Green SM, the Vietnamese all-electric ride-hailing company, has officially launched its services in Los Angeles, California, marking its first foray into North America and its ninth global market. The move, announced via Media OutReach Newswire, signals a bold step in the company's international expansion and underscores the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in one of the world's most car-dependent cities.
Starting October 13, customers in Los Angeles can book rides through the Green SM app, by calling the company's hotline, or by hailing a vehicle on the street. The service will cater to a wide range of mobility needs, from everyday trips to airport transfers. Green SM operates a 100% all-electric fleet of VinFast VF 8 vehicles, emphasizing spacious, smooth, and modern rides. The company's 5 Good Promises—Good Cars, Good Drivers, Good Price, Good Experience, and Good for the Environment—aim to deliver a high-quality customer experience.
The launch is significant for several reasons. First, it introduces a new player to the U.S. ride-hailing market, which is currently dominated by Uber and Lyft. Green SM's all-electric fleet could accelerate the transition to zero-emission transportation in Los Angeles, a city known for its severe air pollution and ambitious climate goals. By offering an electric-only service, Green SM directly contributes to reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air. Second, the move represents a milestone for VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, by showcasing its vehicles in a highly competitive market and potentially boosting its brand recognition and sales.
To attract customers, Green SM is offering promotional incentives: new customers who sign up will receive 50% off fares, up to USD 12 per ride, on their first five trips. Additionally, customers can enjoy a complimentary Green Pass membership, which includes 10 discount vouchers per month, each offering 30% off fares, up to USD 10 per ride. These aggressive discounts are likely to draw initial interest and help the company build a customer base.
Ms. Hoang Thanh Hang, CEO of Green SM in the U.S., emphasized the company's commitment: "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."
Green SM plans to gradually build its local team, recruit and train drivers, and strengthen operational capabilities. This expansion is expected to create new employment opportunities and contribute to the green mobility transition in Los Angeles and beyond. Since its founding in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM has operated across Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The company has completed approximately 850 million rides, covered nearly 6 billion kilometers, and helped reduce more than 800,000 tons of CO₂ emissions—equivalent to the carbon absorbed by about 36 million trees.
The entry into the U.S. market combines VinFast's electric vehicle strengths with Green SM's operational expertise, offering customers a zero-emission mobility option. This milestone not only highlights the global ambitions of a Vietnamese company but also pressures established ride-hailing firms to accelerate their own electrification efforts. As cities worldwide grapple with climate change, Green SM's Los Angeles launch could serve as a catalyst for broader adoption of electric fleets in the U.S. ride-hailing industry.
