New taxi service enters Almaty
Green SM, a taxi and ride-hailing company from Vietnam, is planning to expand into Kazakhstan. The company has already held its first presentation for local drivers, outlining the terms and conditions, bonus system and rental program for VinFast VF6 electric vehicles. However, instead of generating widespread enthusiasm, the presentation raised a number of questions among drivers about how the new service will operate.
Big promises from Green SM
According to company representatives, the service will operate a fleet of VinFast electric vehicles, with the company retaining up to 83% of trip revenue.
«We don’t work with taxi companies; we work directly with drivers,» a Green SM representative emphasized.
The company also announced weekly payouts and electric vehicle rental rates starting at $22.50 per day. Particular emphasis was placed on service standards, including polite communication with passengers, smooth driving and a high level of customer service.
Drivers still have questions
Despite the attractive terms, some market participants remained skeptical after the presentation. In the comments section under the video, users noted that the company has yet to demonstrate its app for drivers and passengers or disclose additional details about the launch.
Some were also puzzled by the presentation format, which took place in a parking lot without significant prior publicity. Several commenters questioned whether the new service could become a serious competitor to Yandex Taxi and InDrive.
«Yandex will eat them alive,» one user wrote.
Others noted that they heard more general talk about technology and environmental sustainability than specific details about how the service would operate. One participant at the meeting even claimed that prospective drivers were asked to make a $100 deposit. Green SM had not officially commented on the matter as of the time of publication.
Will Green SM be able to challenge Yandex?
A newcomer offering its own fleet and competitive pricing could have a significant impact on the Kazakhstani ride-hailing market. This is particularly true given that Green SM is backed by VinGroup, a major Vietnamese conglomerate that manufactures VinFast vehicles.
However, the key question in the coming months will not be the size of commissions or rental rates, but whether the new service can generate sufficient demand and compete effectively with the market’s dominant players.
