Local car manufacturers sold 9,386 units in May, up 7 percent over the same period last year, according to the Association of Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers (VAMA).

Multi-use vehicles enjoyed the strongest growth, with 1,846 units sold, up 24 percent. Manufacturers also sold 5,202 commercial vehicles, representing a 9 percent rise.

According to VAMA, the best-selling models in May included GM Daewoo's new Cruze, Gentra, and Spark LT, and two Mercedes Benz models, the C250 CGI and the E250
CGI.

Toyota sold 404 Corrolla Atils, 400 Vios, and 134 Camry's. Ford sold 107 of its Focus model and Honda sold 103 Civics.

Only 2,338 travel automobiles were sold in May, 45 units fewer than in April, representing a 6 percent decrease against the same period last year, VAMA reported.

Honda passenger car sales dropped 23 percent, Ford fell 7 percent and GM Daewoo broke even. Mercedes Benz increased sales by 14 percent from a year ago and Toyota
enjoyed 2 percent growth in the passenger market.

Total sales by local car manufacturers in the first five months rose by 5 percent over the same period last year./.