Big-car prices won't fall in tandem with COE

Not feasible to slash prices by same quantum as premiums are expected to rebound, say dealers

COE prices for Category B - for cars above 1,600cc or 130bhp - dipped to a six-year low of $38,610 yesterday, falling 23 per cent from $50,089 two weeks ago. Auto dealers said they expect premiums to rebound in the month's second bidding.
COE prices for Category B - for cars above 1,600cc or 130bhp - dipped to a six-year low of $38,610 yesterday, falling 23 per cent from $50,089 two weeks ago. Auto dealers said they expect premiums to rebound in the month's second bidding. ST FILE PHOTO

While certificate of entitlement (COE) prices for big cars took a huge tumble at the close of yesterday's tender, auto dealers said it will not be feasible to slash showroom prices by the same quantum.

This is because they expect premiums to rebound in the month's second bidding, and they want to deliver on their buyers' orders.

Yesterday, COE prices for Category B - for cars above 1,600cc or 130bhp - dipped to a six-year low of $38,610, falling 23 per cent from $50,089 two weeks ago.

In Category A - for cars up to 1,600cc and 130bhp - the premium fell to $46,651, down from $51,301.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 04, 2016, with the headline Big-car prices won't fall in tandem with COE. Subscribe