Singapore has witnessed a significant shift in its automotive landscape, with BYD solidifying its position as the city-state’s top car brand. Recent data from the Land Transport Authority, reveals an impressive 5.6 percentage point increase in BYD’s market share.
In a competitive market featuring a total of 23,957 new car registrations, BYD stood out with 4,667 vehicles registered—a remarkable year-on-year surge of over 80%. In a world where change is the only constant, who would’ve guessed that the underdog would rise to the top so swiftly?
Toyota, a longstanding titan in Singapore’s automotive sector, claimed second place with 3,461 new registrations, reflecting a 9.4% annual growth and capturing a 14.4% share of the new passenger car market, which is a slight increase of 0.5 percentage points. German luxury brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz followed closely, landing in third and fourth places with 2,664 and 2,537 vehicles registered, respectively. Rounding out the top five, Honda made notable strides with 2,268 registrations, marking a substantial 50.5% increase from last year.
BYD’s dominance is no fleeting moment—since early this year, the company has shown strong traction, outselling Toyota with 3,002 vehicles to Toyota’s 2,050 in the first four months. This marks a significant transformation, as Toyota had held the crown with 7,876 units sold in 2024 compared to BYD’s 6,191.
James Ng, the managing director at BYD Singapore and the Philippines, expressed confidence in the brand’s appeal during the recent launch of the Sealion 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid. He highlighted June as the brand’s stellar month, boasting 840 vehicles sold, according to AsiaOne.
The Sealion 6 DM-i is now available for enthusiasts at a launch price of S$212,888 (US$165,500), which includes a guaranteed certificate of entitlement, a necessity in Singapore’s unique car-buying ecosystem.
What makes BYD’s rise in Singapore particularly striking?
BYD’s extraordinary growth, with an over 80% increase in registrations compared to last year, contrasts sharply with the more modest gains seen from traditional market leaders like Toyota, making it a fascinating case study in the evolving automotive sector.
How did Toyota perform in the latest new car registrations?
Toyota maintained its status as a significant player, with 3,461 new vehicles registered, representing a 9.4% increase year-on-year, though falling behind BYD for the first time in recent history.
What is notable about the Sealion 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid?
The Sealion 6 DM-i is attracting attention not just for its hybrid efficiency, but also for its launch price of S$212,888, which includes a guaranteed certificate of entitlement—an essential aspect of owning a car in Singapore.
