Hanoi auto show to offer free entry, nearly 60 cars, test drives this weekend

Free entry from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Vietnam Innovation Mobility Show (VIMS) 2026 will take place on Saturday and Sunday at the National Convention Center (NCC) in Hanoi.

According to organizers, the exhibition will be open to the public for free from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. 

Visitors can explore the display area, view the cars, and take part in various activities without buying a ticket.

A highlight of this year's VIMS is the display of nearly 60 models from the top five categories of the 2026 Car Choice Awards at the NCC.

The line-up spans multiple segments, from mainstream family cars and electric and hybrid models to sports cars, off-road SUVs, and high-performance pickups.

According to a 3D rendering released by the organizers, the display area will be set up at the NCC's main entrance. 

Nearly 60 cars will be arranged in 12 clusters of about five vehicles each, extending from the plaza toward the main lobby on both sides of the entrance.

The first six clusters will occupy the plaza in front of the staircase, with three clusters on each side. 

The remaining six will be placed in the reception area on either side of the main entrance, with three clusters on each side.

The set-up will allow visitors to see and get up close with a wide range of models in one location, rather than having to visit individual dealerships to explore them.

MX-5, Land Cruiser FJ, Ranger Raptor V6 among the highlights

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the top five finalists in the 'Playful Car of the Year' category, with each model offering a distinct style. 

The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seater convertible roadster, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is designed as an off-road SUV, while the Ford Ranger Raptor V6 is a rugged pickup powered by a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine.

The green-car line-up also features several models drawing attention in the market, from electric vehicles to hybrids. 

The Hyundai Palisade HEV, for example, is among the notable new models, combining a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor while retaining its three-row SUV configuration.

Test drives, hands-on experiences

VIMS 2026 will go beyond static car displays, with the organizers saying visitors can also take part in the test drives of selected models at the event.

The test drives will give prospective buyers a chance to experience the driving position, interior space, and vehicle performance first-hand, rather than simply viewing the cars in the exhibition area.

In addition to the car viewing and test drives, the exhibition will feature check-in activities, minigames, and giveaways for visitors.

One minigame organized by the Bi Mat Xe Biz community will offer total prizes worth nearly VND38 million (US$1,465). Participants must visit the exhibition, take part in the activities, and share their experiences on their personal Facebook pages.

The prizes include a robot vacuum and mop worth nearly VND22 million ($847), a bladeless fan worth nearly VND8 million ($308), and another gift valued at the same amount.

Alongside the exhibition, the 2026 Car Choice Awards Gala will take place at the National Convention Center on Sunday evening, when this year's category winners will be announced.

The awards gala will feature performances by four artists: Ho Ngoc Ha, Phung Khanh Linh, Ha Le, and Cheng. 

Ho Ngoc Ha is a familiar face on the Better Choice Awards stage, while the other three represent a younger generation of Vietnamese musicians.