Singapore's Automotive Pulse: Unpacking October 2025 Car Registration Trends
Singapore's car market is a fascinating blend of global trends and unique local dynamics, heavily influenced by Certificate of Entitlement (COE) policies, evolving consumer preferences, and the accelerating shift towards sustainable mobility. As an automotive market analyst, delving into the latest registration data offers a clear snapshot of these forces at play.
Let's dissect the October 2025 car registration figures to uncover the prevailing trends, identify key players, and anticipate what lies ahead for the Lion City's roads.
Overall Market Snapshot: A Robust October
October 2025 saw a healthy 5,484 new passenger car registrations in Singapore. This robust figure indicates continued consumer confidence and perhaps a favourable COE bidding environment, encouraging more new car purchases. The market is clearly vibrant, reflecting a continuous evolution in vehicle choices.
The Electrification Drive: EVs Surge Ahead, Hybrids Hold Strong
The most striking trend in October's data is the undeniable momentum of electric vehicles (EVs).
| Fuel Type | Number of Registrations | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | 2,450 | 44.68% |
| Petrol-Electric | 1,375 | 25.07% |
| Petrol | 678 | 12.36% |
| Petrol-Electric (Plug-In) | 94 | 1.71% |
| Total Hybrid (HEV + PHEV) | 1,469 | 26.79% |
Key Insights:
- EV Dominance: For the first time, electric vehicles alone accounted for nearly 45% of all new registrations, showcasing an impressive adoption rate. This segment is rapidly becoming the primary choice for Singaporean car buyers.
- Hybrid Resilience: While EVs are surging, Petrol-Electric (Hybrid Electric Vehicles - HEV) and Petrol-Electric (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles - PHEV) still form a significant 26.79% of the market. They offer a practical stepping stone for those not yet ready for full electrification, or for specific driving needs.
- Petrol's Retreat: Traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) petrol cars have further receded, making up just over 12% of registrations. This stark decline underscores the broader global push away from fossil fuels and Singapore's specific incentives for cleaner vehicles.
Top Contenders: Who's Driving Singapore's Market?
The competitive landscape saw some familiar names and strong performances from emerging players.
| Make | Number of Registrations | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| BYD | 1,049 | 19.13% |
| TOYOTA | 507 | 9.25% |
| HONDA | 313 | 5.71% ! |
| BMW | 301 | 5.49% |
| MERCEDES BENZ | 300 | 5.47% |
| TESLA | 269 | 4.90% |
| ZEEKR | 113 | 2.06% |
| XPENG | 107 | 1.95% |
| HYUNDAI | 103 | 1.88% |
| CHERY | 100 | 1.82% |
Key Brand Analysis:
- BYD's Unstoppable Rise: Chinese EV giant BYD firmly established itself as the market leader, capturing over 19% of all registrations. Their aggressive expansion and diverse EV lineup are clearly resonating with Singaporean consumers.
- Asian Stalwarts Hold Ground: Toyota and Honda maintain strong positions, primarily driven by their robust hybrid offerings and reputation for reliability.
- Luxury Electrification: BMW and Mercedes-Benz demonstrate consistent performance, successfully transitioning their luxury appeal into the EV and hybrid segments.
- Tesla's Enduring Appeal: Despite BYD's volume, Tesla remains a significant force in the premium EV space.
- Chinese EV Wave: Brands like Zeekr, XPENG, and Chery are making notable inroads, reinforcing the narrative of Chinese manufacturers dominating the accessible EV market. Hyundai also continues its strong push in both EV and hybrid segments.
The Dominance of SUVs Across the Board
When it comes to body types, one segment continues its unchallenged reign:
| Vehicle Type | Number of Registrations | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Utility Vehicle | 3,358 | 61.23% |
| Sedan | 903 | 16.47% |
| Multi-purpose Vehicle | 553 | 10.08% |
| Hatchback | 161 | 2.94% |
| Coupe/Convertible | 117 | 2.13% |
| Station-wagon | 11 | 0.20% |
Vehicle Type Breakdown by Fuel:
- Electric: Sports Utility Vehicle (2,005 units)
- Petrol-Electric: Multi-purpose Vehicle (546 units)
- Petrol: Sports Utility Vehicle (356 units)
- Petrol-Electric (Plug-In): Sports Utility Vehicle (77 units)
Key Takeaways:
- SUV Supremacy: SUVs continue to dominate, accounting for over 61% of all new cars. Their versatility, commanding presence, and practical appeal make them a top choice across all fuel types.
- Sedans Maintain Ground: Sedans remain the second most popular choice, indicating a segment of buyers who prefer traditional car styling and driving dynamics.
- Hybrid MPV Strength: Interestingly, Multi-purpose Vehicles (MPVs) see a strong performance, particularly within the hybrid segment. This highlights their appeal for larger families or those requiring more cabin space, where hybrid technology offers fuel efficiency advantages.
Deep Dive: Leaders in Each Fuel Type
Top 5 EV Makes:
| Make | Number | Percentage of EVs |
|---|---|---|
| BYD | 1001 | 40.86% |
| TESLA | 269 | 10.98% |
| ZEEKR | 113 | 4.61% |
| XPENG | 107 | 4.37% |
| BMW | 106 | 4.33% |
- BYD alone captures over 40% of the EV market, solidifying its position as the brand driving EV adoption in Singapore.
Top 5 Hybrid Makes (HEV + PHEV):
| Make | Number | Percentage of Hybrids |
|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA | 443 | 30.16% |
| MERCEDES BENZ | 262 | 17.84% |
| HONDA | 220 | 14.98% |
| HYUNDAI | 68 | 4.63% |
| BMW | 57 | 3.88% |
- Toyota's long-standing leadership in hybrid technology continues to pay dividends, making it the dominant player in this segment. Mercedes-Benz and Honda also show strong hybrid sales.
Top 5 Petrol Makes:
| Make | Number | Percentage of Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | 167 | 24.63% |
| HONDA | 112 | 16.52% |
| TOYOTA | 62 | 9.14% |
| PORSCHE | 35 | 5.16% |
| AUDI | 27 | 3.98% |
- Even in the diminishing petrol segment, premium brands like BMW and Porsche, alongside traditional powerhouses Honda and Toyota, still command a respectable share.
Implications and Outlook for Singapore's Car Market
The October 2025 registration data paints a clear picture: Singapore's automotive future is increasingly electric and dominated by SUVs.
- Accelerated EV Adoption: The near 45% market share for EVs suggests that Singapore is well on its way to achieving its Green Plan 2030 targets. Infrastructure development, charging solutions, and compelling new EV models will be critical to sustaining this growth.
- Shifting Brand Power: While established European luxury brands maintain a presence, the rise of Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD, Zeekr, and XPENG signifies a major shift in market dynamics. These brands are no longer niche players but serious contenders.
- Hybrid's Role as a Transition: Hybrids continue to serve as an important transitional technology. Their appeal to practicality and lower running costs ensures they will remain relevant for several more years, particularly for MPV and larger sedan buyers.
- The Enduring SUV Craze: The popularity of SUVs shows no signs of waning. Manufacturers will continue to prioritize this body style, ensuring a wide array of electric and hybrid SUVs are available to meet consumer demand.
- COE's Continued Influence: The high COE premiums will continue to steer buyers towards more value-driven or highly desired segments, often those with strong electrification propositions due to government incentives.
Singapore's car market is dynamic and responsive to global technological shifts and local policy. As we move further into 2025, expect the electrification trend to deepen, the competitive landscape to intensify, and consumer choices to increasingly align with sustainable mobility. We'll be watching closely!