HCMC – Auto firms in Vietnam manufactured and assembled 39,700 units in December, taking the total this year to about 440,000, according to the General Statistics Office.

The total number of vehicles produced in Vietnam, including those imported for assembly, has risen by 14.9% this year compared to 2021.

Monthly, domestic manufacturers could produce an average of 36,600 autos. Annual automobile consumption this year is expected to exceed 500,000 units for the first time.

According to data released by the office in early December, Vietnam came in fourth in Southeast Asia for automobile manufacturing and assembly from January to October, after Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Leading international automakers have operated facilities in Vietnam, including Mitsubishi, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Ford.

Chery from China and Skoda from the Czech Republic are among the brands seeking domestic partners to produce automobiles in Vietnam, the local media reported.

VinFast, a Vietnamese auto industry newcomer, has recently made efforts in electric vehicle production with an eye on the domestic and U.S. markets.