Executive Summary
December 2025 marked a significant month for Singapore's car market, with a total of 6,390 new vehicle registrations. The data reveals a strong momentum towards electrified vehicles, which now account for a dominant share of the market, alongside the continued popularity of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). This month also saw a notable shake-up in brand leadership, with emerging players making significant strides.
Fuel Type Breakdown
| Fuel Type | Total Registrations | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | 3,093 | 48.40% |
| Petrol-Electric | 2,320 | 36.31% |
| Petrol | 834 | 13.05% |
| Petrol-Electric (Plug-In) | 143 | 2.24% |
| Total | 6,390 | 100.00% |
Vehicle Type Breakdown
| Vehicle Type | Total Registrations | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Utility Vehicle | 3,555 | 55.63% |
| Multi-purpose Vehicle | 1,382 | 21.63% |
| Sedan | 1,000 | 15.65% |
| Hatchback | 278 | 4.35% |
| Coupe/Convertible | 137 | 2.14% |
| Station-wagon | 38 | 0.59% |
| Total | 6,390 | 100.00% |
Detailed Analysis
Fuel Type Trends: Electrification Dominates
The December 2025 registration data clearly underscores Singapore's rapid transition towards greener mobility. Electric Vehicles (EVs) alone comprised nearly half of all new registrations, at an impressive 48.40% (3,093 units). When combined with Petrol-Electric (Hybrid) and Petrol-Electric (Plug-In) vehicles, electrified powertrains accounted for a staggering 86.95% of the total market. This indicates a strong and sustained consumer shift, likely fueled by government incentives for EVs, expanding charging infrastructure, and growing environmental consciousness among buyers. Conversely, traditional petrol-only vehicles now represent a significantly smaller segment, making up only 13.05% of new car sales.
Popular Makes and Models: BYD Leads the Charge
The competitive landscape in December saw a remarkable performance from Chinese manufacturer BYD, which secured the top spot with 1,561 registrations. This strong showing was largely driven by its Electric Sports Utility Vehicles (e.g., 901 units) and Electric Multi-purpose Vehicles (352 units), demonstrating a successful strategy focused on popular electrified vehicle types. Traditional Japanese giants like Toyota (1,024 units) and Honda (578 units) maintained strong positions, primarily through their robust hybrid offerings. Luxury brands such as BMW (479 units) and Mercedes-Benz (416 units) also showed a significant pivot towards electrified models. Notably, other Chinese brands like GAC, ZEEKR, and XPENG have firmly established their presence within the top 10, highlighting their increasing acceptance and competitiveness in the Singapore market, particularly within the EV segment. Tesla, a pure-play EV manufacturer, continued its steady performance with 309 registrations, primarily in its SUV models.
Vehicle Type Preferences: SUVs Reign Supreme
Singaporean car buyers continue to favor Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), which commanded over half of the market share at 55.63% (3,555 units) in December. This enduring popularity can be attributed to their perceived practicality, spaciousness, and commanding road presence. Multi-purpose Vehicles (MPVs) also performed strongly, securing 21.63% of registrations, indicating a consistent demand from families and those needing more seating capacity. Sedans, while still a significant category, came in third at 15.65%. Niche segments like Station Wagons remained minimal, accounting for less than 1% of registrations.
Market Implications
For Prospective Car Buyers
The December 2025 data reinforces the trend that electrified vehicles are not just the future but the present in Singapore. Prospective buyers should seriously consider EVs or hybrids, benefiting from ongoing incentives, lower running costs, and a wider selection of models. The dominance of SUVs suggests they offer a compelling combination of style and utility. Buyers looking for value and cutting-edge EV technology should explore the offerings from rapidly ascending Chinese brands. The sustained shift also means a shrinking selection and potentially lower resale value for purely petrol-powered cars in the long run.
For the Automotive Industry
The market dynamics signal an urgent need for all manufacturers to accelerate their electrification strategies and cater to the strong demand for SUVs. The remarkable rise of Chinese brands like BYD underscores the intense competition, particularly in the EV segment. Local dealerships and service centers must adapt to handle the increasing volume and specific maintenance requirements of electrified vehicles. Investment in robust charging infrastructure remains critical to support continued EV adoption.
For Singapore Environmental Goals
The overwhelming shift towards Electric and Hybrid vehicles is a positive indicator for Singapore's environmental sustainability goals. This trend contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Continued policy support, coupled with consumer preference, suggests Singapore is on track to achieving its green vehicle targets. However, challenges related to energy grid capacity and battery disposal will require ongoing attention and strategic planning.
