News analysis

Five suggestions to improve COE system

The industry says sellers have an interest to keep COE prices low, as spikes often entail costly subsidies on their part. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

SINGAPORE - Amid record certificate of entitlement (COE) prices, there have been calls for the vehicle quota system to be tweaked, with changes ranging from banning car dealers from bidding to requiring bidders to pay what they bid for.

These suggestions are not entirely new, and have been made over the course of the 32-year-old auction system. In the three decades, tweaks have been made, too.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.