VinFast to invest $1B in PH electric taxi fleet
Mai Anh, CEO of VinFast Philippines (center left) and Rommel Gutierrez, President of CAMPI (center right). VinFast Philippines has officially joined the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc.. (Photo from VinFast Philippines)
MANILA, Philippines — Vietnamese automaker VinFast is investing up to $1 billion in the next three years for its all-electric taxi fleet venture in the Philippines.
The company expects to create as many as 70,000 jobs as it ramps up Philippine operations.
The initiative was launched Tuesday through Green and Smart Mobility (Green GSM), a transportation network vehicle service powered by VinFast. This marked the automaker’s formal entry into the Philippine market.
READ: Vietnamese maker of e-vehicles eyeing PH – Marcos
Backed by VinFast’s parent firm Vingroup, chaired by Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, Green GSM is laying out an initial $500 million for the first phase of its operations.
VinFast rolls out an initial batch of 2,500 electric vehicles
The company has deployed 2,500 all-electric VinFast vehicles that will start servicing routes in Metro Manila this week.
Green GSM’s entry is being positioned as a significant milestone in the Marcos administration’s push to modernize public utility vehicles and advance sustainable mobility in the country.
“This will be a game-changer for Philippine public transport. It promises not only to modernize our transport system, but more importantly to offer commuters a safer, more convenient and environment-friendly transport option,” said Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.
READ: Vietnamese firm eyes PH ride-hailing market
Go joined the ceremonial launch in Quezon City. Also present at the event were Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina -Roque.
Green GSM’s fleet will feature the VinFast VF 5, a compact electric vehicle designed for urban use. It features a 326-kilometer range, driver-assist technology and modern infotainment systems.
May be hailed on the street or by mobile app
The firm will operate under a hybrid service model that combines traditional street hailing with app-based bookings. Drivers will either be employed directly or operate as partners.
Once fully rolled out, the project is expected to create between 20,000 to 70,000 jobs. These include roles in operations, fleet management, maintenance, and customer support.
The introduction of VinFast taxis is also expected to support the government’s broader clean transport agenda. This targets the deployment of 2.4 million electric vehicles nationwide by 2028 and a 50-percent EV adoption rate by 2040 under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act.
Green GSM said it has the goal of setting new benchmarks in service quality, safety, and environmental performance. This is intended to be achieved by reducing urban emissions and offering commuters greater transparency and accessibility through its digital platform.
