Vietnamese automakers expand CBU vehicle exports beyond ASEAN markets
nationthailand.com, 29 Sep '26
Vietnam's automotive industry is seeking to increase exports of completely built-up (CBU) vehicles, with local manufacturers expanding shipments to overseas markets.
The change reflects a shift in strategy among domestic automakers, which previously focused mainly on regional ASEAN markets but are now targeting destinations including Europe, Australia and the United States.
VinFast is among the companies involved in the export expansion. In late July, two specialised vehicle carriers arrived at Hai Phong Port to transport electric vehicles to Europe and Southeast Asia, marking the company's 37th and 38th dedicated overseas shipments.
The shipments took place less than four years after VinFast exported its first batch of vehicles internationally. The company now has a presence in more than 10 markets, including the US, Canada, Europe, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and the Middle East.
Alongside vehicle exports, Green SM has expanded its operations into Laos, the Philippines, Indonesia, India and Kazakhstan, while also exploring opportunities in Europe.
Hyundai Thanh Cong has also exported Hyundai vehicles from Vietnam to Mexico, Australia, Taiwan and China. Vehicles produced at the company's Ninh Binh plant are exported to markets across Asia, the Americas and Oceania. The company plans to export components and finished vehicles this year.
Nguyen Minh Son, director of the Hyundai Thanh Cong plant, said the export programme was the result of years of preparation, including the development of manufacturing capacity, technological expertise and quality standards required for international markets.
He said shipments to Mexico and Australia would support the company's export targets. However, the expansion comes as Vietnam's automotive sector continues to face a significant imbalance between imports and exports.
In the first seven months of this year, the country imported CBU vehicles worth US$ 3.5 billion, representing increases of 46.7% in volume and 30.3% in value year on year. Meanwhile, Vietnam's automotive exports remain largely concentrated on components rather than finished vehicles.
