startups: Vingroup’s Green SM brings 500 VinFast EV taxis to Los

Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup's ride-hailing subsidiary, Green SM, has officially launched an all-electric taxi service in Los Angeles, marking its first foray into the North American market. The new service, which commenced on October 19, 2026, introduces a fleet of 500 VinFast VF 8 electric SUVs to the city's streets. This strategic expansion aims to offer a distinct transportation option by employing full-time drivers and owning its entire fleet, a model that directly contrasts with the prevailing gig-economy approach of major competitors.

The move represents a significant push for VinFast, also a Vingroup entity, to enhance its visibility and sales in the United States. Despite substantial efforts, VinFast has faced challenges in the US retail market, reportedly selling fewer than 400 vehicles in the first half of 2026. Leveraging Green SM's robust service network provides an immediate, large-scale deployment of its electric vehicles, potentially introducing the brand to a wider American audience.

Unlike the asset-light models of companies like Uber and Lyft, Green SM distinguishes itself by owning all its vehicles and employing its drivers directly. This approach, according to Green SM's US chief executive Hoang Thanh Hang, underscores a commitment to service quality, reliable drivers, and consistent customer interaction. She stated, "Our experience across international markets has shown us that the future of electric mobility is not defined by an all-electric fleet alone. It also depends on service quality, well-trained and reliable drivers, and genuine care in every customer interaction."

Customers in Los Angeles can access Green SM’s electric taxi services through a dedicated mobile app, a direct hotline, or by hailing vehicles on the street. To attract initial riders, the company is offering a promotional discount of 50% off the first five rides, with a cap of $12 per trip. This initiative builds on Green SM's considerable international experience, having launched in 2023 and completed approximately 850 million rides across its existing markets.

Los Angeles marks Green SM's ninth operational market globally, adding to its presence in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The company's expansion highlights an ambitious strategy to scale its unique model of directly managed, all-electric transportation services.

Green SM's entry into Los Angeles places it in a competitive environment that already includes established ride-hailing giants and emerging autonomous vehicle operators. Waymo, Google's self-driving car company, is already providing paid driverless rides in the city. Uber, while testing its own self-driving minibuses, is also actively lobbying for regulatory frameworks that would allow a hybrid network incorporating both human-driven and robotaxi services.

This diverse landscape means Green SM will need to effectively differentiate its service, not just on its all-electric fleet but also on the promise of a premium, consistent experience delivered by its full-time, company-trained drivers. The success of this model in Los Angeles could set a precedent for Green SM’s future North American expansion and significantly impact VinFast’s market penetration strategies.

FAQ

Q: What distinguishes Green SM's taxi service from competitors like Uber and Lyft in Los Angeles?

A: Green SM operates with a unique model where it owns its entire fleet of VinFast electric vehicles and employs its drivers full-time. This differs from Uber and Lyft, which primarily rely on independent gig workers using their personal vehicles.

Q: How does this launch benefit VinFast, also owned by Vingroup?

A: The deployment of 500 VinFast VF 8 electric SUVs as taxis provides significant exposure for the VinFast brand in the US market. This strategy could help boost brand recognition and potentially drive consumer sales, especially given VinFast's previously reported challenges in direct retail sales in the region.

Q: What other markets does Green SM operate in globally?

A: Prior to its US launch, Green SM was already operational in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark, and the Netherlands, having completed an estimated 850 million rides since its founding in 2023.