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More up than down, but still a mixed round overall
The latest Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums for Jan 2026’s second bidding exercise were released at 4:00 PM on 21 Jan 2026. Compared with the 1st bidding exercise of Jan 2026, movements were mixed: Cat A, Cat B and Cat D rose, while Cat C and Cat E dipped.
COE remains one of the biggest cost drivers for vehicle ownership in Singapore because it can materially change the final on-the-road price of a new car (and even influence used car pricing through COE value and market sentiment). It also affects buyer decisions like when to commit, how much to set aside for downpayment and loan sizing, and whether to consider an alternative model that sits in a different COE category.
COE results at a glance
Quick summary for this exercise:
- Biggest mover: Category A climbed by S$7,492 (about +7.34%).
- Other increases: Category B rose S$2,534 (about +2.13%), and Category D rose S$171 (about +1.97%).
- Declines: Category C slipped S$301 (about -0.40%), while Open Category E eased S$1,109 (about -0.91%).
Here is the breakdown for Jan 2026’s second bidding exercise:
| Category | Previous COE ($) | New COE ($) | Difference ($) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | CAR-DETAILS AT ONEMOTORING | 102,009 | 109,501 | +7,492 |
| B | CAR-DETAILS AT ONEMOTORING | 119,100 | 121,634 | +2,534 |
| C | Goods Vehicles & Buses | 75,503 | 75,202 | -301 |
| D | Motorcycles | 8,689 | 8,860 | +171 |
| E | Open Category (Excl. Motorcycles) | 122,000 | 120,891 | -1,109 |
What the movements may suggest
While only the next few bidding exercises will reveal whether this is a short-term swing or a sustained trend, these shifts can still be helpful as a snapshot of current demand:
- Category A up: Often linked to demand for mass-market cars and family-friendly models (including many smaller EVs). A sharper rise here can tighten budgets for buyers aiming to keep monthly repayments manageable.
- Category B up: A smaller increase suggests steady demand for larger, more powerful or premium models, with less volatility than Cat A this round.
- Category C slightly down: Commercial vehicle costs look broadly stable, which may be welcome news for businesses watching fleet expenses.
- Category D up: A modest increase keeps motorcycle COE relatively stable compared to cars, though frequent riders and delivery partners may still feel the change.
- Category E down: Open Category is often watched as a “flexible” indicator. A dip here can imply softer demand for open bids or a shifting preference back into specific categories.
Practical pointers for motorists and riders
For anyone planning a purchase, renewal or fleet update, these practical considerations can help frame the numbers:
- Budget buffer matters: COE is typically a 10-year cost component, so a swing of a few thousand dollars can change the all-in price and the loan quantum.
- Watch Cat A vs Cat E: When Open Category sits close to Cat B, it can influence dealer strategies and registration decisions, which may ripple into pricing for certain models.
- Timing and deposits: For new vehicles, buyers often lock in a booking with a deposit while the eventual COE outcome finalises the total price. Clear communication on price adjustment clauses helps avoid surprises.
- Used vehicles: Used car listings can reprice quickly when COE moves, especially for models popular among Cat A or Cat B buyers.
- Business fleets: Even small shifts in Category C can add up across multiple vehicles, so procurement teams typically track trends rather than one-off changes.
What each COE category covers
Category A is for cars with engine capacities up to 1,600cc and output not exceeding 97kW (130bhp). It also covers electric vehicles (EVs) up to 110kW (147bhp), which is why many mass-market models and smaller EVs commonly fall under this category.
Category B covers cars above 1,600cc or above 97kW, including EVs beyond 110kW. This typically includes larger SUVs, premium marques, higher-performance variants and many higher-powered EVs.
Category C is for goods vehicles and buses. Businesses relying on vans, lorries or fleet vehicles often watch this category closely as COE premiums can feed into operating costs over time.
Category D is strictly for motorcycles. Demand can be influenced by commuting patterns, delivery needs and broader cost-of-living considerations.
Category E (Open Category) can be used for any vehicle type (excluding motorcycles). Because it offers flexibility, it is closely monitored as a bellwether for broader demand, especially when buyers or dealers want the option to register different vehicle types.
Stay updated
Motorists, businesses and riders who want to keep track of COE movements and quotas can refer to these official resources:
- LTA statistics page (quota details, statistics and publications on the vehicle population).
- OneMotoring COE Open Bidding portal (live bidding information and results during each exercise).
With these references, motorists and businesses can track quota updates, follow bidding movements and make more informed decisions on when to commit to a purchase or renewal. 😊
Jan 2026’s second COE bidding exercise delivered a mixed outcome: car COEs in Categories A and B pushed higher and motorcycle COE also ticked up, while Category C and Open Category E eased slightly. For buyers and businesses, the key takeaway is to plan with a buffer, track a few exercises (not just one), and rely on official portals to confirm the latest results before making big-ticket decisions.
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