More than cars: BYD’s new Tampines destination pairs EVs with coffee, workshops and community

For decades, buying a car in Singapore meant making a deliberate trip to automotive hubs such as Alexandra Road or the neighbouring Leng Kee area. 

Chinese automotive giant BYD wants that first encounter to happen somewhere far more familiar – the neighbourhood shopping mall.

That is the thinking behind Vantage Automotive’s new BYD showroom at Tampines 1, which is the first lifestyle-focused retail concept from BYD’s authorised distributor.

Instead of a conventional showroom, the unit has been designed as a community space where shoppers can browse the latest electric vehicles (EVs), enjoy a coffee, attend workshops or simply become more familiar with the brand while going about their daily routines.

The concept comes as EVs become increasingly mainstream in Singapore. They now account for about 60 per cent of new car registrations, fuelled by government incentives, a growing choice of models and more competitive pricing. 

Riding that momentum, BYD has emerged as Singapore’s best-selling car brand over the past two years.

James Ng, managing director of BYD Singapore and president of BYD Philippines, says: “As electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate, it is important for us to bring the BYD brand closer to where our customers live, work and spend their time.”

He adds that the Tampines 1 outlet expands the brand’s presence in the east while creating “new opportunities for customers to discover BYD’s cutting-edge technology and experience our vehicles in a convenient and welcoming environment”.

For Vantage Automotive, the new concept is as much about building familiarity with the brand as it is about selling cars.

Andrew Basham, managing director of Sime Motors, the parent company of Vantage Automotive, says: “BYD’s still a young brand. It’s only been in Singapore for five years, and it’s only been large globally for three or four years.”

Rather than expecting customers to make a dedicated trip to a showroom, he says the idea is to meet them where they already spend their time.

“We want much more of a community aspect, to be in the community with the people, where all the locals are wandering through,” he says.

What makes BYD’s Tampines 1 showroom different

As competition in Singapore’s EV market intensifies, BYD is also rethinking how consumers discover and interact with its brand.

The Tampines 1 showroom strengthens BYD’s presence in eastern Singapore and gives residents, families and working professionals an easier way to explore the brand’s latest EVs.

Its design reflects that philosophy. Instead of rows of cars in a conventional retail space, visitors are greeted by a curved layout centred around a circular coffee and snack bar, with seating areas that encourage them to relax and stay awhile. 

The Tampines 1 showroom can accommodate up to three vehicles, such as the Atto 2, Seal 6 DM-i and Sealion 8 EV. Besides the cars on display units, there are also test drive units of various models available for customers to experience first-hand.

Visitors can also learn about BYD’s EV technologies and speak with product specialists about electric vehicle ownership and sustainable mobility, allowing them to make a more informed decision before buying.

“We want to make it more inviting... to get people to come in, have a look, feel comfortable. They can have some bakery items, have a coffee, take a test drive, or just become familiar with the place,” Basham explains.

More than test drives: Workshops, talks and lifestyle events

Throughout the year, the Tampines 1 showroom will host sustainability talks, EV education sessions and family-friendly workshops such as matcha-making and cake decorating, alongside collaborations with food and beverage and lifestyle brands.

The aim is to encourage people to return even when they are not in the market for a new car, creating repeated interactions that help build familiarity with the brand.

The new showroom complements Vantage Automotive’s flagship facility at Alexandra Road, where customers can access after-sales services and maintenance. Together, the two locations provide a seamless ownership journey, from exploring and purchasing a vehicle to servicing it throughout its lifespan.

“The idea is to make them feel comfortable about BYD so that it becomes a familiar experience when they are looking to purchase their next car,” says Basham.

BYD by Vantage Automotive is open daily at Tampines 1, #01-04 to 07, from 10am to 10pm. Prospective owners enjoy up to $8,000 in ownership benefits, plus a chance to win up to $1,000 in shopping vouchers.