More than 1,700 Peugeot cars were sold in the first six months of 2018, making it the best selling luxury Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) brand from Europe in Viet Nam.

According to a report by the Viet Nam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), the Peugeot’s all new 3008 and 5008 car models, which entered the Vietnamese market in 2014, have been the top sellers among European car makers including Mercedes Benz, Audi and BMW in Viet Nam during the first half of this year.

VAMA said models of SUV and CUV are a popular choice among Vietnamese customers as these vehicles are convenient for family travel and suitable for current traffic infrastructure in the country.

VAMA said SUV models account for 40 per cent of car sales at Mercedes Benz showrooms (about 1,100 cars), while Audi sold 400 cars.

It said the two models of Peugeot also lured customers with their new I-cockpit interior design, and a competitive price of VND1.2 billion (US$53,000) to VND1.4 billion ($62,000).

Peugeot has been negotiating with local car maker Truong Hai Automobile Joint-Stock Company (Thaco) to produce models for Viet Nam’s market.

Thaco has been an exclusive agent for imported Peugeots since the French car giant returned to the local market in 2014, and the French brand posted 60-per cent sales growth in 2016.

The local car producer has already opened 13 Peugeot showrooms with 3S (sales-services-spare parts) facilities across the country.

The French car maker has also introduced scooters and bicycles to the country’s market.

In 2016, Thaco introduced the first rollout of the locally manufactured Peugeot model 408 in the Truong Hai-Chu Lai Auto Complex in central Quang Nam Province, aiming at boosting competition among the European luxury car segment in Viet Nam.

The largest automobile manufacturer in Viet Nam, Thaco has produced and distributed vehicles for Kia from South Korea, Mazda from Japan, French giant Peugeot, and BMW. — VNS