23 Jan 2022
Despite numerous efforts, Toyota Vios ultimately could not uphold its number-one position in the segment for 2021.
In 2021, although the situation of the pandemic was even more stressful than 2021, the Vietnamese auto market was still extremely active with fierce competition between brands. Many new car models were brought to the country, others were upgraded products. On top of which were various incentives to attract customers. Accordingly, in the B-segment of 2021, the biggest breakthrough was the ascent of Hyundai Accent, successfully surpassing Toyota Vios to become the best-seller according to statistics from VAMA and TC Motor (only Nissan Almera has not announced sales).
Upgraded in the middle of its life cycle at the end of 2020, Hyundai Accent is a particularly attractive model in the B-class sedan segment thanks to its new, more modern design, adding more amenities while prices remain at an attractive level compared to its two direct competitors, Toyota Vios and Honda City. In the first half of 2021, Hyundai Accent has many consecutive months of outselling Toyota Vios. This helps products from the Korean automaker create momentum for the sales race in 2021 and ultimately succeed at the top.
Losing to Hyundai Accent by only 25 cars, perhaps this is a bitter defeat for Toyota Vios. Not only was the product unable to retain the triumphant position in this segment, the sedan from Toyota also loses the throne over the whole market after 7 years to VinFast Fadil (whose sales in 2021 reached 24,128). With the slow upgrade compared to its two rivals, Hyundai Accent and Honda City, Toyota Vios had a slow start in the first 2 months of the year. It was not until the end of February 2021 that this model received the mid-life upgrade.
After the upgrade, Toyota Vios had successfully closed the gap with Hyundai Accent, but failed to regain the leading position. It was not until Toyota Vietnam applied the promotion program that Vios had the force to once again put Accent back to second place in the B-segment in May 2021. At which point until the end of 2021, Toyota Vios was continuously supported by the manufacturer to maintain selling power in the segment, but it was still not enough to beat the accumulation in the first months of the year of Hyundai Accent.
Although standing only 3rd position in the segment, 2021 was still a successful year for Honda City as sales of this model increased by more than 74% compared to the same period last year. This is mainly due to the fact that Honda City was upgraded to a new generation at the end of 2020, attracting many users with its design and modern equipment, although its price was relatively high. Even in the first 2 months of 2021, Honda City sold better than Toyota Vios, only losing to Hyundai Accent. Of course, this success is also thanks to promotions of up to VND 40 million from dealers in 2021.
Mitsubishi Attrage still stood fourth in the B-segment in sales for 2021, increasing by nearly 26% compared to last year. Notably, Attrage’s sales results continuously exceeded the milestone of 1,000 units in March and April.
With almost the cheapest price in the segment and highly appreciated fuel economy, Mitsubishi Attrage is suitable for many users who need to optimize costs for a car. Not only having an attractive price, Attrage is also regularly accompanied attractive promotions. For example, in December 2021, this B-class sedan was supported by 50% – 100% of the registration fee depending on the version.
Compared to last year, sales of Kia Soluto in 2021 decreased by nearly half. As the cheapest car in the B-segment car segment, Kia Soluto, although unable to compete with other models, still has enough customer base to maintain sales.
Unsurprisingly, Suzuki Ciaz was the lowest-selling B-class model of 2021. This model often appears in the worst-selling list of cars in some months of the past year. Highly appreciated for its fuel economy as well as spacious interior, but Suzuki Ciaz is still difficult to access to users because according to many customers, the price of this model is a bit high compared to other brands. Of course, this is also difficult to avoid because the Ciaz is imported CBU from Thailand.
Currently, Suzuki Vietnam has temporarily stopped distributing Suzuki Ciaz to wait for a version that meets EURO5 emission standards.
Source: tinxe.vn
