Singapore Car COE Premiums Stay Above S$130,000 Amid Slow Sales
Category A and B premiums dipped slightly in the first October 2026 bidding round, but aggressive dealer bids for existing orders kept prices elevated despite weak demand.
Premiums Remain Elevated
Singapore's Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums remained high in the first October 2026 bidding round, despite a slow market for new car sales. The round, which concluded on Wednesday (Oct 7), saw Category A premiums for mainstream cars settle at S$130,001, a 1.4 per cent decrease. Category B, covering larger vehicles, dipped 2.2 per cent to S$130,100. The open Category E held steady at S$137,000, matching the previous round's price.
Weak Sales Persist
Car dealers, including Adelene Tan, managing director at BYD distributor Vantage Automotive, reported sluggish sales continuing from late September. This lull is partly due to buyers awaiting The Car Expo, scheduled from October 22 to 24, which is the year's final major car show.
Additionally, many car buyers are parents focusing on their children's PSLE and other school examinations, according to Chong Kah Wei, managing director of BMW dealer Eurokars Auto.
Dealer Demand Sustains Prices
Despite the subdued market, COE premiums stayed elevated as dealers fulfilled existing orders. Ng Choon Wee, commercial director for Hyundai distributor Komoco Motors, noted that market leaders must bid aggressively to acquire COEs for registrations, maintaining price levels.
Adelene Tan of Vantage Automotive observed some dealers carrying over unfulfilled orders from the previous round, pushing them to bid for certificates. Furthermore, electric vehicle rebates also contribute to keeping premiums buoyant, Chong Kah Wei of Eurokars Auto stated.
The sustained high COE premiums suggest that car prices in Singapore will likely remain elevated for consumers, even with slower demand. Dealers are adjusting bidding strategies to secure certificates for immediate registrations and to stock Category E COEs in anticipation of increased demand from The Car Expo later this month.
This event, from October 22 to 24, will be a key indicator for future bidding rounds and overall market sentiment in the coming quarter.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
Comments.
Comments are moderated. We remove what is unlawful, abusive or off-topic, and and you remain responsible for what you post.
Reader comments open soon. Until then, corrections and responses go to our newsroom, and we publish what we get wrong on Corrections.