Category A Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums rose to S$132,004 on Wednesday (21 October), putting them S$103 above Category B’s S$131,901.
The result was the second-highest recorded for Category A, which covers smaller, less powerful cars. Its record remains S$133,009, set on 9 September this year.
Both car categories became more expensive after premiums fell in the previous two bidding exercises.
Category A Rises By S$2,003
At October’s second bidding exercise, which closed at 4pm, Category A premiums increased by S$2,003 from S$130,001. That works out to a rise of about 1.54%.
Category B premiums climbed S$1,801 from S$130,100, an increase of about 1.38%.
The two categories had finished just S$99 apart at the previous exercise on 7 October, with Category B slightly higher. This time, Category A overtook it.
For cars that are not fully electric, Category A covers vehicles with engines of up to 1,600cc and power output of up to 97kW. Fully electric cars qualify if their power output does not exceed 110kW. Cars above the respective limits fall under Category B.
Here is how all five categories finished:
| Category | Latest Premium | Change From Previous Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| A: Smaller, less powerful cars | S$132,004 | Up S$2,003 |
| B: Larger, more powerful cars | S$131,901 | Up S$1,801 |
| C: Goods vehicles and buses | S$92,200 | Up S$311 |
| D: Motorcycles | S$10,778 | Down S$234 |
| E: Open category, excluding motorcycles | S$135,790 | Down S$1,210 |
LTA Urges Caution Ahead Of Car Expo
In a statement carried by CNA, the Land Transport Authority said COE prices remained elevated across most categories.
It warned that the upcoming Car Expo could lead to higher demand and COE prices during this period.
“We urge car buyers and dealers to be prudent in bidding for COEs,” an LTA spokesperson said.
The Car Expo will take place at Singapore EXPO’s Halls 5 and 6 on 24 and 25 October.
Review Of Car COE Categories Is Ongoing
The latest results come while LTA is seeking public feedback on a proposal to merge Categories A and B into one passenger car category.
The proposal includes a fee-and-rebate system based on a car’s value, intended to better distinguish mass-market cars from higher-value models.
In its consultation announcement on 8 October, LTA said advances in vehicle technology had made engine capacity and power less effective at separating these groups. Manufacturers can increasingly adjust specifications to fit Category A’s limits, bringing more buyers into competition for those COEs.
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 2 November. LTA expects to complete its review by the end of 2026 and share its findings and recommendations in the first half of 2027.
