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VinFast Targets Sweden With 2,500 Electric Taxis Through Green SM

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Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is preparing for a major expansion into Sweden through Green SM, a rapidly growing taxi operator backed by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong. The company has reportedly received authorization to operate a fleet of up to 2,500 taxis in the country, a development that could significantly reshape Stockholm’s competitive taxi market.

The move marks an important step in VinFast’s European expansion strategy, introducing its electric vehicles to Swedish roads through commercial transportation rather than traditional retail sales. However, the scale of the planned operation has already triggered a strong reaction from established industry players, with Taxi Stockholm questioning the decision to authorize such a large fleet in an already competitive market.

Green SM Plans a 2,500-Vehicle Electric Taxi Fleet in Sweden

According to Swedish automotive publication CarUp, Green SM has received a license allowing it to operate as many as 2,500 taxis in Sweden. The company plans to use electric vehicles supplied by VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker that has been expanding its international presence in recent years.

The proposed fleet is particularly significant when compared with the scale of existing taxi operators in Stockholm. Taxi Stockholm, one of the Swedish capital’s established transportation providers, operates approximately 1,900 vehicles. Green SM’s authorized fleet would therefore exceed that figure by around 600 vehicles if the entire allocation were put into service.

Such an expansion could make VinFast-branded electric taxis an increasingly familiar sight across Stockholm, despite the manufacturer not yet having established widespread sales to private customers in Sweden.

The distinction is important: entering a market through a large commercial fleet can give an automaker visibility and real-world operating experience without first building an extensive retail dealership network. For VinFast, Green SM could provide a direct route into the Swedish market while introducing its vehicles to thousands of passengers.

However, authorization for 2,500 vehicles does not necessarily mean that the entire fleet has already been deployed. The actual pace of expansion will determine how quickly Green SM becomes a major presence in Sweden’s taxi industry.

Taxi Stockholm Criticizes the Decision

Green SM’s planned entry has not been welcomed by everyone. Pernilla Samuelsson, CEO of Taxi Stockholm, has criticized the Swedish Transport Agency’s decision to grant authorization for an operation of this scale.

Speaking to Aftonbladet, Samuelsson expressed disbelief that the license had been approved, arguing that the Swedish taxi market is already oversaturated.

Her concerns reflect the competitive pressure that a large new operator could create, particularly if it introduces hundreds or thousands of vehicles into a market where established companies are already competing for passengers.

The potential impact extends beyond the number of cars on the road. A new operator with access to its own electric vehicle supply, centralized fleet management and a different employment model could challenge existing taxi businesses on operating costs, driver recruitment and service availability.

For Taxi Stockholm, the prospect of a rival operating a fleet larger than its own represents a substantial competitive challenge. For passengers, however, increased competition could potentially create additional transportation options, although the ultimate effect on fares and service quality remains to be seen.

Who Is Behind Green SM and VinFast?

The Swedish expansion is backed by Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, founder of Vingroup, a major Vietnamese conglomerate with business interests spanning real estate, hospitality and automotive manufacturing.

Vingroup is the parent company behind both VinFast and Green SM, linking the vehicle manufacturer directly to the taxi operator that will use its cars.

Green SM was launched in 2023 and has pursued a business model built around electric vehicles and a dedicated taxi operation. Rather than relying exclusively on independent drivers using their own cars, the company primarily operates vehicles supplied by VinFast and offers drivers a fixed base salary.

This structure gives the wider business group an opportunity to develop both sides of the electric mobility equation: manufacturing the vehicles and operating a transportation service that puts them to work.

The strategy also creates a potential advantage for VinFast. A large taxi fleet can generate recurring demand for its vehicles while providing operational data and exposing the brand to customers who might later consider purchasing an electric car.

Nevertheless, the success of this approach depends on factors such as vehicle reliability, charging infrastructure, maintenance costs and the ability to keep the fleet operating profitably.

VinFast Uses Taxi Fleets to Expand Its European Presence

VinFast has invested heavily in electric vehicle development and has sought to establish itself beyond its home market of Vietnam. The company has previously entered the United States and several European markets, although its presence and sales volumes vary considerably between countries.

Sweden presents an interesting opportunity for the manufacturer. Electric vehicles already play an important role in the country’s automotive market, making it a potentially attractive environment for a business built around all-electric taxis.

Instead of depending solely on private buyers to recognize an unfamiliar brand, VinFast can use Green SM’s vehicles to establish a visible presence on Swedish streets. Taxi passengers will encounter the cars in everyday situations, while commercial operators can assess their suitability for intensive use.

The approach could also help the manufacturer build familiarity with its design, technology and brand identity before pursuing a broader retail strategy.

However, operating a taxi fleet is not the same as establishing a successful passenger-car business. Fleet operators prioritize total cost of ownership, vehicle uptime, charging speed, durability and access to servicing. These factors will be crucial in determining whether VinFast can turn the Swedish expansion into a sustainable long-term operation.

Green SM Has Already Expanded Into Denmark

Sweden is not Green SM’s first European market. The company has already established a presence in Denmark, where it has introduced approximately 600 electric vehicles from VinFast for taxi services.

The Danish operation provides a useful starting point for the company’s wider European ambitions. It also demonstrates how Green SM can introduce VinFast vehicles into a new country through a coordinated fleet operation rather than relying entirely on individual vehicle sales.

Expanding into Sweden would increase the company’s geographical reach while potentially creating opportunities to build a larger regional electric mobility business.

Still, scaling from Denmark to Sweden will require more than simply adding vehicles. Green SM will need to establish efficient local operations, recruit drivers, maintain its fleet and ensure that charging infrastructure can support its planned level of activity.

The Swedish authorization gives the company room to grow, but the number of vehicles actually deployed will be a more meaningful measure of its progress.

Fixed Salaries Set Green SM Apart From Many Taxi Platforms

Another distinguishing feature of Green SM’s business model is its approach to driver compensation.

While many app-based taxi services rely heavily on independent drivers who use their own vehicles or operate under flexible arrangements, Green SM primarily uses its own electric cars and offers drivers a fixed base salary.

Previous reporting by Aftonbladet put the monthly salary for drivers in Sweden at just under 28,000 Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately €2,500, depending on the exchange rate.

A fixed salary can offer drivers more predictable earnings than a model based entirely on completed trips. For the operator, employing drivers within a more centralized structure can also make it easier to coordinate shifts, vehicle use and service standards.

However, the model comes with its own financial considerations. Maintaining a large fleet and paying fixed salaries creates ongoing operating costs, even when demand fluctuates. Green SM will need to generate sufficient passenger revenue to cover those expenses while remaining competitive with established taxi companies.

Its performance in Sweden will therefore provide an important test of whether the combination of company-operated electric vehicles and salaried drivers can succeed at scale in a mature European market.

Can VinFast and Green SM Reshape Stockholm’s Taxi Market?

Green SM’s planned expansion puts two distinct business strategies into direct competition. Established operators such as Taxi Stockholm have an existing customer base and a recognized presence in the city, while Green SM enters with a large potential fleet, electric vehicles from its affiliated manufacturer and a different approach to driver employment.

If the company deploys all 2,500 authorized taxis, its fleet could become one of the most significant in the Swedish market. That scale could give Green SM considerable visibility and the ability to compete for passengers across a broad operating area.

For VinFast, the arrangement offers an opportunity to introduce its vehicles to Sweden without immediately depending on large-scale private sales. For Green SM, it provides a route to expand its electric taxi business into another European country.

The biggest question is whether the company can translate its fleet authorization into a profitable operation without intensifying the concerns already raised by established competitors.

Source: CarUp; Photo: Green SM

NEW CARS

Bentley Torcal First Edition Unveiled With 888 PS, 1,350 Nm and Bespoke Luxury

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Bentley is celebrating the arrival of the all-new Torcal with an exclusive First Edition that combines extraordinary performance, distinctive styling and an extensive list of luxury features. Designed to showcase the model at its most desirable, the special launch specification brings together bespoke craftsmanship, advanced technology and sporting details that elevate the Torcal’s presence both inside and out.

At the heart of the Bentley Torcal First Edition is the most powerful powertrain available for the model, producing an impressive 888 PS and 1,350 Nm of torque. The result is performance that places this luxury machine firmly in high-performance territory, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph taking just 2.8 seconds. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in 2.9 seconds, while the top speed reaches 162 mph (260 km/h).

However, the First Edition is about more than outright speed. Bentley has carefully curated its specification to deliver a distinctive combination of performance, comfort and exclusivity, incorporating features that would otherwise be available as individual options.

Bentley Torcal First Edition: Performance Meets Exclusive Design

The Torcal First Edition adopts a more assertive appearance, with a collection of exterior enhancements designed to emphasize its powerful proportions. Unique 22-inch First Edition alloy wheels combine a gloss-black finish with Liquid Silver spokes, while self-levelling Bentley badges maintain the brand’s signature attention to detail.

Behind the wheels, Graphene Grey brake calipers by Mulliner introduce a subtle contrast, adding another distinctive element to the exterior. A dedicated First Edition badge on the front fender identifies the exclusive launch specification without compromising the vehicle’s understated elegance.

The sporting character is further reinforced by Bentley’s Carbon Fibre Styling Specification. Carbon-fibre front bumper winglets, mirror caps, side sills and a rear diffuser introduce additional visual drama while creating a cohesive connection between the vehicle’s design and its performance-focused identity.

Together, these details give the Bentley Torcal First Edition a more purposeful appearance, balancing the elegance expected of a luxury Bentley with the visual confidence of a high-performance flagship.

A Bespoke Interior With Mulliner Personalisation

Inside, the Bentley Torcal First Edition places craftsmanship and personalisation at the centre of the experience. Bespoke seat quilting featuring contrasting chevron patterns creates a distinctive visual signature, while illuminated First Edition treadplates provide an exclusive finishing touch.

The cabin also benefits from Bentley’s expanded Colour Specification, which offers customers additional opportunities to tailor the interior to their preferences. The selection introduces more colour combinations, including two created by Mulliner, along with eight accent colours and the option of incorporating a third interior colour.

Customers can also choose a full-leather interior and contrasting stitching, allowing the cabin to reflect their individual tastes. Gloss Carbon Fibre technical trim comes as standard, complementing the exterior’s carbon-fibre elements and reinforcing the First Edition’s sporting character. Alternative interior finishes are available at no additional cost.

Attention to detail extends to the smallest elements, including deep-pile overmats that add another layer of tactile luxury. The result is an interior that combines traditional Bentley craftsmanship with a contemporary, performance-oriented aesthetic.

Enhanced Comfort for Front and Rear Passengers

Although the Torcal First Edition delivers supercar-like acceleration, Bentley has ensured that passenger comfort remains a central part of the package.

Wellness front seats are included alongside the Rear Comfort Seat Specification, enhancing the experience for occupants throughout the cabin. Rear passengers benefit from ventilation and comfort headrests for both outer seating positions, reinforcing the Torcal’s credentials as a luxury vehicle designed for more than just its driver.

One of the First Edition’s most distinctive features is its powered front and rear doors. Designed to make entry and exit more effortless, the system adds a sense of occasion to everyday journeys and formal arrivals alike.

Another highlight is the Frosted Diamond Switchable Sunroof, which introduces a new dimension to the cabin environment. Together, these features combine convenience, visual sophistication and a more carefully considered passenger experience.

The extensive standard equipment reflects the First Edition’s central philosophy: bringing together desirable features and carefully selected finishes in a single, highly specified package rather than leaving customers to assemble them individually from an options list.

Naim for Bentley Audio System Delivers an Immersive Experience

The technology offering reaches its high point with the Naim for Bentley premium audio system, developed to provide an exceptionally immersive listening experience.

The system features an output of 1,780 watts and a total of 28 speakers. Its configuration includes kinaesthetic seat transducers, speakers integrated into the front headrests and Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 technology.

This combination is designed to create a more involving listening environment, surrounding occupants with detailed sound while adding a physical dimension through the seat transducers. The front headrest speakers further enhance the experience, bringing the audio presentation closer to individual occupants.

For customers who view in-car entertainment as an essential part of luxury motoring, the Naim system provides a compelling complement to the Torcal’s extensive comfort equipment and bespoke interior.

Bentley Torcal First Edition: A Complete Luxury Performance Package

The Bentley Torcal First Edition has been conceived as a carefully curated expression of the new model, combining the most powerful available powertrain with exclusive styling, extensive personalisation and a comprehensive suite of standard equipment.

Its headline figures are formidable: 888 PS, 1,350 Nm of torque, a 0–100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. Yet the First Edition’s appeal extends beyond its impressive acceleration figures.

Unique 22-inch alloy wheels, Mulliner brake calipers, carbon-fibre exterior components and bespoke cabin details establish a more distinctive identity. Meanwhile, powered front and rear doors, a Frosted Diamond Switchable Sunroof, Wellness front seats and the 28-speaker Naim for Bentley audio system underline the vehicle’s luxury credentials.

By combining these elements into one exclusive specification, Bentley aims to make the Torcal First Edition a particularly compelling interpretation of its new model. It brings together sporting performance and meticulous craftsmanship while giving customers an extensive range of premium features from the outset.

For buyers seeking a luxury vehicle that pairs exceptional acceleration with bespoke design and advanced comfort technology, the Torcal First Edition presents itself as a distinctive statement of Bentley’s performance and personalisation ambitions.

Source: Bentley

News

Geely to Unveil Its First European-Specific Car in 2027 as It Targets the European Market

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Geely is preparing a major step in its European expansion, with the Chinese automotive giant set to unveil its first car developed specifically for European customers in 2027. Designed at the company’s European headquarters in Milan, the new model will mark a shift in strategy as Geely moves beyond adapting vehicles originally developed for China and begins creating products tailored to European tastes, driving conditions, and regulations.

The announcement signals Geely’s growing ambitions in Europe, where competition among Chinese automakers is intensifying. The group, which also owns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus, entered the European market with models such as the Geely EX5 electric SUV and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid. Rather than relying exclusively on vehicles developed for its domestic market, the company now plans to give European customers a more distinctive product offering.

According to Geely product definition director Dennis Weinel, the first European-specific model is already in development and will be revealed next year. The vehicle will initially target Europe before potentially expanding into other international markets.

“This is really a product for Europe, and then from Europe it will go to other markets,” Weinel explained in an interview with Autocar.

Geely’s First European-Specific Model Is Being Developed in Milan

The upcoming vehicle represents an important evolution in Geely’s approach to the European automotive market. Until now, the company’s initial European models have largely been adapted from vehicles conceived primarily for Chinese buyers.

Weinel described these existing products as part of Geely’s “legacy portfolio,” explaining that the company had selected models according to its priorities for entering Europe and then made the necessary adjustments for local customers.

“The book was already written to a certain extent and we did the last mile on it,” he said.

That approach is now changing. Geely wants its future vehicles to reflect European expectations from the beginning of the development process, rather than relying on modifications made after a car has already been designed for another market.

Developing its first European-specific vehicle in Milan could give the brand a better understanding of regional preferences, from interior design and infotainment functionality to driver assistance systems and everyday usability.

Geely has not yet revealed the new model’s name, body style, powertrain, or technical specifications. Those details should become clearer as the planned 2027 unveiling approaches.

Geely Galaxy Cruiser Will Lead the Brand’s European Expansion

Before the arrival of its first fully European-developed car, Geely is preparing to expand its range with several new models, including a rugged SUV designed to challenge established off-roaders.

Codenamed Project KO11, the vehicle is a European-market version of the Geely Galaxy Cruiser, a model recently introduced in China. Its positioning places it in the territory occupied by the Land Rover Defender, combining an imposing exterior with hardware intended for demanding off-road conditions.

The Galaxy Cruiser features an impressive claimed wading depth of 800 millimeters, highlighting its focus on adventure driving and challenging terrain. It also shares its underlying architecture with the forthcoming plug-in hybrid version of the Lotus Eletre, although its engineering and styling priorities are directed toward a very different type of vehicle.

For Geely, the KO11 could serve as a halo model, helping establish a stronger brand identity and demonstrating the breadth of the group’s engineering capabilities.

The model will also help expand Geely’s European portfolio beyond conventional electric SUVs and plug-in hybrid family cars.

Geely Is Redesigning Its Infotainment System for European Drivers

Vehicle development is only one part of Geely’s European strategy. The company is also working to improve the software and technology that drivers interact with every day.

One of the most significant changes involves Flyme, Geely’s infotainment system. The current generation retains much of the interface and functionality used in China, but the company recognizes that European customers have different expectations.

A second-generation Flyme system is now in development, with a planned rollout in 2027. According to Weinel, the updated interface will place greater emphasis on multitasking, split-screen functionality, relevant information, and customizable widgets.

These changes could make the system more intuitive for drivers who expect a greater degree of flexibility and personalization from modern vehicle infotainment systems.

The update is particularly important as Chinese manufacturers increasingly compete with European brands on software quality, digital interfaces, and connected-car technology. An infotainment system that feels natural to European users could help Geely strengthen its appeal in a market where the overall ownership experience matters as much as the vehicle’s hardware.

Geely Responds to Criticism of Driver Assistance Alerts

Geely is also addressing complaints about the warning sounds generated by its driver assistance systems. Frequent alerts, intrusive chimes, and poorly timed warnings have become a source of frustration for some drivers across the automotive industry, particularly as manufacturers introduce increasingly sophisticated safety technologies.

Weinel identified three areas that Geely is working to improve: the volume of warning sounds, their acoustic character, and the logic determining when they are triggered.

“We are now addressing all three points to make this what our customers prefer while still being under the regulation,” he said.

The challenge is to make these systems less intrusive without compromising their safety functions or violating applicable regulations.

This work reflects a broader issue facing automakers operating in Europe, where increasingly comprehensive driver assistance requirements can introduce additional warnings and interventions into everyday driving. Finding the right balance between regulatory compliance and a comfortable driving experience could become an important differentiator for Geely.

The company says the changes are based on lessons learned from its initial European launch, suggesting that customer and media feedback is already influencing its product development priorities.

Geely Plans to Launch 10 Cars in the UK by 2030

Geely’s European ambitions extend well beyond a single new model. The company plans to introduce 10 cars in the United Kingdom by 2030, building a broader range designed to appeal to different customer groups and price segments.

Its current lineup includes the EX5 electric SUV, the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid, and the EX2 electric supermini. The range is expected to grow to five models with the addition of the Monjaro plug-in hybrid SUV and the KO11 off-roader.

The first European-specific model, scheduled to be unveiled in 2027, will represent a further step in that expansion.

Geely’s strategy also reflects a wider shift among Chinese carmakers seeking to establish themselves in Europe. Initial market entries often rely on existing domestic-market products, allowing manufacturers to build sales networks and establish brand recognition relatively quickly. Over time, however, local development and production can help companies respond more effectively to regional expectations.

BYD is pursuing a similar approach, having entered Europe with models originally developed for China before moving toward products tailored more closely to European requirements. Its Dolphin G plug-in hybrid supermini, which is planned for production in Hungary, illustrates the growing importance of regional product development and manufacturing.

For Geely, the objective is to evolve from a manufacturer adapting existing vehicles for European buyers into a brand capable of developing products with European customers in mind from the outset.

Can Geely Compete More Effectively With European Brands?

The launch of Geely’s first European-specific car could prove significant as competition in the region becomes increasingly crowded. Chinese manufacturers are expanding their presence with electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, advanced digital technology, and increasingly ambitious product portfolios.

Geely has several advantages, including access to the wider group’s engineering resources and its connections to established automotive brands such as Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. However, success in Europe will depend on more than competitive specifications or attractive pricing.

Local customer preferences, software usability, driver assistance calibration, brand recognition, aftersales support, and the ability to meet European expectations will all play important roles.

The company’s decision to develop a car in Milan suggests that it understands the importance of local expertise. Its work on the Flyme infotainment system and driver assistance alerts also indicates that Geely is willing to revise existing products in response to feedback.

The crucial question is whether these improvements will translate into vehicles that feel genuinely designed for Europe rather than simply adapted for it.

With its first European-specific model scheduled for a 2027 debut, Geely is preparing to enter the next phase of its expansion. If the company can combine its technological resources with a stronger understanding of European drivers, it could become a more formidable competitor in the years ahead.

Source: Autocar; Photo: Geely

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