Singapore Car Rental Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Singapore car rental market is currently valued at USD 256 million in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 305.52 million by 2030, registering a steady 3.60% CAGR. Growth appears modest on the surface, yet underlying forces, including record‐high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums, a tourism recovery that saw 16.50 million visitors in 2024, and government incentives that cut electric-vehicle acquisition costs by up to SGD 15,000, are intensifying structural shifts in favor of rental and shared mobility schemes. Operators that leverage digital booking channels, data-driven fleet optimization, and expanding cross-border offerings are well-positioned to capture the latent elasticity created by constrained private-car ownership.
Key Report Takeaways
- By vehicle type, the economy segment captured 38.10% of Singapore car rental market share in 2024 and is expanding at a 12.70% CAGR through 2030.
- By booking channel, online platforms accounted for 72.14% revenue share in 2024, while the same channel is growing at a 13.40% CAGR.
- By rental duration, short-term hires led with 61.18% of the Singapore car rental market size in 2024; long-term contracts are projected to grow at an 11.10% CAGR to 2030.
- By application, tourism commanded 54.22% share of the Singapore car rental market size in 2024, whereas general commuting is rising at a 10.50% CAGR.
- By powertrain, internal combustion engine vehicles held 82.26% share in 2024, but electric rentals represent the fastest-growing slice at a 32.70% CAGR.
- By end user, individuals made up 64.30% of the Singapore car rental market size in 2024, yet corporate customers are growing at a 12.30% CAGR.
Singapore Car Rental Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Rising COE Premiums Pricing Out Ownership | +1.2% | National, with acute impact in urban core | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Tourism Rebound and Inbound Arrivals | +0.8% | National, concentrated at Changi Airport corridor | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Corporate Demand for Flexible Mobility Solutions | +0.6% | Central Business District, industrial estates | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Government EV-Rental Incentives (CVES, Tax Rebates) | +0.4% | National, early adoption in commercial districts | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Growth of Subscription and Peer-to-Peer Rental Platforms | +0.3% | Urban residential areas, HDB estates | Medium term (2-4 years) |
AI-Driven Fleet Optimisation Lowering Operator Costs | +0.2% | National, technology hubs leading adoption | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Rising COE Premiums Pricing Out Ownership
COE bids climbed above SGD 97,000 for mainstream cars in 2025, limiting ownership to wealthier households and pushing middle-income drivers toward rentals. The government’s three-year lock-in rule for business-owned private-hire cars has further stabilized fleet supply and improved cost predictability for professional operators. The scarcity of affordable ownership certificates elevates the Singapore car rental market from a discretionary service to an essential mobility option, sustaining demand even during economic slowdowns. Operators that secure bulk COE allocations during lower-price windows gain a cost advantage that compounds over the certificate’s 10-year validity.
Tourism Rebound and Inbound Arrivals
Singapore's tourism sector achieved record-breaking performance in 2024, with visitor spending reaching SGD 22.4 billion despite arrivals remaining below 2019 levels. This indicates higher per-capita expenditure patterns that benefit premium rental segments[1]“Visitor Arrivals and Tourism Receipts 2024,” Singapore Tourism Board, stb.gov.sg..The mutual visa exemption with China and enhanced air connectivity from India drive sustained growth. At the same time, business travel recovery lags leisure tourism, creating distinct demand patterns that favor short-term rental durations over extended corporate leases.
Corporate Demand for Flexible Mobility Solutions
Singapore's corporate sector increasingly adopts flexible mobility solutions as an alternative to maintaining dedicated vehicle fleets, driven by zero vehicle population growth policies and escalating total cost of ownership that includes COE premiums, Electronic Road Pricing charges, and insurance costs. Element Fleet Management’s 2025 acquisition of a local technology platform underscores multinational firms' interest in outsourcing fleet needs in high-ownership-cost environments. Corporate clients favor predictable monthly rates that sidestep COE volatility while meeting environmental and capital-allocation targets through hybrid and electric subscriptions.
Government EV-Rental Incentives Drive Electrification
The CVES provides SGD 15,000 rebates on eligible electric commercial vehicles until March 2027, cutting fleet payback periods and encouraging rental companies to place early bulk orders[2]"Joint News Release by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) & NEA -Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme and Early Turnover Scheme Extended", Land Transport Authority, lta.gov.sg.. Mercedes-Benz’s introduction of the eVito and eSprinter vans in April 2025, both CVES-compliant, signals growing OEM alignment with Singapore’s 2030 cleaner-energy mandate. Singapore's mandate requiring all new vehicle registrations to be cleaner-energy models by 2030, combined with the new Heavy Vehicle Zero Emissions Scheme offering SGD 40,000 rebates for electric commercial vehicles starting 2026, positions early-adopting rental companies to capture both cost advantages and sustainability-conscious customer segments.
Restraints Impact Analysis
Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Security-Deposit Disputes Eroding Trust | -0.4% | National, acute in peer-to-peer platforms | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
High ERP Congestion Charges Dampen Rental Utilisation | -0.3% | Central Business District, Orchard Road corridor | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Spiking Insurance Premiums for Rental Fleets | -0.2% | National, commercial vehicle focus | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Scarcity of Overnight Public EV Chargers | -0.1% | HDB estates, private residential areas | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Security-Deposit Disputes Eroding Trust
The Consumers Association of Singapore reported significant increases in car-sharing complaints regarding unauthorized charges, technical issues, and poor customer service resolution, with security deposit disputes emerging as the primary friction point between operators and users. Traditional manual vehicle inspections create information asymmetries that enable operators to impose damage charges that customers contest, leading to regulatory calls for mandatory maintenance standards and clearer dispute resolution processes as the industry matures beyond early-adopter segments. AI-driven inspection technology, implemented by companies like Ravin AI for automated damage detection, represents a technological solution to reduce human error and improve transparency. However, widespread adoption remains limited across Singapore's fragmented rental landscape.
High ERP Congestion Charges Dampen Utilization
Singapore's Electronic Road Pricing system, designed to manage traffic congestion in central business districts, creates operational headwinds for rental companies as charges directly impact customer utilization patterns and total trip costs, particularly for short-duration rentals where ERP fees represent disproportionate cost components. The government's commitment to maintaining zero vehicle population growth while expanding ERP coverage to additional zones suggests rental operators must optimize fleet deployment strategies to balance vehicle availability with cost-effective positioning, creating competitive advantages for companies with sophisticated demand forecasting and dynamic pricing capabilities. This constraint particularly affects economy segment profitability where price sensitivity limits operators' ability to pass through congestion charges to customers, forcing operational efficiency improvements and strategic location planning.
Segment Analysis
By Vehicle Type: Economy Segment Drives Democratic Access
The economy category accounted for 38.10% of the Singapore car rental market share in 2024 and is on track to post a 12.70% CAGR through 2030, demonstrating that value-oriented demand remains the backbone of fleet utilization. Budget-sensitive tourists and corporate procurement teams favor these models for city travel, while rising COE premiums keep even modest private-car ownership out of reach for many residents, enlarging the addressable base of renters.
As the Singapore car rental market widens its customer pool, operators are bundling petrol vouchers and ERP credits with economy models to push utilization during off-peak periods. Premium providers differentiate via upgraded cabin filtration systems and concierge services aimed at business travelers who value safety and convenience. Players targeting the luxury niche employ personalized meet-and-greet handovers to justify higher daily tariffs. Multi-utility vehicles are increasingly booked for cross-border excursions to Malaysia, leveraging large luggage space and fuel efficiency for weekend trips.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Booking Channel: Digital Transformation Accelerates
Digital platforms already hold 72.14% of total revenues and are growing at 13.40% CAGR, propelled by Singapore’s 97% smartphone penetration and the adoption of e-payments such as PayNow and GrabPay. Integrated apps allow users to compare packages, locate nearby vehicles, and unlock cars via Bluetooth, significantly increasing booking conversions and lowering counter staffing costs.
Scaling algorithms let platforms re-price inventory in real time, optimizing yield like airline revenue management. Upsell modules, such as GPS add-ons, child seats, and cross-border insurance, are seamlessly embedded, lifting average revenue per transaction. The Singapore car rental market is thus transitioning into a data-rich environment where user behavior drives dynamic fleet allocation. Traditional counter-based operators counteract by integrating QR-based express-pick-up kiosks at Changi Airport and major hotels, reducing physical paperwork while preserving brand presence.
By Rental Duration: Long-Term Contracts Gain Corporate Traction
Short-term rentals, defined as bookings up to 30 days, comprised 61.18% of revenue in 2024,while long-term hires are accelerating at an 11.10% CAGR, boosted by firms that require flexible but ongoing mobility for regional sales teams and project staff. Long-term packages often include maintenance, insurance, and replacement vehicles, rendering them an efficient operating expenditure substitute to leasing or outright ownership.
Operators capture higher lifetime value from long-duration users owing to lower acquisition costs and predictable utilization. Many now provide subscription bundles where corporates can swap vehicle classes monthly to match project needs. Over time, the Singapore car rental market expects average rental tenure to rise, smoothing demand variance across seasons and mitigating dependency on tourist cycles.
By Application: General Commuting Emerges as Growth Driver
Tourism applications dominated with 54.22% market share in 2024, benefiting from Singapore's record 16.5 million visitor arrivals and projected growth to 17-18.5 million in 2025[3]"Singapore Achieves Historical High in Tourism Receipts in 2024", Singapore Tourism Board, stb.gov.sg.. The tourism segment benefits from Singapore Tourism Board's strategic focus on quality visitors who demonstrate higher per-capita spending and longer average stays, creating sustained demand for rental services as tourists seek independence from public transportation for exploring attractions and conducting business activities. Operators offer hourly and overnight packages tailored to commuters who need vehicles for brief intervals rather than entire days, boosting utilization during non-tourism lulls. The Singapore car rental market thus gains a more balanced demand curve, reducing reliance on seasonal tourist inflows and improving fleet‐return predictability.
Although tourism is rising in Singapore, general commuting still has a 10.5% CAGR growth rate. General commuting applications increasingly target young professionals, expatriates, and families who require regular vehicle access but cannot justify ownership economics. Operators are developing specialized products, including monthly subscriptions, corporate packages, and flexible hour-based pricing, to capture this growing segment.

By Powertrain Type: Electric Transition Accelerates
Internal combustion engine vehicles maintain 82.26% market share, reflecting established infrastructure and operator familiarity. Electric vehicles exhibit an exceptional 32.70% CAGR growth. Despite infrastructure limitations, Mercedes-Benz's electric commercial vehicle launch and Cycle & Carriage's Electric Commercial Vehicle Hub demonstrate manufacturer and dealer commitment to electrification.
The government's extension of CVES incentives through March 2027, while increasing diesel surcharges to SGD 20,000, creates compelling economics for rental operators to accelerate fleet electrification, particularly as Singapore targets 60,000 charging points by 2030 to support widespread EV adoption, which will also play a major role in driving the segment growth.
By End User: Corporate Adoption Accelerates
Individuals comprised 64.30% of rentals in 2024, driven largely by tourism and occasional personal trips. Corporate segment grows quicker at 12.30% CAGR as companies abandon fleet ownership in favor of asset-light arrangements. Policies that limit COE supply and require businesses to hold private-hire certificates for three years reinforce this shift, making rentals the most flexible option for fluctuating headcount.
For fleet providers, corporate users deliver higher ticket sizes through long‐term, multi-vehicle contracts. Service-level agreements often stipulate guaranteed replacement vehicles and scheduled maintenance, supporting premium pricing. Element Fleet Management's Singapore expansion reflects global recognition of corporate fleet outsourcing trends in high-ownership-cost markets.Corporate growth patterns favor longer rental durations and premium vehicle categories, creating higher-value customer segments that improve operator profitability despite lower transaction volumes.
Geography Analysis
Singapore’s compact land area means the entire nation functions as a single metropolitan market, yet demand clusters vary markedly by zone. The Central Business District (CBD) and Orchard Road attract business travelers and luxury shoppers who favor premium sedans and chauffeur services. High ERP charges in these locales restrain low-budget rentals, but companies frequently book peak-hour slots for client meetings, ensuring steady weekday utilization. Meanwhile, Changi Airport remains the principal gateway, with operators maintaining 24/7 counters and dedicated parking decks to capture inbound tourists immediately upon arrival.
Residential precincts, particularly large Housing Development Board estates, are fast becoming the growth frontier of the Singapore car rental market. Residents priced out of COE certificates now opt for weekend or evening rentals parked within walking distance of their flats. Operators use geofencing to deploy vehicles in high-density lots, leveraging predictive algorithms that shift idle inventory from the CBD to the suburbs after office hours. Overnight parking subsidies offered by town councils further improve the economics of suburban distribution.
Cross-border demand is another emergent lever. Operators package Johor Bahru shopping excursions and Kuala Lumpur weekend getaways, bundling Malaysian toll cards and insurance. While regulatory paperwork and varying fuel grades impose operational complexity, the incremental revenue offsets the hurdles. Over time, the Singapore car rental market could see double-digit utilization growth from regional leisure travel, provided diplomatic and pandemic-related border measures remain stable.
Competitive Landscape
The Singapore car rental market exhibits moderate concentration. International brands like Avis, Hertz, and Sixt primarily serve airport and hotel channels, banking on global loyalty programs and corporate tie-ups. Domestic tech-enabled entrants deploy asset-light models: fleet-less peer-to-peer operators curate private vehicles.
Technology is the key differentiator. Local platforms integrate AI route-planning, remote immobilizers, and telematics-based pricing, lowering per-km operating costs. Established multinationals counter with ISO-certified safety protocols and multi-country booking integration, appealing to corporate travel managers and risk-averse tourists. The result is a dynamic equilibrium where no single model dominates, fostering continual product iteration across the Singapore car rental market.
Strategic activity is brisk. Element Fleet Management’s 2025 acquisition of Autofleet Solutions strengthens its procurement and optimization offerings for multinational clients. Meanwhile, Cycle & Carriage opened an Electric Commercial Vehicle Hub in late 2024, ensuring maintenance capacity ahead of fleet electrification mandates. Such moves illustrate how supply-chain alignment, technology stack depth, and regulatory foresight shape competitive advantage more than mere fleet size.
Singapore Car Rental Industry Leaders
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SIXT SE
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Avis Budget Group
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Drive Sg
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Europcar Mobility Group
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Hertz Corporation
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Recent Industry Developments
- August 2024: Element Fleet Management completed a strategic expansion into Singapore by acquirin Autofleet Solutions, adding advanced optimization technology and procurement scale for regional clients.
- January 2024: Cycle & Carriage announced the opening of a new branch of its myCarriage car rental service, which has a reception counter located at Changi Airport Terminal 3. The expansion is part of the company's strategy to expand its footprint throughout Singapore.
Singapore Car Rental Market Report Scope
Car rental refers to the service of providing vehicles for temporary use by individuals or organizations. This involves renting a car for a specific period, usually by the hour, day, or week, in exchange for a fee.
The Singaporean car rental market is segmented by vehicle type, booking type, rental duration type, and application type. By vehicle type, the market is segmented into economy and premium. By booking type, the market is segmented into offline and online. By rental duration type, the market is segmented into short-term and long-term. By application type, the market is segmented into tourism and general commuting. The report offers market size and forecasts for all the above segments in terms of value (USD).
By Vehicle Type | Economy |
Premium | |
Luxury | |
Sport Utility Vehicle and Multi-Purpose Vehicle | |
By Booking Channel | Online |
Offline | |
By Rental Duration | Short-term (Less Than 30 days) |
Long-term (More Than 30 days) | |
By Application | Tourism |
General Commuting | |
By Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) |
Hybrid | |
Electric Vehicle (EV) | |
By End User | Individual |
Corporate |
Economy |
Premium |
Luxury |
Sport Utility Vehicle and Multi-Purpose Vehicle |
Online |
Offline |
Short-term (Less Than 30 days) |
Long-term (More Than 30 days) |
Tourism |
General Commuting |
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) |
Hybrid |
Electric Vehicle (EV) |
Individual |
Corporate |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current size of the Singapore car rental market?
The Singapore car rental market size stands at USD 256 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 305.52 million by 2030 at a 3.60% CAGR.
Why are COE premiums important for rental demand?
Record COE bids above SGD 97,000 make private ownership costly, pushing residents and companies toward rental solutions backed by more predictable costs.
How fast is the electric vehicle segment growing?
Electric rentals account for 7.10% of fleet composition but are expanding at a 32.70% CAGR, supported by SGD 15,000 CVES rebates and imminent cleaner-energy regulations.
What years does this Singapore Car Rental Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Singapore Car Rental Market size was estimated at USD 247.10 million. The report covers the Singapore Car Rental Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Singapore Car Rental Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.