Ford Ranger retakes Vietnam pickup lead

The Ranger’s strength matters because pickups typically carry better margins than entry-level passenger cars and can support a brand’s dealer traffic, financing revenue and accessory sales. In Vietnam, the model’s range — from diesel 2.0-liter versions to a 3.0-liter V6 Wildtrak with 250 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque — gives Ford a broad reach across work and lifestyle buyers.

Mitsubishi’s Triton remains close enough to keep the contest alive, but Ford’s return to the top suggests the Ranger is still the benchmark in a segment where brand loyalty and fleet demand can move quickly. That matters to investors watching Ford’s international mix, especially as automakers lean harder on higher-margin trucks and SUVs to offset pressure elsewhere.

Separately, MG has launched the GT in Vietnam from 512 million dong, or about $20,000, bringing a coupe-styled four-door sedan into a segment dominated by the Mazda3, Honda Civic, Kia K3 and Hyundai Elantra. The car’s higher-spec 1.5T Premium version makes 168 horsepower, and MG is offering early incentives, including support for half of registration fees, plus a 10-year warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance.

That pricing puts MG squarely in the fight for younger buyers who want a sportier shape without moving up to a larger or pricier car. It also shows how Chinese- and China-linked brands continue to push into Southeast Asian markets with value-led products, using aggressive financing and warranty terms to steal share from established Japanese and Korean rivals.

The broader message for automakers is clear: pickups remain a reliable profit engine, while sedan launches now depend on sharp pricing and incentives to stand out. The next test will be whether Ford can hold the Ranger’s lead into the final quarter and whether MG’s GT can convert launch interest into sustained showroom demand.