The Vietnamese automotive landscape is bracing for an unprecedented wave of expansion as a new cohort of Chinese automakers prepares to enter the market over the late-2026 and 2027 period. Brands such as Zeekr, Li Auto, Changan, DFSK, Forthing, Deepal, and Icaur are actively laying the groundwork to introduce their latest generation of passenger vehicles, signaling a fierce intensification of competition in Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving car market.
This impending influx represents the latest chapter in China’s long-term strategy to establish a robust footprint in Vietnam. While early attempts by Chinese automakers in the early 2000s failed to capture significant consumer interest—largely due to lingering perceptions of poor quality, lack of established dealer networks, and insufficient brand equity—the market dynamics have shifted drastically in recent years.
A Decade of Rapid Incursion: From Early Hesitation to Market Saturation
Between 2020 and 2025, the Vietnamese automotive sector witnessed an aggressive wave of market entry from Chinese brands. A total of 11 prominent automotive nameplates officially established their presence in the country, including MG, Wuling, Haval, Haima, Lynk & Co, BYD, GAC, Dongfeng, Omoda, Jaecoo, and Geely. This count excludes brands that have already retreated from the market, such as Hongqi, Aion, and BAIC, which underscores the high volatility and competitive pressure inherent in the local ecosystem.
Cumulatively, Chinese brands now represent the largest contingent of foreign automakers operating in Vietnam by sheer volume of brands. Despite this numerical dominance, consumer adoption has varied widely. While budget-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) and feature-packed internal combustion engine (ICE) crossovers have found niche audiences, Chinese manufacturers are now shifting their focus toward premium segments, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and diversified powertrain configurations—including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (EREVs)—to appeal to a broader demographic of Vietnamese car buyers.
The Next Wave: Detailed Brand Rollout Plans for 2026-2027
Building upon the foundations laid by earlier pioneers, a second and more sophisticated wave of Chinese automotive giants is slated to enter the Vietnamese market between late 2026 and 2027. These brands are bringing advanced vehicle architectures, higher-end interior appointments, and aggressive localized pricing strategies.
Zeekr: Targeting the Luxury Electric Segment
As part of its broader regional expansion, Geely—via its Vietnamese distributor Tasco—is preparing to introduce its premium pure-electric brand, Zeekr, by late 2026 or early 2027. Founded in 2021 in Zhejiang, China, Zeekr has been positioned by its parent group as a high-end electric vehicle brand that leverages cutting-edge autonomous driving technologies, high-performance battery platforms, and luxury-tier cabin designs.
Local infrastructure development is already underway, with showroom networks currently being finalized in major urban hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Industry insiders indicate that Zeekr’s initial rollout in Vietnam will likely feature the 7X SUV and the 009 luxury MPV, directly challenging established European and Japanese luxury marques in the electric vehicle space.
Li Auto and Forthing: Expanding via Neera Motors
Neera Motors, an established vehicle importer and distributor in Vietnam, has secured the rights to bring two major Chinese nameplates to the local market: Li Auto and Forthing. Both brands are currently navigating the complex administrative phases of vehicle homologation, regulatory compliance, emissions testing, and dealer network recruitment.
Li Auto, founded in 2015 with headquarters in Beijing and manufacturing facilities in Changzhou, Jiangsu, has achieved phenomenal success in China through its focus on Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (EREVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). The brand plans to commence commercial operations in Vietnam by late 2026 or early 2027, with models such as the i6, L6, L8, and L9 expected to lead the charge. EREVs are viewed by market analysts as a particularly viable transitional technology for Vietnam, where public charging infrastructure is still in its infancy, as they combine the driving dynamics of an electric vehicle with the extended range provided by a gasoline generator.
Meanwhile, Forthing—a subsidiary of the state-owned Dongfeng Motor Corporation established in 2001—is looking to accelerate its market entry. Its flagship offering for Vietnam will be the Forthing V9, a large luxury hybrid MPV designed to compete directly against heavyweights like the Kia Carnival and the GAC GS8.
Icaur: Chery’s Off-Road Electric Subsidiary
Chery’s dedicated electric vehicle offshoot, Icar, which operates under the international moniker Icaur, is also setting its sights on Vietnam. Established in 2023 in Anhui, China, the brand focuses exclusively on modern, lifestyle-oriented electric vehicles with distinct design languages.
The spearhead of Icaur’s Vietnamese lineup will be the V27, a rugged, boxy off-road oriented SUV that utilizes a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) powertrain. The V27’s aggressive styling and robust capabilities are expected to appeal to younger, adventure-seeking buyers looking for an alternative to traditional diesel-powered body-on-frame SUVs.
DFSK: The Seres-Backed Hybrid Contender
DFSK, originally founded in 2003 as a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor and Seres (formerly known as Sokon), has undergone significant corporate restructuring. In 2020, Seres acquired a 50% stake from Dongfeng to assume full controlling ownership, rebranding its domestic operations to Seres Auto while retaining the DFSK name for international export markets.
DFSK is scheduled to launch commercial operations in Vietnam between late 2026 and 2027. The brand’s initial product offering is expected to be the E5 hybrid (PHEV) configured with a 7-seat layout. This model aims to capture family-oriented consumers and commercial fleet operators seeking fuel efficiency and low operating costs.
Changan and Deepal: Industrial Scale and Local Manufacturing
Changan Automobile, one of China’s "Big Four" state-owned automotive conglomerates, is preparing a comprehensive entry into the Vietnamese market. While initial vehicle lineups remain tightly guarded, Changan boasts an expansive portfolio ranging from compact hatchbacks and sedans to high-performance SUVs across ICE, hybrid, and pure electric architectures.
Furthermore, Changan’s new-energy subsidiary, Deepal, has confirmed plans to launch five distinct product lines in Vietnam over the next three years through a strategic partnership with Kim Long Motor. This collaboration marks a significant escalation in industrial commitment: in early 2025, Kim Long Motor Hue and Changan Automobile officially announced a joint investment to construct a massive manufacturing and assembly plant in Hue, Vietnam. Spanning 30 hectares with an initial design capacity of 50,000 passenger vehicles (5 to 7 seats) per year under the brand name Kim Long Truong An Vietnam, the facility will produce localized versions of Deepal’s EREV and pure electric models, including the S09 SUV.
Market Implications and Competitive Outlook
The coordinated entry of these Chinese automotive brands highlights a structural transformation in Vietnam’s automotive industry. Unlike previous decades, when market entry was tentative and unsupported by localized infrastructure, current entrants are deploying comprehensive strategies that include localized assembly plants, robust dealer networks, and advanced digital ecosystems.
Industry analysts note that this aggressive expansion will place immense pressure on legacy Japanese, Korean, and Western automakers that have historically dominated the Vietnamese market. By undercutting established competitors on pricing while offering superior technological integrations—such as advanced infotainment systems, Level 2+ autonomous driving suites, and versatile hybrid powertrains—Chinese automakers are poised to capture a substantial market share. However, long-term success will ultimately depend on consumer trust regarding vehicle resale values, the reliability of after-sales service, and the continued expansion of national charging and maintenance infrastructure.
