Calculating the Price of Imported Cars in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide

My friend Tuan, who lives in Gia Lam and runs a construction materials business, has been complaining about his old Hyundai HD72 truck lately. He’s thinking of “upgrading” to a new imported Isuzu truck. I asked him, “Have you considered all the costs? Imported vehicles come with hefty taxes and shipping fees.” He chuckled, admitting he’d only focused on the truck he wanted, not the price. So, as someone with years of experience in the trucking industry, I decided to break down the formula for calculating the price of an imported car.

Decoding the “Mystery” of Imported Car Pricing

Many people mistakenly believe the price of an imported car is simply the listed price plus taxes. The reality is much more complex, like buying a loaf of bread. The final price includes the cost of ingredients, labor, transportation, rent, and more. Similarly, the price of an imported car includes various taxes and fees. Specifically:

1. FOB (Free On Board) Price

This is the price of the vehicle at the port of the exporting country. It doesn’t include international shipping, insurance, or other related costs. The FOB price is usually clearly stated by the manufacturer.

2. Taxes and Fees

• Import Tax: This tax depends on the engine displacement and the origin of the vehicle.
• Special Consumption Tax: Applied to passenger vehicles with fewer than 10 seats (including pickup trucks), this tax ranges from 35% to 150% depending on engine displacement.
• Registration Fee: This fee varies by locality. In Hanoi, it’s 10% for imported cars.
• License Plate Fee: Similar to the registration fee, this also varies by locality.
• Road Maintenance Fee: This annual fee depends on the vehicle type.
• Compulsory Civil Liability Insurance: Mandatory for all vehicles on the road.

3. Other Costs

In addition to taxes and fees, the price of an imported car also includes:

• International Shipping Costs: The cost of transporting the vehicle from the exporting country to Vietnam.
• Cargo Insurance: Protects the vehicle during shipping.
• Dealer Profit Margin: Each dealership has its own profit margin.

4. Formula for Calculating the Price of an Imported Car

Total Price = FOB Price + Import Tax + Special Consumption Tax + Registration Fee + License Plate Fee + Road Maintenance Fee + Compulsory Civil Liability Insurance + International Shipping Costs + Cargo Insurance + Dealer Profit Margin.

Imported truck in Vietnam

Estimated Price List for Imported Cars (for reference only)

Note: This price list is for reference only. Actual prices may vary depending on the time of purchase, version, promotions, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions about Imported Car Prices

1. Why are imported car prices in Vietnam much higher than in other countries?

This is due to the relatively high import and special consumption taxes in Vietnam compared to other countries in the region.

2. Where can I buy a reliable imported car?

You should choose authorized dealers or reputable importers with all the necessary legal documents. For example, Thaco Truong Hai truck dealer on Nguyen Van Linh Street, Long Bien, Hanoi.

3. Should I buy a used imported car?

Buying a used car can save you money, but you should thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s condition before making a decision.