Upgrades in shape, comfort, and especially safety technology help Toyota Vios continue to lead sales in the B-class sedan segment.
Market Trends Impacting B-Segment Sedans
In the past two years, the B-segment sedan market has been significantly impacted by a shift toward high-chassis products and small MPVs. While the market share has narrowed, the overall situation remains stable, with the Toyota Vios still a dominant force, akin to an impenetrable fortress against competitors.
Impressive Sales Figures
The latest version of the Toyota Vios has received notable upgrades in both exterior design and safety technology. By the end of September, cumulative sales of the Toyota Vios reached 8,812 vehicles, solidifying its dominance in the popular sedan segment. This impressive sales figure far exceeds that of the second-ranked competitor by nearly 600 vehicles. In September alone, 1,842 Vios units were delivered to customers, marking the highest monthly sales since the beginning of the year. Consequently, Toyota’s B-class sedan has ranked among the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the Vietnamese automotive market.
Factors Driving Sales Success
Experts attribute the explosive sales of the Vios to various factors. Notably, the vehicle benefits from a 100% registration fee support system, which includes a 50% contribution from Toyota Vietnam and a further 50% from the Government (Decree 109). This initiative has significantly enhanced the “hotness” of the Vios at dealerships. However, the key drivers of its success remain the core values of the model, including its practicality, enhanced safety technology, and reasonable pricing.
Design Upgrades
In May 2023, Toyota launched a new upgrade for the Vios, introducing major changes in its exterior design. Once considered outdated and lacking distinctive features, the new Vios offers customers a fresh perspective on the style that the model aims to embody. The B-class sedan now sports a more youthful and modern aesthetic, characterized by a sporty front end design and angular headlights complemented by dynamic wheel designs.
Enhanced Comfort and Practicality
The interior retains the practical focus that this model is known for while also enhancing comfort. The company has increased the screen size from 7 inches to 9 inches, and the steering wheel on the G version now includes paddle shifters. The two lower versions also come equipped with USB charging ports for the rear seats.
Safety Features That Stand Out
Toyota Vios excels in safety features within its segment. Beyond basic components like electronic stability control and hill start assist, the vehicle has incorporated two new features into the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety package: forward collision warning and lane departure warning, available on the highest-end G version. These upgrades are based on customer feedback and serve to enhance the overall appeal of Toyota’s sedan model.
The forward collision warning is particularly useful in urban driving scenarios, while the lane departure warning contributes to safer highway and long-distance driving. Competitors in the segment are also beginning to adopt these important safety features.
Expanding Customer Base
With these design and equipment upgrades, Toyota Vios is gradually broadening its customer base in Vietnam. Beyond the traditional transportation service business group, the sedan is increasingly appealing to young first-time car buyers and families in search of a reliable and safe vehicle.
Strategic Market Adaptation
Adapting to market changes and the preferences of Vietnamese consumers is crucial for Toyota Vios to maintain its strong influence in the segment. In October, the Japanese company continued to enhance the competitiveness of the Vios with a 50% registration fee incentive program. Thanks to its domestic assembly, the Toyota Vios also benefits from an additional 50% registration fee discount from the Government (valid until the end of November).
Cost Savings for Customers
By combining these two promotional policies, customers who purchase a Vios in October will effectively be exempt from registration fees, resulting in a reduction of over 50 million VND in costs. This strategy serves as a solid foundation for Vios to maintain its leading position while aiming to achieve the highest sales target in the B-class sedan segment for 2024.
