Entrepreneur Ho Chuong reveals the reason for adding VinFast electric cars to MaiLove taxi fleet

The well-known businessman who owns the most famous taxi brand in Nghe An had a conversation with reporters after the notable information about the MaiLove electric taxi.

“Expanding” into electric cars because of responsibility to the community

Recently, Son Nam International Transport Company has just launched the first electric taxi service in Nghe An under the MaiLove brand with 305 electric cars leased from Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company. A renowned taxi business with a large fleet of gasoline cars has added electric cars to its business model. Can this move be seen as a “trick” to build a brand or does it stem from another reason, sir?

We never thought of using tricks to build a brand. First and foremost, the opening of the Son Nam International Transport Company Electric Taxi is in line with the Party’s and the Government’s orientation on the development of clean and green public transportation.

Mr. Ho Chuong – CEO of Son Nam International Transport Company speaks at the opening ceremony of the electric taxi service in Nghe An

On July 22, 2022, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 876 / QD-TTg approving the Action Program on the conversion to green energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and methane for the transportation sector. The goal of the program is to develop a green transportation system, aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Soon after, the provincial People’s Committee of Nghe An and the Department of Transport of Nghe An also issued plans and official letters to implement the programs of the Government.

These are very specific steps of Vietnam in the general trend of the world, placing the conversion of technology, vehicles, and energy sources to minimize emissions into the environment as a top priority. And we want to contribute to that overall development orientation of the country.

Especially, we have been operating taxis for nearly 20 years and we are the leading transport company in Nghe An with nearly 700 taxis, earning the trust of customers for the MaiLove brand. Therefore, the opening of electric taxis is also our responsibility to the community, it is an inevitable trend of the times.

At the moment, MaiLove is still operating both gasoline and electric cars. We hope that in the future, we can gradually replace the entire fleet with electric taxis, bringing benefits to the community.

There is information that you have signed a contract with a Japanese car manufacturer to buy a fleet of new gasoline cars, but then changed your decision and chose VinFast electric cars. What is the truth behind this information and is there any special reason behind that decision, sir?

That’s right. In August 2023, we signed a contract to purchase a new fleet of Vios cars from Toyota. However, after researching the market and studying the state’s orientation documents for the transportation industry in the future, we realized that investing in green vehicles is essential for the development of public transport companies.

At the same time, Green and Smart Mobility was also looking for a partner in Nghe An to sign a cooperation agreement and transfer technology platforms related to green vehicles in public transport. Therefore, we decided to terminate the contract to buy gasoline cars and resolutely switch to electric cars.

We consider cooperation with Green and Smart Mobility as a long-term and sustainable strategy, as well as a door for Son Nam International Transport Company to integrate and develop in line with the global trend.

“Cooperating with VinFast and GSM is the right step for the present and the future”

In fact, after the launch of the electric taxi service, what is the market response and from a business perspective, what benefits will electric cars bring to Son Nam?

Although it has only been a short time since the deployment, the market has shown positive and optimistic signals for our new service. In the future, I hope that customers will always accompany our company’s development milestones.

Regarding the benefits of electric taxis for the community and society, it is clear to everyone. For a company like us, specific benefits in terms of service quality and operating costs will need more time to give accurate answers. However, according to research from some partner companies, electric cars can help us save a considerable amount of energy and maintenance costs compared to gasoline cars. Managing and operating an electric fleet will also be simpler thanks to the support of smart technologies, therefore, it can help us reduce personnel costs. Besides, electric cars are a new type of vehicle, so I believe they will help us attract more customers.

Recently, VinFast and GSM have continuously cooperated with 27 other car manufacturers nationwide to convert to electric cars. What do you think about this when you also join the ranks of transforming companies?

This means that we have a common voice and perspective on the future of taxi transportation. Due to the community and the inevitable trend of using green energy vehicles in the transportation industry, cooperating with VinFast and GSM, joining the ranks of transforming companies, I think is the right step for Son Nam in the future. Currently, Son Nam is still developing both gasoline and electric vehicles, so striking a balance between the interests of employees and the interests of the company is the current challenge that Son Nam needs to address.

With pioneering companies like Son Nam, VinFast, GSM, and many other enterprises, what do you expect for a green mobility future in the coming time?

Along with the development of diversified transportation service providers, electric vehicle rental, in particular, the trend of using electric cars in taxi services and transportation in general, in Vietnam in the future will see significant changes.

Specifically, having more green mobility options with new technology platforms will provide customers with more choices in using services. And when customers gradually get used to green vehicles and enhance their awareness, the future development of green vehicles is something that can be foreseen.

Thank you, sir!

TH (Tuoitrethudo)