GSM launched electric taxi service in Laos, aiming to promote green mobility in Southeast Asia

VIENTIANE, LAOS - Media OutReach - 9 November 2023 - Vietnam's Green and Smart Mobility JSC. (GSM) has launched its pure electric taxi service in Vientiane, Laos, under the brand name "Xanh SM".

Expanding into the first foreign market marks a step further in GSM's "Go Green Global" strategy to establish itself as an international electric mobility services provider and promote the adoption of green mobility beyond borders.

Present at the opening ceremony were General Vilay Lakhamfong, Laos' Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security; Mr. Nguyen Ba Hung, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos; Mr. Anouphap Tounalom, Vientiane's Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council; and various representatives from the media and business communities of both Laos and Vietnam.

Xanh SM Laos embraces the customer-centric approach of its Vietnamese counterpart and pledges to provide eco-friendly transportation services. The company commits to providing customers with 100% pure electric vehicles and 5-star service standards including premium vehicle quality, and a dedicated team of professional drivers that contribute to enhancing the standard of passenger transportation services in the "Land of a Million Elephants".

Starting from November 9, 2023, residents of Vientiane and international tourists visiting Laos will have a convenient way to book taxi services through the Xanh SM Laos application. This application can be easily downloaded from the App Store and Play Store. In addition, customers will still have the option to hail taxis directly from the streets. Every trip's route and fare information will be made transparently available to ensure clarity and convenience.

Initially, Xanh SM Laos will employ the VinFast VF 5 Plus electric cars in their signature cyan color for its taxi fleet. Currently, the company is operating primarily in Vientiane Capital. The plan is to increase the fleet to 1,000 vehicles and expand to other popular destinations like the tourism town of Vang Vieng (Vientiane), as well as other provinces and cities such as Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champasak in the coming phases.

*Xanh SM electric taxi on the roads of Laos.*

Xanh SM Laos is planning to expand its operations throughout the country and is expected to create thousands of new job opportunities for local residents. These opportunities offer attractive career development prospects and come without requiring initial capital investment while providing optimal income and professional training. In particular, Green SM drivers will be oriented to become "green ambassadors" that directly connect the brand with customers and contribute to enhancing Laos' eco-friendly image.

In addition to providing high-quality, zero-emission transportation services, GSM aims to stimulate the widespread of electric vehicles by developing a green mobility services ecosystem. This includes electric vehicle leases, and advanced services such as package car rental, travel, and personalized car rental. By adopting this holistic approach, GSM works towards leveraging the overall experience of green transportation and making electric mobility accessible to everyone.

Vientiane's Secretary of the Party Committee and chairman of the People's Council, Mr. Anouphap Tounalom said: "The introduction of the Xanh SM taxi service, which not only expands transportation options for locals and visitors but also supports Laos' environmental goal of having 30% electric vehicles by 2030. The arrival of this service will also generate employment opportunities for people and support economic development. The launch of GSM comes at the right time when 202$ is "The Visit Laos Year" and the year Laos hold the presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations."

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Mr. Nguyen Ba Hung shared: "The capacity of GSM and the presence of VinFast's electric vehicle lineup in Laos yield a positive impact on the implementation of Laos' national strategy. Moreover, it will inspire many Vietnamese businesses to choose Laos as their preferred investment and development destination in the future. This is not limited to the provision of smart, eco-friendly mobility services by GSM, but will also open up opportunities for various investment activities by Vietnamese economic companies and businesses in Laos going forward."

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh – Global CEO of GSM said: "Launching Xanh SM Laos is a special milestone that marks the beginning of GSM's global expansion journey. We will keep exploring and innovating to create a unique fusion of local culture with international service standards that promises to deliver an exceptional experience to local residents as well as international visitors in Laos. The triumphant Xanh SM Laos will be a significant driving force behind GSM's global expansion. Working alongside VinFast, GSM is determined to push forward eco-friendly mobility worldwide, paving the way for a better and more sustainable future for all."

In April 2023, GSM was established and launched in Vietnam as the world's first multi-platform green transportation model. It operates with a fleet of 100% electric vehicles. Within just 6 months of its operation, GSM has experienced extraordinary growth, providing over 6 million rides, and earning high compliments from both ultimate consumers and transportation companies.

GSM is set to expand quickly to other Southeast Asian countries following its success in Laos. The company's ability to offer its ride-hailing services through multiple platforms - including the app, call center, and on-the-road bookings - provides it with a significant competitive advantage both regionally and internationally. These core competencies will be crucial as GSM pursues its "Go Green Global" strategy, charting a course to become the one of fastest-growing international ride-hailing service providers in the region.

Customers can find more information about Xanh SM electric taxis in Laos via the website: https://www.xanhsm.com/laos/ or download the Xanh SM Laos app via the following links: