Chinese new energy vehicles have become a regular on the streets of Laos! In recent years, Chinese brand new energy vehicles such as BYD, Chery, and Zeekr have gradually become regulars on the streets of major cities in Laos. With excellent quality, novel design and rich configuration, Chinese new energy vehicles have gradually gained a foothold here.
Affected by factors such as currency depreciation and rising oil prices, Lao consumers have turned their attention to new energy vehicles in recent years. Chinese automakers have keenly captured this market trend and rapidly promoted the development of the local new energy vehicle market through the layout of the entire industry chain, including the export of complete vehicles, the supply of key components, and the improvement of charging supporting services. Nowadays, driving a new energy vehicle is not only unimpeded in the capital Vientiane, but also in Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and other places hundreds of miles away from the capital. The construction of charging networks is also accelerating, and people’s concerns about the endurance of new energy vehicles are being quickly resolved.
According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, a recent survey by Toyota Laos showed that the share of new car sales in Laos by Chinese cars has rapidly climbed from about 5% in 2020 to 19% in 2023. The import volume of new energy vehicles in Laos was almost zero before 2021, but only one year later it accounted for 9% of the total automobile imports, and this proportion rose to 15% in 2023. This set of data reflects that the local area has gradually become a stage for Chinese new energy vehicles to show their prowess.
At the Vientiane New Energy Vehicle Show in March this year, Chinese brands performed well. A salesperson of a Chinese-funded car company told reporters that taking the Chinese brand exhibitors as an example, the monthly sales volume of a single model in Laos can be stabilized at about a dozen vehicles per store. “Chinese new energy vehicles have become a representative of high-quality brands and reputation, and have won the favor of more and more local car owners and families.”
Dedensavan Jiaomanion, marketing director of Vientiane Automobile Market Co., Ltd., said that the sales growth rate of new energy vehicles in Laos in 2024 was the fastest in history. At present, most consumers choose new energy vehicles mainly for their high cost-effectiveness, modern design and excellent safety performance. Chinese new energy vehicles are particularly popular. To promote this trend, the Lao government is also vigorously promoting the construction of charging infrastructure, and plans to add more charging stations in cities, along major highways and other provinces. In the future, the new energy vehicle market in Laos will grow rapidly.
Chinese new energy vehicles have become a regular sight on the streets of Laos! From the establishment of infrastructure projects such as the China-Laos Railway to the continuous influx of Chinese new energy vehicles into Laos; from the Lao government’s trust in “Chinese technology” to the people’s choice of “Chinese smart manufacturing”, the hard connectivity and soft power of China’s related industries have resonated in the Laotian economy and society. Today, Chinese new energy vehicle companies have opened up a new track on the banks of the Mekong River, paving a new industrial road with green concepts.
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