Sumitomo explores mobility business collaboration

Vietnam's economy is on a robust growth trajectory, with a population nearing 100 million and a GDP growth rate of approximately 6 per cent.

Its automotive market is expanding in lockstep, with approximately five million vehicles in operation in the country and new vehicle sales expected to continue over 10 per cent growth on-year. This expansion is paralleled by a diversification in the sales and usage patterns of automobiles, fuelled by the increasing demand from both individual and corporate customers.

In line with Vietnam's commitment to achieving virtually zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the market is witnessing a surge in initiatives aimed at promoting carbon neutrality.

GSM, established in 2023 by Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, is pioneering the EV taxi and rental business across Vietnam, promoting electric mobility and a low environmental impact lifestyle. This positions GSM as a key player in the transition towards electric vehicles in the Vietnamese automotive market.

Sumitomo Corporation is engaged in a broad range of automotive industry fields, in Japan and overseas, from vehicle engineering and manufacturing to sales, after-sales service, and energy management.

In the mobility business, Sumitomo Corporation works in auto leasing, auto financing, EVs, individual subscriptions, and parking lots, among other areas. Its efforts have significantly supported the development of Vietnam's automobile industry to date.

Sumitomo Corporation has set a goal of becoming carbon-neutral across all its business activities by 2050. Supporting the Asia Zero Emission Community, launched by the Japanese government and other Asian countries, Sumitomo is engaged in promoting decarbonisation and energy transition across Asia, including Vietnam.

Through this collaboration with GSM, Sumitomo aims to explore ways to foster carbon neutrality in Vietnam, leveraging GSM's customer base, EV maintenance, and charging infrastructure, along with expertise in mobility business.

Sumitomo will continue to collaborate with partners to develop businesses that respond to the evolving demands of the modern era, leveraging experience and expertise to contribute to the automotive industry and society at large.

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