HANOI, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam reported a growth of 31 percent in automobile sales in the first half of 2016, according to statistics by Vietnam Automobile Manufacturer Association (VAMA) on Monday.
Specifically, during the six-month period, as many as 135,863 automobile units were sold in Vietnam, including Complete Knock Down and Complete Built Up.
Of the total figure, sales of passenger cars reached 74,000 units, up 24 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, sales of commercial vehicles posted a growth of 40 percent, reaching 52,000 units.
Sales of special-purposed vehicles hit 9,000 units, a growth of 50 percent year-on-year.
The high increase in automobile sales during the first half was attributed to the strong purchasing demand ahead of the adjustment in special consumption tax on cars, said VAMA.
Since July 1, the special consumption tax for cars with engines of 2,500 cubic centimeters to 3,000 cubic centimeters increased from 50 percent to 55 percent.
Cars with 3,000-4,000 cubic centimeters, 4,000-5,000 cubic centimeters and 5,000-6,000 cubic centimeters engines is subjected to respective tax rises to 90 percent, 110 percent and 130 percent from 60 percent in the past, while the tax rate for those with engines of more than 6,000 cubic centimeters rises to 150 percent.
