HÀ NỘI — Domestic auto assemblers and parts suppliers are showcasing their latest products at the 14th International Automobile and Supporting Industries Exhibition (Auto Expo 2017), which opened in Hà Nội today.

The four-day event, sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), is being held at the Hà Nội International Exhibition Centre by the MoIT’s Industry Policy and Strategy Institute (IPSI) and the Việt Nam Society of Automotive Engineers (VSAE).

The expo has around 450 booths that have on display a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, trucks, vans, vehicles for special purposes such as those serving construction, mining, agricultural, military, medical and hygiene activities, as well as two-wheelers such as scooters, motorcycles and electric bikes.

With an exhibition space spanning 10,000sq.m, the expo also showcases spare parts and components for producing, manufacturing and assembling automobiles, motorbikes and other vehicles. On display are technologies in moulding, welding, plating, painting, automobile interior decor and toys; maintenance and repair equipment; measurement and diagnosis systems; as well as transportation rescue vehicles and devices.

At the event, exhibitors have introduced services such as garage services, banking and insurance services, and consultative and assistance services for activities related to vehicle manufacturing and trading.

In addition to the participation of local auto firms such as Việt Nam Engine and Agricultural Machinery Corporation (VEAM), CAMC Việt Nam and Việt Nam Machine Investment Development JSC (VIMID), the exhibition has also attracted foreign manufacturers and companies from the US, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Đỗ Thắng Hải said the expo would bring more business opportunities for auto firms, help them connect with the auto market and provide a favourable environment for enterprises looking for clients.

In 2016, the Vietnamese auto market sold around 300,000 cars, up 24 per cent over the previous year, of which the sales of commercial vehicles and special purpose vehicles increased by 25 per cent and 33 per cent, respectively. In the first quarter of 2017, the auto market sold around 65,000 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 8 per cent. — VNS