Mar 2026 COE Results: Category A Hits $111,890 – Latest Updates

Singaporean vehicle ownership costs edged higher in the latest round of Certificate of Entitlement (COE) bidding, with premiums across most categories experiencing modest increases. The second bidding exercise for March 2026, concluded on Wednesday, saw Category A – the segment for cars with engine capacities up to 1600cc and power output up to 130bhp, or electric vehicles with up to 110kW – close at S$111,890. This represents a S$3,670 increase from the previous bidding round.

Category B, for cars exceeding 1600cc or 130bhp, and EVs with more than 110kW, as well saw a rise, finishing at S$115,568 – up S$1,566. Commercial vehicle COEs (Category C) increased by S$2,000 to S$78,000, while motorcycle COEs (Category D) experienced a more significant jump, climbing S$987 to S$9,589. The open category (Category E), which can be used for any vehicle type, closed at S$118,119, an increase of S$3,229.

Motorcycle Premiums Surge

The most notable movement was in Category D, the motorcycle segment, which saw an 11 percent increase in premiums. This surge comes as no surprise to industry observers, given consistently high demand for motorcycles as a more affordable transportation option in Singapore. The increase to S$9,589 could impact delivery services and commuters who rely on motorcycles for their livelihood.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

The bidding results reveal a continued trend of relatively stable, but elevated, COE prices. While the increases in Categories A, B, and C were incremental, they contribute to the overall cost of vehicle ownership in Singapore, which is already among the highest in the world. The Premium Indicative Price (PIP) for Category A currently stands at S$106,541 for March and S$107,407 for April, providing a benchmark for potential buyers. Category B’s PIP is S$115,938 for March and S$114,366 for April. Category C’s PIP is S$75,669 for March and S$75,751 for April, while Category D’s PIP is S$8,367 for March and S$8,670 for April.

Industry Anticipates Further Increases

Despite the modest increases in this round, industry players anticipate further upward pressure on COE premiums in the next bidding exercise, scheduled for April 6-8. Several commercial directors and managing directors from automotive companies shared their predictions following the latest results. Ng Choon Wee, commercial director at Komoco Motors Hyundai, expects premiums to continue climbing, particularly in Category A, and suggests Category B could exceed S$118,000. Nicholas Wong, chief executive of Kah Motor Honda, attributes the anticipation to speculation and a longer selling time before the next bid. Motorist Singapore provides a comprehensive overview of COE results and trends.

Lee Hoe Lone, managing director of Premium Automobiles (Zeekr, Xpeng, DEEPAL and AVATR), and Raymond Ng, managing director of Eurokars EV (MG and IM Motors), both concur that the three-week break before the next bidding round will likely contribute to increased demand and higher premiums. Jason Lim, managing director for BMW and MINI at Eurokars, echoed this sentiment, citing a historical pattern of COE price increases during similar periods.

Divergent Views on Future Trends

Though, not all industry representatives share the same outlook. Anthony Teo, managing director of Vantage Automotive (BYD and DENZA), expressed hope for stable or even declining premiums in the next round. Vincent Ng, product consultant at Vincar (GAC, Aion and Hyptec), believes the trend will remain similar, with traders likely raising prices to maintain current levels. This divergence in opinion highlights the uncertainty surrounding future COE movements.

What the COE System Means for Car Buyers

The COE system in Singapore is designed to manage vehicle population growth. Prospective car owners must bid for a COE, which grants them the right to register, own, and use a vehicle for ten years. The system operates on a bidding basis, with premiums determined by market demand. Sgcarmart offers detailed information on COE prices and bidding results. The cost of a COE represents a significant portion of the overall cost of owning a car in Singapore, often exceeding the vehicle’s actual price, particularly for popular models.

Implications for Different Vehicle Categories

The increases across various COE categories have different implications for potential buyers. The rise in Category A premiums will likely impact those looking to purchase smaller, more fuel-efficient cars or electric vehicles. The increase in Category B will affect buyers of larger, more powerful vehicles. The surge in Category D premiums will disproportionately affect motorcycle buyers, potentially impacting delivery riders and commuters. Category E, being an open category, provides flexibility but typically commands the highest premiums.

Looking Ahead: The Next Bidding Round

The next COE bidding round is scheduled to begin on April 6, 2026, with results expected on April 8, 2026. Given the prevailing market sentiment and the anticipated increase in demand due to the extended bidding period, We see likely that premiums will continue to rise. Prospective car buyers should carefully consider their options and budget accordingly. Mothership.sg provides ongoing coverage of COE trends and analysis. The review of COE categorisation, as mentioned in recent news, could also influence future bidding dynamics, though the timing and details of this review remain unclear.

For those considering renewing their existing COEs, it’s crucial to weigh the costs against the potential benefits of upgrading to a newer vehicle. Motorist Singapore offers resources for both COE renewal and car valuation, helping owners develop informed decisions about their vehicle ownership journey.