The output of domestically-produced automobiles and motorbikes increasedby 23.7 and 21.8 percent, respectively, during the first seven monthsof the year, reported the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
During the period, 1.95 million motorbikes were produced by domesticfirms, which was an increase of 350,000 units over the same period lastyear.
The ministry said the domestic motorbike producershad finally increased their production capacity for the first time inseven years.
Domestic firms also manufactured 52,100 cars in the period, an increase of 10,000 units against the same period last year.
In July alone, the automobile output reached 8,500 units, which was an increase of 700 units over June.
However, Ngo Van Tru, deputy director of the Heavy Industry Departmentunder the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said the domestic car industrywas still facing a myriad of difficulties because the sector is weak.
In accordance with commitments on trade liberalisation made by Vietnamunder the framework of ASEAN/ AFTA (Asean Free Trade Agreement), by2018 Vietnam will have to fully liberalise its automobile market.
The ministry forecasts that by 2020, there will be 50 vehicles for every 1,000 people.
Vietnam has 54 automobile manufacturers, including 12 foreign-owned and 42 domestically-owned enterprises./.
During the period, 1.95 million motorbikes were produced by domesticfirms, which was an increase of 350,000 units over the same period lastyear.
The ministry said the domestic motorbike producershad finally increased their production capacity for the first time inseven years.
Domestic firms also manufactured 52,100 cars in the period, an increase of 10,000 units against the same period last year.
In July alone, the automobile output reached 8,500 units, which was an increase of 700 units over June.
However, Ngo Van Tru, deputy director of the Heavy Industry Departmentunder the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said the domestic car industrywas still facing a myriad of difficulties because the sector is weak.
In accordance with commitments on trade liberalisation made by Vietnamunder the framework of ASEAN/ AFTA (Asean Free Trade Agreement), by2018 Vietnam will have to fully liberalise its automobile market.
The ministry forecasts that by 2020, there will be 50 vehicles for every 1,000 people.
Vietnam has 54 automobile manufacturers, including 12 foreign-owned and 42 domestically-owned enterprises./.
