From Geely to BYD, Chinese EV and hybrid brands are aggressively expanding in Vietnam. Discover who is leading the charge in our full report.
The first quarter of the year has officially wrapped up, and the automotive landscape in Vietnam is witnessing a seismic shift. As global manufacturers gear up for the year, Chinese brands are no longer just “entering” the market—they are launching strategic offensives to capture a growing appetite for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).
From aggressive pricing and celebrity endorsements to the introduction of cutting-edge Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) technology, here is a detailed look at what the major Chinese players have been up to in Vietnam during Q1 and what lies ahead.
Lynk & Co: The Premium Play
Lynk & Co was one of the early Chinese arrivals in Vietnam, and their strategy remains distinct: quality over quantity. Instead of engaging in price wars, the brand is doubling down on the “premium” experience, focusing on customer satisfaction and high-end technology.
While Q1 saw no new model launches, Lynk & Co remained active through extensive test-drive events, steering consumer interest toward their PHEV lineup. The Lynk & Co 08 has been the star of the show, arriving in Vietnam ahead of many other global markets. Despite its premium price tag, the 08 is designed to attract young, tech-savvy buyers who crave a futuristic driving experience.
Looking ahead to Q2, insiders suggest that Lynk & Co is preparing for a new wave of launches. Rumors point to the arrival of the “900” model, along with one or two additional newcomers to diversify their portfolio. Currently, the affordable Lynk & Co 06 and the advanced Lynk & Co 08 are expected to drive the brand’s volume.
Geely: The Aggressive Challenger
If Q1 had a MVP, it would likely be Geely. The brand made a bold statement by launching two distinct SUVs simultaneously: the Geely EX2 and the EX5 PHEV.
Geely EX2: Capturing the Urban Youth
The EX2 is strategically positioned as a “sweet,” compact electric SUV aimed primarily at female drivers and urban commuters. Its specifications include:
- Powertrain: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
- Performance: 113 hp and 150 Nm of torque, rear-wheel drive
- Battery: 44.1 kWh capacity with a range of 395 km per charge
- Price Point: 459-499 million VND
Geely EX5 PHEV: The Strategic Heavy Hitter
While the EX2 handles the city, the EX5 PHEV is designed to compete in the lucrative C-SUV segment. Combining a 1.5L gasoline engine with an electric motor, it delivers a total system output of 215 hp.
With a price range of 789-969 million VND and an impressive combined range of over 1,800 km, the EX5 PHEV is a direct threat to established Japanese giants like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, as well as fellow Chinese rivals like the BYD Sealion 6.
The strategy seems to be working; Geely Vietnam reported approximately 1,200 pre-orders for the EX2 within just five days of launch.
Omoda & Jaecoo: Marketing Mastery
Omoda & Jaecoo have taken a different approach, focusing heavily on brand visibility and “hype.” In Q1, they became perhaps the most visible Chinese brand by sponsoring beauty pageants, appointing high-profile ambassadors, and launching the Omoda C5 SHS-H.
The launch of the C5 SHS-H created a media storm due to its “shock’ pricing and equipment levels that far exceed its segment. Priced between 539-669 million VND, this hybrid SUV is positioned to disrupt the urban SUV market, offering superior operating costs and technology compared to B+ and C-segment rivals.
Beyond the product, Omoda & Jaecoo are investing deeply in the local infrastructure, announcing plans for a manufacturing plant and comprehensive after-sales programs to build long-term consumer trust.
Lotus: The Halo Effect
Under the Geely umbrella, the British icon Lotus is also eyeing Vietnam. While there was significant buzz regarding the opening of their first showroom in Ho Chi Minh City, the official launch has been pushed back to Q3 due to logistics and shipping delays.
Lotus is not looking for mass-market volume. By introducing hypercars like the Emira, Eletre, and Emeya, the brand aims to establish a high-end image and cater to the ultra-wealthy, personality-driven niche of the Vietnamese market.
BYD: The Quiet Giant
Despite being a global leader in EVs, BYD has been surprisingly quiet in Vietnam during the first few months of the year, focusing on existing models like the Sealion 6 and the M6 MPV.
However, a storm is brewing. Dealerships have already begun accepting deposits for the new BYD Dolphin. Interestingly, the new Dolphin is expected to be imported from Thailand rather than China, which could significantly lower the retail price. Some consultants predict a price tag under 600 million VND, which would make it an incredibly competitive option in the electric hatchback segment.
Conclusion: A New Era for Vietnamese Drivers
The first quarter of the year marks a pivotal transition for Chinese automakers in Vietnam. They are moving away from simple product introductions toward building comprehensive ecosystems and fostering consumer confidence.
The initial success of Geely and the media momentum of Omoda & Jaecoo suggest that Vietnamese consumers are becoming increasingly open to new energy alternatives. For the brands currently in a “quiet phase,” this is likely the calm before the storm, preparing for a high-voltage battle for market share in the coming months.