People look at bicycles at a store. The Vietnamese bicycle market now features many international brands. — VNS Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Two years after the return of Peugeot, the Vietnamese bicycle market has welcomed several more famous brands.

According to bike traders in HCM City, famous global brands like Peugeot, Puch, Gitane, and Definitive are available in the country, imported mostly from France, the Netherlands and Italy.

Last week Velo Chic, a company that distributed imported bikes, unveiled two new brands, Dahon from the US and Bianchi from Italy.

Tran Trong Quang, deputy director of the company, told Viet Nam News: "Consumers prefer imported bikes thanks to their high quality, good design and, especially, safety. So many famous companies are bringing their products to Viet Nam."

He said many consumers used to prefer cheap imported bikes but have changed their minds after using top-quality ones.

Le Ba Hoang of District 7 said after visiting many shops he decided to buy two bikes imported from Europe, one himself and one for his son to ride.

Quang said that with living standards improving, people care more about their health while others use bikes daily, seeking to change their lifestyle. People are willing to pay a lot for quality bikes, he said.

In the last three years his company has sold more than 3,000 imported bikes.

More foreign brands would come, he said, revealing his company is negotiating with some to distribute their products in Viet Nam.

Traders said the prices of imported bike are not unreasonable. A Dahon bike, a leading brand, costs from VND7 million (US$340) to VND20 million ($900); a Peugeot costs around VND10 million. — VNS