A Century of Commercial Rhythm – Traction Paving the Way for Prosperity

Heritage Timeline: Formed in the late 19th century – existing structure since 1914

Ben Thanh Market – The Commercial Soul of Saigon for Over a Century

Ben Thanh Market is not just a market, but a historical witness accompanying the formation and development of Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City.

From the 19th century, the Ben Thanh area was initially just a small riverside market, near the pier, where boats and ships bustled, and goods flowed in with the tides. The name “Ben Thanh” carries a very clear meaning: the pier – the gateway to the city, where trade began.

During the French colonial period, as Saigon gradually became the economic and administrative center of Indochina, the need for a modern, large-scale market became urgent. In 1912, the French began construction of the new Ben Thanh Market at its current central location, and in March 1914, the project was officially completed.

Ben Thanh Market’s architecture bears strong hallmarks of early 20th-century French design:

• Solid structure
• Open, airy spaces
• The four-faced clock tower became an iconic landmark

From then until now, even as the city has transformed through many historical periods, Ben Thanh remains a vibrant commercial hub, a place where goods converge, and where the urban rhythm is constantly in motion.

FAW – From National Industrial Icon to Global Traction Power

If Ben Thanh Market is a symbol of the flow of goods, then FAW is the embodiment of the vehicles that create that flow in the modern industrial era.

Established in 1953 in Changchun (China), FAW (First Automobile Works) was the first automobile factory, laying the foundation for the entire Chinese motor vehicle industry. In 1956, the Jiefang CA10 – the first truck manufactured by China – was born, quickly becoming the primary vehicle for transportation, construction, and logistics.

Over 70 years of development, FAW has continuously expanded its scale and technology:

From trucks serving domestic needs

To heavy-duty prime movers for long-haul operations

Serving logistics, seaports, industrial zones, and modern supply chains

Today, FAW Jiefang prime movers are the choice of millions of transportation businesses worldwide – standing out with:

Powerful traction

High durability

Stable operation capability over thousands of kilometers on long journeys

When Ben Thanh Meets FAW – Traditional Trade Harmonizes with Modern Infrastructure

If more than a century ago, goods arrived at Ben Thanh by boats, rafts, and handcarts, today, FAW prime mover fleets are the generation inheriting that spirit of trade – moving goods further, faster, and more robustly.

Ben Thanh represents the point of convergence.
FAW represents the journey of dissemination.

On one side is the bustling market rhythm every morning.
On the other side is the silent yet powerful and enduring traction on every road.

Symbolic Meaning

Ben Thanh Market: A symbol of trade, urban life, and the connection between people – goods – culture.

FAW Prime Movers: A symbol of transportation power, modern logistics, and infrastructure paving the way for economic growth.

Both share a common philosophy:

To prosper – there must be circulation.
To develop – there must be a solid transportation foundation.

Heritage Message

Ben Thanh bustling every morning
FAW pulls prosperity, extending to all directions.