HANOI/TOKYO: The Japanese government and some of the nation's top manufacturers have warned Vietnam that a planned ban on petrol-powered motorbikes in Hanoi could spark job losses and disrupt a US$4.6 billion market that is dominated by Honda, according to documents reviewed by Reuters and seven people familiar with the matter.
In July, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a directive prohibiting petrol motorbikes from entering the centre of the capital from the middle of 2026, as the country seeks to reduce high levels of air pollution. Broader restrictions are due in 2028 and bans are expected to spread to other parts of the country.
