VinFast-backed Green GSM plugs into Metro Manila with electric taxi launch

Vietnam’s Green and Smart Mobility (GSM) has made its Philippine debut with Green GSM, the nation’s first all-electric taxi service. The company, backed by electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, marks its fourth overseas foray following Vietnam, Laos, and Indonesia.

Held at the symbolic Quezon Memorial Circle, the launch drew high-level attendance, from the department of trade and industry and the department of transportation to the land transportation franchising and regulatory board, as well as around 100 strategic partners across industries.

Green GSM enters a metropolis defined by its dense population and notorious traffic, offering a refreshing alternative. The company is beginning operations in 10 of Metro Manila’s 16 districts with a fleet of VinFast Nerio Green EVs. Signature cyan-coloured taxis will soon be seen criss-crossing the capital - a visual metaphor for its dual promise of sustainability (green) and tech-forward design (blue).

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But the real signal lies beneath the surface. “More than expanding to a new market, our true goal is to ignite a real transformation - shifting from traditional mobility to an electric future that is cleaner, smarter, and more socially responsible,” said Nguyễn Văn Thanh, global CEO of GSM.

Green GSM is not positioning itself as a ride-hailing disruptor - that battle has long been waged in the Philippines. Instead, it’s building on a new ambition: to normalise electric taxis as a premium yet practical alternative, one that folds seamlessly into the daily rhythm of urban life.

Its five-star service offering is anchored by trained drivers and a proprietary secure-to-safe system. Its brand statement is about how mobility should feel safe, clean, and modern. Especially noteworthy is the company’s emphasis on female, elderly, and child passengers.

And it’s not just the experience that is being redefined. Pricing, often a thorny issue for new mobility entrants, is made transparent with metered fares and an app-based booking model. Launch promotions, including 500 pesos (US$8.9) in ride credits for first-time users, are catering to cost-conscious commuters.

Home to over 13 million people, Metro Manila marks a pivotal step in the company’s “Go Green Global” strategy - a campaign to push sustainable mobility across Southeast Asia and beyond.

With the rallying message “Hello Philippines: Move forward the green way,” Green GSM is positioning itself not just as a transport service, but as a symbol of smart, sustainable living - where daily commutes double as climate-conscious choices.

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