Volvo XC90. — VNS Photo Thu Ngân

HCM CITY — The latest models and advanced technologies from 15 Vietnamese and foreign auto brands are on display at the 2019 Vietnam Motor Show which opened yesterday in HCM City.

The most eagerly awaited event of the year for car lovers around the country, the show this year features 100 models from Audi, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedez-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, VinFast, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

This year the show has 200 booths set up by supporting industry brands.

“Customers have the opportunity to get advice from the leading automobile solutions in the world,” Laurent Genet, general director of Audi Vietnam and a representative of the Vehicle Importers Vietnam Association (VIVA), said.

Range Rover Evoque. — VNS Photo Thu Ngân

Speaking at the opening ceremony, he said: “2019 has almost gone. Looking at the market over the past nine months we can see many changes in the local automobile industry.

“The policies … have made more progressive shifts. This shows positive signals that contribute to investment in car assembly lines as well as strengthening the import market. Car prices in Việt Nam have reduced consistently.”

Taking part in the exhibition for the first time, rising new Vietnamese brand VinFast entertains visitors with state-of-the-art technology shows such as X-ray scans to learn details about the components of the vehicle and the technology used in its cars, factory tours using virtual reality, and a unique game on an F1 racing track simulator.

Audi made its largest product launch in Việt Nam with six new models: A6, A7, Sportbak, A8L, Q2, Q3, and Q8.

US company Ford unveiled new mid-level SUV, Escape.

British luxury sports car brand Jaguar Land Rover introduced a new importer in Việt Nam and launched a new Range Rover Evoque with a youthful and dynamic design and daily application capabilities.

A Lexus car at the exhibition.   — VNS Photo Thu Ngân

Mercedes-Benz’s booth this year is filled with high-class sedans and SUVs like the Mercedes-AMG G63, GLC, Mercedes-Maybach S560, Mercedes-Maybach S450.

The new generation of GLE comes with the powerful I6 EQ Boost engine.

Chinese-owned Swedish luxury brand Volvo pleased Vietnamese fans with world's safest cars like the XC90, a vehicle which has won more than 240 awards; the XC60, World Car Of The Year 2018; the XC40, the 2018 European Car Of The Year; and the S90, the 2017Design of the Year Award winner. 

At the exhibition this year digital interactive solutions deliver an embracing digital experience to visitors, who are immersed in a technology tour to witness unique car performances.

Toru Kinoshita, chairman of the Việt Nam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), said: “Việt Nam is a promising market thanks to its steady economic growth and young population. To keep up with that trend, we will continue to make our best efforts to promote production, improve the quality of sales and service and develop the agency network to meet the diverse needs of customers.”

Booths also display supporting products, spare parts, car upgrades, technology toys, care, insurance, and financial support services. They include names like DCar, Exclusive Auto Club, 3M, Eneos, GBoil, YSS, CarVision, Vietmap, TPI, Teyes, Steelmate, Aozoom, LotusViet, Motor Life.

The Vietnam Motor Show is organised by VAMA, VIVA, CIS Vietnam, and Le Bros organisation. 

The event is on at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre in District 7. — VNS 

A visitor experiences virtual driving at the show. — VNS Photo Thu Ngân