Los Angeles already has plenty of ways to get around, from traditional taxis to Uber, Lyft, and autonomous vehicles. Now, a Vietnamese company is joining the competition with hundreds of bright cyan electric SUVs.
As reported by Reuters, Green SM officially launched its ride-hailing service in Los Angeles on October 13, marking its first entry into the United States. The company is starting with a fleet of 500 VinFast VF8 electric SUVs and 500 drivers.
While another ride-hailing service might not sound especially exciting, Green SM operates differently from its biggest competitors. Instead of relying on independent contractors driving their personal vehicles, the company owns its cars and employs its drivers full-time.
The launch also puts VinFast vehicles in front of thousands of potential American customers. The Vietnamese automaker has struggled to establish itself in the United States, making this an interesting opportunity to introduce more people to its electric SUVs.
A Different Approach To Ride-Hailing
Los Angeles has a new rideshare option called Green SM.
The company is launching with 500 electric SUVs, all owned and maintained by Green SM.
Its drivers are full-time W-2 employees; background checked and trained. The idea is to offer a more consistent experience, including the same type of vehicle every ride.
Green SM is backed by Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, which is also behind VinFast. The service uses VinFast VF 8 electric SUVs.
Green SM already operates in Asia and Europe, but LA is its first U.S. market.
You can book through the Green SM app, with service across LA County and into Orange County.
One catch: No LAX rides yet.
New customers get 50% off their first five rides, up to $12 off each ride.
— Rich DeMuro (@richontech) October 15, 2026
Green SM’s drivers are full-time employees rather than gig workers, receiving W-2 employment status. The company also maintains its own fleet, giving it greater control over vehicle upkeep and the passenger experience.
Customers can request rides through the Green SM app, by telephone, or by hailing a vehicle on the street. The service covers Los Angeles County and extends into Orange County, although its vehicles are not yet authorized to serve Los Angeles International Airport.
Pricing depends on journey time and distance, with the company aiming to compete with Uber Comfort. New customers are also being offered promotional discounts to encourage them to try the service.
A Big Opportunity For VinFast
All 500 vehicles in the initial fleet are VinFast VF8 electric SUVs, recognizable by their distinctive cyan paintwork. The five-seat crossovers produce no tailpipe emissions, fitting Green SM’s all-electric business model.
For VinFast, the launch could provide valuable exposure in a market where its vehicles have struggled to gain traction. According to Automotive News figures cited by Car and Driver, just 389 VinFast vehicles were registered in the United States between January and July 2026.
The VF8 has also faced criticism over its driving dynamics and build quality, especially in early reviews. Putting hundreds of them into daily passenger service could give Americans another opportunity to form their own impressions.
Green SM Has Bigger Ambitions
Founded in 2023, Green SM already operates across several Asian and European markets. Its Los Angeles debut makes the United States its ninth market as it continues expanding internationally.
The company reportedly plans further expansion in Europe, while its long-term ambitions include acquiring substantial numbers of VinFast vehicles. Whether its distinctive electric SUVs can win over Los Angeles passengers remains to be seen, but the city’s ride-hailing competition just gained another contender.