“From Toyota, Hyundai, Skoda to VinFast: When Cars Transcend Transportation to Become National Icons”

Throughout the history of industrial development, every nation has an iconic automotive brand—a symbol not only of technical prowess but also of national pride. From Japan’s Toyota to South Korea’s Hyundai, the Czech Republic’s Skoda, and Malaysia’s Perodua, these “national brands” share a common thread: they are supported by their people and play a pivotal role in shaping both the economy and national identity. Vietnam is now on a similar journey with VinFast, a name poised to become the new symbol of its automotive industry.

In Japan, Toyota has long transcended its role as a car manufacturer. With over 45% domestic market share and 10.8 million vehicles sold globally in 2024 (according to Reuters), Toyota is not just a source of Japanese pride but also a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing 2-3% to Japan’s GDP and employing 3.5 million people through its supply chain. In Japan, Toyota is often referred to as the “soul” of the industry, embodying the values of discipline, innovation, and resilience in every product.

South Korea’s story mirrors this with Hyundai and KIA. Over 35% of vehicles on South Korean roads bear the logos of these two brands. The government views the automotive industry as the backbone of the economy, while citizens see Hyundai as a symbol of national pride, contributing 5-7% to the GDP. Automobiles and auto parts account for 14% of the country’s exports. Hyundai vehicles not only showcase technological prowess but also represent the global aspirations of “Made in Korea.”

In Europe, the Czech Republic takes immense pride in Skoda, a brand that holds approximately 35% of the domestic market share and serves as an industrial emblem of the nation. The Skoda plant in Mlada Boleslav is one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the Czech Republic, providing jobs for tens of thousands. In 2024, the company sold nearly 1 million vehicles, dominating the domestic market and spreading the image of “Czech industry” across Europe. Recently, Skoda has expanded into public transportation, including high-speed trains, becoming an integral part of urban life.

In Germany, Volkswagen and BMW are emblematic of precision engineering and reliability. Volkswagen remains one of the world’s largest automotive groups, selling over 8.5 million vehicles in 2024, while BMW is synonymous with premium quality and elegant design. In France, Renault and brands under the Stellantis group are sources of national pride.

In the United States, General Motors and Ford are industrial titans. Ford, the first company to introduce assembly line production to the automotive industry, revolutionized the world’s perception of modern manufacturing. General Motors continues to contribute tens of billions of dollars annually to the U.S. GDP.

In Southeast Asia, Malaysia boasts Perodua, a domestic brand with a 40% market share, peaking at 44.6% in July 2025, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA). Perodua focuses on producing affordable, compact vehicles, making car ownership accessible to the masses rather than aiming for global dominance.

In Vietnam, a brand is making similar strides. By the first nine months of 2025, VinFast had sold over 100,000 electric vehicles. September sales alone reached nearly 14,000 units, solidifying VinFast’s position as Vietnam’s leading automotive brand. While these numbers pale in comparison to global giants like Toyota or Hyundai, they reflect VinFast’s dedication and growing consumer trust, as noted by expert Nguyen Manh Thang.

Beyond sales, VinFast’s economic impact extends to its ecosystem. The VinFast factory in Hai Phong, along with expanding projects in India and Indonesia, supports hundreds of component suppliers and logistics services, creating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, the Xanh SM electric taxi service has expanded VinFast’s reach both domestically and internationally.

VinFast’s rapid progress demonstrates that Vietnam is no longer on the sidelines of the global automotive industry. Models like the VF 3, VF e34, and VF 9 are more than commercial products—they symbolize the spirit of “Vietnamese ingenuity.” While VinFast’s journey to becoming a national automotive brand may be long, it has begun with the same trust that Toyota, Hyundai, and Volkswagen once inspired at their inception.