Singapore's Car Market: August 2025 Analysis
The latest car registration data for August 2025 reveals a market in rapid transition, dominated by two clear trends: electrification and the unwavering popularity of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). A total of 3,899 new passenger cars hit the roads, with electrified models (a combination of pure electric and hybrid vehicles) accounting for a staggering 85% of all registrations, signalling a decisive shift in consumer preference away from traditional petrol cars.
Executive Summary
This month's data underscores the acceleration towards greener vehicles. Hybrids and Electric Vehicles (EVs) now represent the overwhelming majority of new car purchases. SUVs continue their reign as the favourite vehicle type, capturing over half of the market share. In a significant market shift, Chinese automaker BYD has emerged as the top-selling brand for the month, showcasing the growing influence of new EV players.
Fuel Type Breakdown
The push for electrification is undeniable. Petrol-Electric hybrids were the most popular choice, closely followed by fully electric cars. Together, these two categories made up over 80% of all new registrations, while conventional petrol cars accounted for just over 15% of the market.
| Fuel Type | Number of Registrations |
|---|---|
| Petrol-Electric | 1600 |
| Electric | 1528 |
| Petrol | 601 |
| Petrol-Electric (Plug-In) | 169 |
| Diesel | 1 |
Vehicle Type Breakdown
The SUV remains the undisputed king of Singapore's roads. Its blend of space, practicality, and road presence appeals to a wide range of buyers. Multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) also saw strong demand, reinforcing a market trend towards larger, family-oriented vehicles.
| Vehicle Type | Number of Registrations |
|---|---|
| Sports Utility Vehicle | 1964 |
| Multi-purpose Vehicle | 985 |
| Sedan | 603 |
| Hatchback | 217 |
| Coupe/Convertible | 115 |
| Station-wagon | 15 |
Market Insights and Analysis
The Electric Revolution is Here With 84.6% of new cars being either fully electric or hybrid, Singapore's transition to sustainable transport is moving faster than ever.
- Hybrids Lead the Charge: Petrol-Electric models (including plug-ins) were the most popular drivetrain, accounting for 45.4% of registrations. This suggests many buyers see hybrids as a practical stepping stone, offering fuel efficiency without the range anxiety sometimes associated with pure EVs.
- EVs Close Behind: Pure EVs captured a massive 39.2% of the market share. Brands like BYD, Tesla, and a growing number of Chinese automakers like GAC and XPENG are driving this growth with a diverse range of compelling models.
SUVs and MPVs Dominate the Landscape Practicality is paramount for Singaporean car buyers.
- The Age of the SUV: Accounting for 50.4% of all registrations, the SUV is the default choice for individuals and families alike. This trend cuts across all fuel types, from the electric BYD Atto 3 and Tesla Model Y to hybrid bestsellers from Toyota and Mercedes-Benz.
- The Rise of the MPV: MPVs had a remarkably strong month, making up 25.3% of the market. This demand is heavily fueled by large electric models like the BYD M3e and family-favourite hybrids from Honda and Toyota.
A New Market Leader Perhaps the most significant takeaway from August's data is the ascent of BYD to the top of the sales charts with 920 registrations. The brand's success with its range of electric SUVs, sedans, and MPVs highlights a major disruption in the market. While established giants like Toyota (608 units), Honda (462 units), and Mercedes-Benz (450 units) remain strong contenders with popular hybrid offerings, the competitive landscape is clearly shifting.