“It is my opinion that the SUV or, as it is sometimes referred to, Large Engine Vehicle, which does so well in the United States, will be a wonderful addition to the various product lines within Vietnam”
Source: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114784170652465525
Lol, one visit to Vietnam can easily show you why an SUV is not going to be a hit there. It’s basically motorcycle country. Cars are pretty common too, but motorcycles are basically THE form of transportation there.
Unfortunately their governemnt is investing heavily into car only infrastructure which bikes aren’t allowed to use. It’s frustrating to see considering their cities are already at maximum traffic with motorbikes alone. Adding cars to the mix there just isn’t possible.
Also there’s no way that US automakers will be able to outcompete Vinfast and Chinese EVs who are working with better subsidies and significantly cheaper labor.
That’s ok, there will be a statement at some point in the near future from some Vietnamese official denying that any of this post from Trump is true.
This has been the pattern, I’ve no doubt it will continue to be.
I’m in Hanoi right now. Theres quite a few SUVs and crossovers. Maybe between 1:4 and 1:8 cars to bikes.
Mostly Kias and Toyotas, I saw 1 Ford Explorer.
1:4 is a wild ratio. I can’t picture that in Saigon, but maybe Hanoi is a lot different
It’s so bad for the flow of traffic.
I can only pray the government does something to discourage cars and encourage electric bikes before it gets worse.
And their streets are narrow, especially in the French quarter of Hanoi and other older areas. The vehicles in use currently are often very small to make it easier to navigate the narrow roads (and street/laneway parking) and like you mention - the scooters, which are like 90% of vehicle traffic.
time to invent the SUV-motorcycle
Are those motorcycles with Large Motors
Boss Hoss
It’s called a bmw gs