Year In Review: Key Automotive News That Shaped Singapore’s Car Industry In 2024

Q1 2024

Hints were there for an exciting 2024 for car buyers: for starters, Cat A and B COE dipped a substantial S$20k and S$25k respectively in the first bidding exercise of 2024, days before 25 brands laid down early agendas at Singapore Motorshow 2024. A bevy of Cat A-friendly models were launched, including the Lexus LBX, BMW iX1 and petrol-powered X2.

Apart from the Macan EV launch (it was a global launch in Singapore, mind!), Porsche fans and customers could now hangout at Porsche Studio Singapore right within Guoco Midtown, followed by viewing futuristic displays of some of Porsche’s hidden treasures at Jewel Changi Airport. Well, it wasn’t all about fast cars and Porsches - launch of the 5th-gen Toyota Prius also got us pumped!

BYD continued to strengthen its ecosystem by offering charging discounts for new and existing owners - a strategy that, in hindsight, could perhaps undermine launches of the smart #1 compact SUV and Peugeot E-2008 facelift. If you’re not ready for electrification just yet, you could engage SpeedyNews’ suite of professional car storage services - your manual V12 hypercars are in good hands.

Q2 2024

After reporting on strong Q1 figures in Singapore, BMW Group Asia beefed up its 4 Series range with 420i Coupe, 420i Convertible and M4 Competition launches.

BYD gained a foothold right in the heart of CBD - Harmony Auto was appointed as a new dealer for BYD passenger cars and a new Cat A-eligible Seal was revealed. Tesla welcomed orders for the Model 3 Performance and launched a Cat A-friendly Model 3.

EVs continued its upsurge - Chery brought in the Omoda E5 and Audi showcased the Q4 e-tron at ION Orchard’s pop-up boutique.

Volkswagen brought in a mild hybrid-equipped Tiguan, updated its ICE-powered T-Cross and showcased its latest EVs (including the much hyped ID. Buzz) at "Volkswagen Electric City".

Aston Martin revealed the DB12 Volante in April, followed by a new Vantage the following month.

Hyundai opened a new restaurant operated by a three-Michelin-star chef and introduced the SANTA FE TurboHybrid luxo-barge.

Q3 2024

An action-packed Q2 made way for an even wackier Q3. Cycle & Carriage opened a one-stop EV hub for commercial vehicles, while Merdedes-Benz Singapore held a sustainability-centric event at New Bahru.

Skoda reveled a new Kodiaq and updated their Kamiq, and Lexus redefined luxury with the LM 500h. Kia brought in a new 1,000km-per-tank Carnival hybrid MPV, and Toyota continued with its hybrid recipe with the 9th-gen Toyota Camry.

We also received news that Audi will sell cars directly to customers in Singapore by year end.

Now, Q3 is where the tempo truly picked up in the EV space. No surprise - Chinese brands led the charge. BYD opened a flagship showroom, GAC AION launched the Y Plus Premium with 6 years of free servicing (as a starter!), XPENG made its mark here with the G6 Coupe SUV and Maxus unveiled the MIFA 7 mid-sized MPV. And let’s not forget another new entrant, Skyworth, that announced pre-orders for the Skyworth K SUV. Those suffering from SUV/MPV “fatigue” had an option of purchasing a pint-sized Dongfeng Box.

Smart #1’s luxury-leaning sibling, Zeekr X, made its debut, followed by customer deliveries a couple of weeks later in late August. Its other sibling, Volvo’s EX30, was present at a “Volvo: Electrified” showcase in September. Geely Holding Group also introduced the 905bhp Lotus Emeya to our shores and released another smart, the #3, at their brand new showroom.

By now we could notice this heavy emphasis on EVs, but hey - Suzuki released a new Swift!

Q4 2024

BMW Group kicked off Q4 strongly - it released new M2s and M3 Competitions, updated the 4 Series range (again) and announced a flagship showroom in Alexandra Road. MINI’s Cooper 5 Door was launched, followed by the Aceman and Countryman. Another BMW showroom popped up on Leng Kee Road, this time alongside a refreshed MINI space. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars updated its superluxury SUV - Cullinan Series II. Well, it was unveiled on the same day as the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV - talk about timing!

Porsche Studio Singapore transformed into a Provence-inspired theme and revealed the Carrera T coupe and cabrio.

More new spaces were ready: BYD with yet another shworoom, XPENG felt that it was time to have something more permanent at 281 Alexandra Road, and Lexus rolled out a luxury boutique along Leng Kee Road.

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