THACO to become BMW importer, starting in 2018

According to official information from BMW Group Asia, BMW AG has selected Truong Hai Auto Joint Stock Company (THACO) as their new investor and importer in the Vietnamese market.

BMW Group Asia said on September 12 that it signed a letter of intent with Vietnamese automaker Truong Hai Automobile JSC (Thaco), delivering its intention to choose Thaco as a new dealer of its BMW and MINI models in Vietnam from January 1, 2018.

BMW Group Asia has chosen Thaco as a new dealer of its BMW and MINI models in Vietnam. Photo: BMW
BMW Group Asia has chosen Thaco as a new dealer of its BMW and MINI models in Vietnam. Photo: BMW

The German automaker will wind up its four-year contract with Sime Darby Motors which backs Euro Auto (EAC) - the officially authorized distributor of BMW in Vietnam since 2006 on December 31.

Sime Darby Motors is the second largest BMW dealer group in the world and continues to be a key partner for the BMW Group in multiple markets throughout the region.

“Our customers are our number one priority, and until further notice, EAC will continue to provide high quality after-sales services for all existing BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad customers in Vietnam,” said Paul de Courtois, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia. 

THACO was established in 1997. Currently, it is manufacturing, assembling, distributing and retailing commercial vehicles (truck and bus) and tourist vehicles with brands such as Kia (Korea), Mazda (Japan) Peugeot (France). 

THACO's manufacture complex is located in Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, Quang Nam Province, covering an area of 400ha. It consists of six automobile assembly plants, 12 auxiliary industry plants, an R&D center, a vocational college and a port. It has 97 automotive retail showrooms and 59 agents all over the country.

Among Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), THACO is the leading company in sales with 40 – 42 per cent of market shares (2015 - 2017). In 2016, THACO was selected as the Viet Nam’s largest private enterprise by Vietnam Assessment Report Organization (VNR 500). 

By Phung Nguyen

Other News

Vietnam accelerates innovation to boost growth, competitiveness

Vietnam accelerates innovation to boost growth, competitiveness

By 2030, Vietnam aims to rank among the world’s top 40 in the GII; raise total social investment in R&D to at least 2% of GDP, with non-State funding accounting for over 60%; increase international scientific publications by an average of 10% annually; and raise the number of patent applications and granted patents by an average of 16-18% annually.

Vietnam sees high growth prospects

Vietnam sees high growth prospects

Experts from the Institute of Vietnam and World Economy under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences noted the quality of recent growth as the high growth rate has been recorded against an increasingly higher comparative base.

Vietnam seeks bigger share of global Halal market

Vietnam seeks bigger share of global Halal market

Vietnam's Halal exports remain modest at around 900 million USD a year, accounting for less than 1% of the global market. Most exports are still raw agricultural and seafood products. Only around 1,000–1,300 Vietnamese businesses obtained or maintained Halal certification during 2024–2026.

Hanoi sets up inter-agency mechanism to operate carbon market

Hanoi sets up inter-agency mechanism to operate carbon market

Under a decision of the municipal People’s Committee on establishing an inter-agency working group, departments and agencies are responsible for identifying facilities subject to greenhouse gas inventories, developing emissions-reduction plans and studying projects capable of generating carbon credits.

Shrimp exports reach 3.3 billion USD in eight months

Shrimp exports reach 3.3 billion USD in eight months

According to data from the Vietnam Customs cited by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), shrimp exports reached 478.5 million USD in August, up 4.2% from the same month last year. The eight-month total stood at 3.3 billion USD, representing a year-on-year increase of 12%.

Russian investors explore opportunities in Vietnam's real estate market

Russian investors explore opportunities in Vietnam's real estate market

Vietnam is seen as a potential market, with considerable room for growth in real estate, particularly commercial property, compared with some regional markets. Strong Vietnam-Russia ties and opportunities to establish foreign-invested enterprises are also considered favourable for Russian investors.

Phu Quoc airport planning adjusted to serve APEC 2027

Phu Quoc airport planning adjusted to serve APEC 2027

For 2021-2030, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam proposed bringing forward the investment in a parallel taxiway system and a connecting taxiway north of Runway No. 2 at Phu Quoc International Airport, in order to connect with the aircraft maintenance and repair facility (hangar) planned for the northern area of ​​the airport.

Policy, infrastructure emerge as new advantages in FDI attraction

Policy, infrastructure emerge as new advantages in FDI attraction

From policy and infrastructure to industrial real estate, Vietnam’s FDI advantages are broadening towards a more integrated production ecosystem, offering investors a stronger combination of conditions for high-value, technology-intensive and long-term projects.

Logistics upgrade vital to 1-trillion-USD trade target: experts

Logistics upgrade vital to 1-trillion-USD trade target: experts

As trade expands, systemic bottlenecks across transport networks, warehousing, ports, border gates, and industrial zones are becoming more apparent. Experts emphasise the need to shift from a fragmented, project-by-project approach toward strategic management structured around trade corridors and integrated supply chains.

Ample room for Vietnam, US to deepen cooperation

Ample room for Vietnam, US to deepen cooperation

Do Ngoc Hung, Trade Counsellor and head of the Vietnam Trade Office in the US, said what stands out is not only the growth in trade volume but also the increasingly deep economic ties between the two countries.

Flexible fiscal policy helps drive economic growth

Flexible fiscal policy helps drive economic growth

According to the Ministry of Finance, State budget revenue in the first eight months of 2026 was estimated at 2.02 quadrillion VND (77.7 billion USD), equivalent to 80% of the annual estimate and up 16% year-on-year. Domestic revenue reached 1.75 quadrillion VND, accounting for 86.6% of total revenue and rising 16.6%.

Electronic components are produced at a factory in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi's imports surge 41% in first eight months of 2026

Hanoi aims to achieve average annual export growth of at least 12% during 2026-30, with the city seeking to diversify export markets, boost high-tech and value-added products and reduce reliance on traditional markets.