Vietnamese electric taxi brand Green SM, part of the VinFast automotive group, has officially commenced operations in Los Angeles, California. The launch marks the company's first step into the North American market, as eco-friendly vehicles hit the streets of the megacity and immediately entered the ranks of the largest ride-hailing players. According to the Los Angeles Times, the arrival of Green SM coincides with active transportation service diversification and the expansion of the Southern California passenger transit network ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
Competition with Uber and Lyft
The Los Angeles Times notes that Green SM will directly compete with Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing and autonomous transport services. The company's initial fleet consists of 500 vehicles and 500 drivers, with customers able to hail rides via a mobile app in Los Angeles and Orange counties. However, as specified, at the time of launch the company had not yet obtained an official operating license for Los Angeles International Airport. Christopher Walker, Green SM's US operations manager, explained that fares will vary depending on the time of day and trip distance, but will remain competitive compared to its main rival, Uber Comfort.
Employment Model: Full-Time Drivers Instead of Freelancers
The publication highlights Green SM's labor model as a key differentiator from Uber and Lyft: the company hires professional drivers full-time under employment contracts rather than relying on independent contractors. LA Times recalls that in 2020, California drivers found themselves at a disadvantage after the state passed Proposition 22, which allowed ride-hailing and delivery services to continue classifying drivers as independent contractors. On October 13, Hoang Thanh Hang, CEO of Green SM USA, stated: «Think about drivers finding stability and a sense of pride in their work. We are restoring the status of drivers as a legitimate profession.»
VinFast Strategy: A «Mobile Showroom»
According to the Japanese newspaper Nikkei, the US launch is part of VinFast's gradual expansion into the promising American market following a slowdown in its electric vehicle manufacturing business in the country. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, chairman of the board of Green SM, stated that the company plans to expand operations to 10 countries by the end of the current year and further by 2030. Japanese news agencies compare Green SM to a VinFast «mobile showroom,» emphasizing its role as a growth driver in the brand awareness and market expansion strategy.
Horizons: Europe and IPO
According to Reuters, launching the taxi service in the US is simultaneously an ambitious step in international expansion and a strategy to increase VinFast vehicle sales. A company representative stated that expansion into several European countries is planned for 2027. Earlier, in March 2026, Reuters also reported on Green SM's plans to scale its global business ahead of an IPO in Hong Kong in 2028. Thus, the Los Angeles launch becomes a link in the Vietnamese automaker's multi-year program to enter international markets.
