.

Gasoline car A image 5

Quick Conclusion

• Main trend: A-class gasoline cars slow down; in the first 9 months of 2025, the entire segment will be nearly 4,500 cars less than the same period in 2024.
• Driving force: Competitive EV pricing, free registration fees and usage incentives create a total cost of ownership advantage.
• Model impact: Kia Sonet, Toyota Raize, Hyundai Grand i10 all decreased compared to 2024; Kia Morning increased in the short term thanks to upgrade but still low.
• Outlook: The segment is unlikely to disappear completely but will continue to be under pressure; hybrid configurations like the Suzuki Fronx may open up more options, but growth is limited.

AD Advertising

Source: https://baonghean.vn/xe-xang-co-a-viet-nam-thi-phan-teo-top-vi-xe-dien-10309404.html