The End of the Road for the Toyota Yaris in Vietnam: The Declining Popularity of B-Segment Hatchbacks

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Toyota Yaris Discontinued in Vietnam

In a statement to the press, a spokesperson for Toyota Vietnam revealed that the company is temporarily halting imports of the Yaris model: “Based on the current supply and demand situation, Toyota Vietnam has temporarily stopped importing the Yaris model. We will consider our strategy and product portfolio at the appropriate time to align with market needs.”

The Yaris has been removed from the official website of the Japanese joint venture. Many Toyota dealerships have also stopped taking orders for this B-segment hatchback.

Yaris is no longer listed under the hatchback section on Toyota Vietnam’s website.

This move follows a similar decision made by Toyota Vietnam regarding the Rush model, which was quietly discontinued in the Vietnamese market in 2022 without an official announcement.

Reasons Behind Toyota Yaris’ Discontinuation in Vietnam

Toyota Vietnam’s statement hints at the challenges faced in the B-segment hatchback market. Since the beginning of 2024, the Toyota Yaris has consistently recorded low sales figures in the country. In May 2024, not a single unit of this B-segment hatchback was delivered to customers. As of May 2024, only eight Yaris units have been sold nationwide, according to sales consultants at various dealerships.

The Toyota Yaris used to be popular among female drivers for its stylish design and good resale value. However, it now struggles to compete with similarly priced models.

The Toyota Yaris sold in Vietnam is a completely built-up (CBU) import from Thailand, resulting in a relatively high price compared to its competitors in the same segment. In Thailand, the Yaris has received a significant upgrade, but it is unlikely that this new version will be introduced in Vietnam anytime soon.

With the rising popularity of high-riding vehicles, customers have shown a clear preference for the Yaris Cross over the standard Yaris. The Yaris Cross, a B-segment SUV, has sold 2,939 units in the first five months of the year. Notably, the raised version of the Yaris consistently ranked among the top 10 best-selling cars in April and May 2024. Therefore, it is understandable that Toyota Vietnam is considering focusing on the Yaris Cross while phasing out the standard Yaris.

The Yaris Cross has captured the attention of customers in the current market.

With the departure of the Toyota Yaris from the Vietnamese market, the B-segment hatchback category is now limited to just two options: the Suzuki Swift and the Mazda2. The segment will soon welcome a new entrant, the BYD Dolphin. However, B-segment hatchbacks are currently not in high demand in Vietnam. In May 2024, Suzuki Swift sales stood at only 21 units, while Mazda has not disclosed sales figures for its Mazda2 hatchback.

Suzuki Swift

Mazda BT-50

The first two models discontinued in Vietnam in 2024.

The Toyota Yaris is not the only model to be discontinued in the Vietnamese market. Previously, the Mazda BT-50 pickup truck was also quietly withdrawn from the market. Just a few days ago, the Suzuki Ciaz sedan was removed from the automaker’s official website without any official announcement.

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