Green SM, the Vietnamese all-electric ride-hailing company, has officially launched its taxi service in Los Angeles, California, marking its first foray into North America and its ninth global market. The move, announced via Media OutReach Newswire, positions the company in one of the world's most dynamic and demanding transportation markets, where it will compete with established players and other electric mobility startups. The launch underscores the growing global appetite for zero-emission ride-hailing and highlights the potential for Vietnamese brands to scale internationally.
Starting October 13, customers in Los Angeles can book Green SM rides through the company's app, by calling its hotline, or by hailing a vehicle on the street. The service will cater to a wide range of mobility needs, from everyday trips and longer journeys to airport transfers. Green SM operates a 100% all-electric fleet of VinFast vehicles, specifically the spacious and modern VinFast VF 8 models. This fleet choice aligns with California's aggressive climate goals, which mandate a transition to electric vehicles and could give Green SM a regulatory and reputational edge.
The company's entry into Los Angeles is significant not only for its scale but also for its emphasis on service quality. Green SM is committed to its "5 Good Promises": Good Cars, Good Drivers, Good Price, Good Experience, and Good for the Environment. This includes a professional and courteous driver team that is carefully selected and thoroughly trained, transparent fare information, and attentive service. To celebrate the launch, new customers who sign up will receive 50% off fares, up to USD 12 per ride, on their first five trips, plus a complimentary Green Pass membership offering 10 discount vouchers per month, each providing 30% off fares, up to USD 10 per ride. Such aggressive promotional pricing could disrupt the local market and attract riders away from traditional taxis and other ride-hailing services.
Ms. Hoang Thanh Hang, CEO of Green SM in the U.S., said, "The United States represents an important milestone in Green SM's growth journey. We are not simply expanding into a new market. We aim to build trust with customers, drivers and local communities, one journey at a time. 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." Her comments highlight that Green SM's strategy goes beyond vehicles to encompass a holistic service model, which could raise the bar for competitors.
Green SM's global expansion has been rapid since its founding in Vietnam in 2023. The company now operates in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark, and the Netherlands. It has completed approximately 850 million rides, covering nearly 6 billion kilometers, and helped reduce more than 800,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to the carbon absorbed by roughly 36 million trees. These figures demonstrate the tangible environmental impact of scaling electric mobility and could pressure other ride-hailing companies to accelerate their own electrification efforts.
In Los Angeles, Green SM plans to gradually build its local team, strengthen operational capabilities, and recruit and train local drivers. This approach aims to create new employment opportunities and contribute directly to the transition toward greener mobility in the region. The company's presence combines VinFast's strengths in all-electric vehicles with Green SM's operational expertise, offering customers an additional option for smooth, comfortable, and zero-emission mobility. As Green SM continues to invest in its fleet, technology, driver team, and service quality, its success in the U.S. could serve as a blueprint for further international expansion and intensify competition in the sustainable transportation sector.
