Key Statistics
In 2017, the total number of cars registered in Singapore reached 600,000, a significant increase from the previous year’s figure of 550,000. This steady growth in car ownership reflects the country’s rising affluence and the increasing demand for personal transportation.
- Total number of cars registered in Singapore in 2017: 600,000
- Percentage increase from 2016: 9.1%
- Number of cars per 1,000 people: 1,100
Types of Cars
The vast majority of cars registered in Singapore are passenger cars, which account for approximately 90% of the total. The remaining 10% consists of commercial vehicles such as vans, buses, and trucks.
- Passenger cars: 540,000
- Commercial vehicles: 60,000
Ownership Patterns
Car ownership in Singapore is highly concentrated among the wealthy. The top 10% of income earners own 40% of all cars, while the bottom 10% of income earners own only 5%. This disparity is due in part to the high cost of car ownership in Singapore, which includes a certificate of entitlement (COE), road tax, insurance, and maintenance.
- Top 10% of income earners own: 40% of all cars
- Bottom 10% of income earners own: 5% of all cars
Environmental Impact
The large number of cars on the road has a significant impact on Singapore’s environment. Cars emit pollutants that contribute to air pollution, and they also contribute to traffic congestion, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and emissions.
- Cars are responsible for 20% of Singapore’s air pollution
- Traffic congestion costs Singapore $5 billion per year
Government Policies
The Singapore government has implemented a number of policies to manage the number of cars on the road and reduce their environmental impact. These policies include:
- Certificate of entitlement (COE) scheme: This scheme limits the number of new cars that can be registered each year.
- Road tax: This tax is levied on all cars, and it is based on the engine size of the car.
- Electronic road pricing (ERP): This system charges drivers for using certain roads during peak hours.
Future Trends
The number of cars in Singapore is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This growth is driven by the country’s rising population and increasing affluence. However, the government is likely to continue to implement policies to manage the number of cars on the road and reduce their environmental impact.
- The number of cars in Singapore is expected to grow to 700,000 by 2025
- The government is likely to continue to implement policies to manage the number of cars on the road and reduce their environmental impact
Tables
Table 1: Number of Cars Registered in Singapore by Type
| Type of Car | Number |
|---|---|
| Passenger cars | 540,000 |
| Commercial vehicles | 60,000 |
| Total | 600,000 |
Table 2: Car Ownership by Income Group
| Income Group | Percentage of Car Ownership |
|---|---|
| Top 10% | 40% |
| Bottom 10% | 5% |
Table 3: Environmental Impact of Cars in Singapore
| Impact | Amount |
|---|---|
| Air pollution | 20% of total |
| Traffic congestion | Costs $5 billion per year |
Table 4: Government Policies to Manage Car Ownership
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Certificate of entitlement (COE) scheme | Limits the number of new cars that can be registered each year |
| Road tax | Levies a tax on all cars based on the engine size |
| Electronic road pricing (ERP) | Charges drivers for using certain roads during peak hours |
