Vietnam’s EV company Green and Smart Mobility (GSM), which is closely related to automaker VinFast, has announced the roll-out of its all-electric ride-hailing and taxi service in the city of Angels, the company’s debut in North America. It’s now competing in a ride-hailing market with Uber and Lyft using a business model built around electric vehicles owned by the company and drivers that work for it.
The service launched on Oct. 13, 2026 using an initial fleet of VinFast VF 8 electric SUVs. Green SM, whose operation was first reported by the Los Angeles Times, will initially have nearly 500 vehicles and 500 drivers on the road, a base of operations for the company to expand throughout Southern California. It’s the company’s ninth market, coming after Asia and Europe.
Green SM (Green and Smart Mobility) was established in Vietnam in 2023. It integrates VinFast electric vehicles with its own ride-hailing services, which enables the company to control everything from the cars and driver standards to vehicle maintenance.
This model is different from Uber and Lyft, where most drivers are driving their own personal vehicles or acting as independent contractors. We plan to have Green SM drivers in Los Angeles to be employed full-time under California’s W-2 system.
The company says its approach is designed to provide consistent service, reliable vehicles, and professional driver training. This strategy may appeal to passengers who value predictable service standards, though its long-term competitiveness will depend on pricing, availability, and customer experience.
The trial also is a further opportunity for VinFast to get its cars in front of American consumers. Riders who experience Green SM may end up learning about the VF 8 SUV before they buy an EV.
Refined look and room to spare the all new electric midsize SUV has generous passenger space, a stylish cabin and is designed to offer city driving comfort, business needs and the journey itself.
Green SM is marketing the service as a more comfortable experience than standard taxi travel. The company’s fully-electric fleet also means no local air pollution from tailpipes when they are in use, which could be beneficial for air quality.
But the net environmental impact of electric transportation depends on things like the production of the vehicles and their batteries, and how the electricity that powers the vehicles is generated. The biggest short-term upside of the service is that the cars are emissions free when they’re actually being driven.
Mr Green SM said Green SM plans to grow its fleet and local network as demand increases. The company’s debut offers a commercial outlet to VinFast cars in a competitive market where the automaker has been trying to raise its profile. Riders can book a Green SM trip through the company’s mobile app, by phone, or catch a vehicle on the street when it is available. The service is aimed at regular commuting, airport shuttles and longer-distance trips.
The first operating region covers Los Angeles County and the surrounding Orange County area. Yet, the cars are not yet licensed to pick up travelers from Los Angeles International Airport, which may be a major inconvenience for those needing to come or go from the airport.
