Green SM Launches 500-VinFast EV Taxi Fleet in Los Angeles Market
Vietnamese ride-hailing firm Green SM begins operations in Los Angeles with 500 electric SUVs and full-time drivers, marking its ninth global market.
Key points
- Green SM launches an all-electric taxi service in Los Angeles using 500 VinFast VF 8 SUVs.
- The company employs full-time drivers rather than gig workers, differing from Uber and Lyft models.
- This US expansion aims to increase visibility for sister company VinFast, which has struggled with sales.
Green SM, a ride-hailing firm owned by Vietnam’s Vingroup, has launched an all-electric taxi service in Los Angeles. The company began operations with a fleet of 500 VinFast VF 8 SUVs and full-time drivers, marking its entry into the United States as its ninth global market.
According to the Los Angeles Times, this launch represents Green SM’s first expansion into North America. The service utilizes vehicles from VinFast, Vingroup’s sister automotive company. This strategy places more VinFast cars on US roads, providing a new avenue for the carmaker to gain visibility among American consumers.
Context and Background
Green SM and VinFast are both subsidiaries of Vingroup, which is Vietnam’s largest private company. The carmaker has faced significant challenges in the US market. According to Automotive News, as cited by InsideEVs, VinFast sold fewer than 400 vehicles in the United States during the first half of 2026.
The ride-hailing service operates differently from dominant platforms like Uber and Lyft. While those apps rely on independent gig workers, Green SM hires, trains, and employs its drivers full-time. Additionally, Green SM owns the vehicles in its fleet, rather than leasing them from private owners.
Who is Affected
Riders in Los Angeles can book trips through the Green SM app, by calling a hotline, or by hailing a car on the street. The company offered new users a discount of half off their first five rides, up to $12 per trip. This service puts Green SM in competition with Waymo, which already operates driverless cars for paying riders in the city.
Uber is also testing self-driving minibuses in Los Angeles and advocating for rules that allow human drivers to remain on its platform alongside robotaxis. Founded in 2023, Green SM currently operates in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The company reports having completed approximately 850 million rides globally.
What should you do?
Security professionals should monitor the digital infrastructure of new ride-hailing applications entering the market. As Green SM expands, its app and backend systems may become targets for data breaches or service disruption. Organizations should assess the security posture of any new third-party mobility providers they integrate with.
What to do and how to stay safe: Green SM
- Review the data collection practices of the Green SM app before downloading or registering.
- Monitor for phishing attempts that may use the Green SM brand to steal credentials.
- Check for software updates to the app regularly to patch potential vulnerabilities.
- Avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi when using ride-hailing services.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How many vehicles are in Green SM's initial Los Angeles fleet?
The initial fleet consists of 500 VinFast VF 8 SUVs.
Does Green SM use gig workers like Uber and Lyft?
No, Green SM employs full-time drivers and owns its vehicles, unlike gig-based platforms.
How many markets does Green SM operate in globally?
Green SM operates in nine markets, including the US, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
