The roar of engines, the gleam of polished metal under exhibition lights, and the electric buzz of car enthusiasts discussing horsepower figures and futuristic tech. The Singapore Motorshow has long been the beating heart of the nation’s automotive scene.

But beyond the dazzling car displays and celebrity appearances lies an event that has evolved strategically to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry.  

At the helm is Mr Glenn Tan, President of the Motor Traders Association (MTA). With years of experience in the automotive sector, he has witnessed firsthand how the Singapore Motorshow has shaped consumer trends, automotive brand strategies, and the wider mobility landscape.

In this conversation, we explore the evolution of the Singapore Motorshow, the growing influence of electric vehicles (EVs), and the logistical challenges faced to execute one of Singapore’s most anticipated motoring events.

From 10 Days To 4  

Motorshows are, at their core, grand spectacles, designed to entice, educate, and excite. But in a city like Singapore, where space is a premium and consumer habits evolve rapidly, how does an event like this keep pace? According to Glenn Tan, the Singapore Motorshow has had to reinvent itself multiple times to stay relevant.

“There was a time when the Motorshow stretched over 10 days,” he recalls. “But over time, we realised that condensing it into 4 days made far more sense. It was more cost-effective, easier for attendees to plan their visits, and paradoxically, drove higher attendance.”

The numbers don’t lie. In the 4-day format, the show has seen more visitors overall, proving that a well-structured event doesn’t need longevity to leave an impact. The focus, he explains, has been on creating a value-packed experience.

Fringe events, interactive exhibits, and reasonable ticket prices all contribute to making the Motorshow appealing not just for serious buyers but also for casual enthusiasts who may not be shopping for a car… yet.

“People don’t just come to look at cars; they come for an experience,” Tan notes. “That’s what we’ve focused on, making sure that every visitor walks away with something memorable.”  

Staying Relevant In A Digital Age  

We live in an era where car research begins long before a consumer steps into a showroom. Digital media, influencer reviews, and virtual car configurators have become integral to the buying process. For the Motor Traders Association, the challenge was clear – how does a physical event like the Singapore Motorshow maintain its significance when so much happens online?

“We recognised early on that a strong digital strategy was essential,” Tan explains. “That’s why we’ve worked closely with Mediacorp to digitalise the event experience, leveraging social media, video content, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to generate buzz leading up to the show.”

The idea is simple: extend the Motorshow beyond the showfloor. By the time attendees arrive at the event, they already have a sense of what to expect, which booths to visit, and which cars they want to see in person. Brands benefit too; by engaging with consumers long before the show doors even open, they set the stage for more meaningful interactions.  

But does this digital push mean the physical event will eventually lose relevance? Not at all, says Tan. “Nothing replaces seeing, touching, and sitting in a car before making a purchase. The digital world is a complement, not a replacement.”  

The Rise Of Electric Vehicles  

There was a time when EVs were a novelty. Small, experimental, and often overshadowed by their petrol and diesel counterparts. Today, they are front and centre, and the Singapore Motorshow reflects this seismic shift.

“This year (2025), we have a record number of EVs and electrified vehicles on display,” Tan reveals. “It’s no longer just the usual suspects; we’re seeing entirely new EV brands entering the Singapore market.”  

With government incentives, increasing charging infrastructure, and rising consumer awareness, the EV market is poised for rapid growth. The Motorshow, therefore, has become a key platform for educating consumers about battery technology, range anxiety, charging solutions, and the future of sustainable mobility.  

“The Motorshow plays a critical role in helping consumers make sense of this transition,” Tan says. “EVs are still relatively new to many people, and seeing them in person, talking to experts, and experiencing them up close makes a world of difference.”  

Behind The Scenes  

A motorshow may last just a few days, but the planning? That’s a year-round affair.  

“We start preparing months in advance,” Tan reveals. “There’s an extensive review process, what worked last year, what didn’t, what we can improve.”  

Given the scale of the event, there’s no room for last-minute improvisation. From securing venue space to coordinating with car brands and ensuring that all exhibits meet stringent safety regulations, every detail is mapped out. But even with all that planning, challenges are inevitable.

“You have to be ready to adapt,” he says. “Issues will arise; it’s how you respond that makes the difference. We refine our execution plan as we go, and we never make the same mistake twice.”  

One particularly complex aspect is the setup process. “Imagine moving in dozens of cars, setting up elaborate displays, and testing interactive experiences, all within a tight timeframe. It’s a logistical ballet, and it works because the team behind the show is experienced and detail-oriented.”  

Where Do We Go From Here?  

With the automotive industry evolving at breakneck speed, the Singapore Motorshow must keep up. More EVs, smarter cars, and new mobility solutions will reshape what consumers expect from an event like this. From its early days as a traditional car exhibition to today’s tech-driven, consumer-focused event, it continues to reinvent itself, ensuring that it remains relevant and essential.  

For car buyers, the show offers a rare chance to compare multiple brands in one place. For enthusiasts, it’s a celebration of automotive culture. And for the industry? It’s a platform for shaping consumer perceptions.

“We’re not just putting on a show,” Glenn Tan concludes. “We’re bringing people and cars together, in the best way possible.”

And as long as there are cars to be admired and roads to be driven, the Singapore Motorshow will continue to be the place where Singaporeans fall in love with their next ride.

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At 5.2 metres long and 2 metres wide, the XPENG X9 is built on the brand’s cutting-edge SEPA 2.0 platform, boasting an impressive 800V architecture that offers charging speeds up to 330kW. Enough to juice the battery from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Buyers can choose between two battery pack options, delivering ranges of up to 480km (84.5 kWh) or 575km (101.15 kWh) on the WLTP cycle.

The standard and long-range variants generate 235kW of power and 450Nm of torque, achieving a respectable 0–100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds. With a top speed of 200km/h and a turning radius of just 5.4 metres, the X9 is agile in city traffic.

True to XPENG’s futuristic ethos, the X9’s aesthetic is made from a 83% high-strength steel-aluminium hybrid, offering class-leading safety features such as 70.9-litre side curtain airbags and exceptional rear collision protection.

Its interior is equally captivating, transforming seamlessly from a family hauler to a spacious four-seater SUV, catering to a diverse range of needs.

Folding the third-row seats with a single click transforms the boot space from 755 litres to a cavernous 2,554 litres. 

Following its Motorshow debut, the XPENG X9 will grace the brand’s showroom at 281 Alexandra Road, available for purchase from late January 2025.

Cindy Tanaga, General Manager of Premium Automobiles, summarised the brand’s ambitions perfectly: “The launch of the XPENG X9 showcases the brand’s commitment to deliver the future of mobility across the globe, with incredible intelligence and versatility, we are confident that the X9 will be the next choice of car for families here.”

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Presented by Tan Chong Motor Sales, Nissan’s exclusive distributor in Singapore, the exhibition featured electrified vehicles, interactive activities, and family-friendly entertainment.

Central to Nissan’s presence is its celebrated e-POWER range. Visitors explored models like the family-friendly Serena e-POWER, now available in both seven- and eight-seater configurations, the Kicks e-POWER and Note e-POWER, the X-Trail e-POWER, or the futuristic Ariya EV.

Making its highly anticipated debut at the motorshow was the All-New Nissan Qashqai.

Building on the success of its predecessor, which sold over 10,000 units in Singapore, the new Qashqai arrives with striking design enhancements, including a redesigned front grille, bold headlamp architecture, a sporty rear diffuser, and updated wheels.

Inside, the Qashqai offers customisable ambient lighting, sumptuous Nappa leather upholstery, and an eight-way powered driver’s seat. Safety is prioritised with the innovative Rear Automatic Emergency Braking system, which ensures confidence when reversing.

The Qashqai, available in the captivating new Deep Ocean colour, is priced from $212,800, with exclusive launch promotions offering five years of complimentary servicing.

Beyond its impressive vehicle line-up, Nissan’s booth offers a plethora of activities to engage and entertain visitors of all ages.

Families enjoyed a dedicated kids’ corner featuring a ball pit and colouring activities, while those feeling competitive tested their strength at the e-POWER Hammer Strength Machine, with a chance to win exclusive Nissan Tomica models, including miniatures of the Nissan Fairlady and GT-R Nismo.

To top it all off, attendees participated in a lucky draw with the grand prize of the 2025 Singapore Motorshow being a Nissan LEAF EV, awaiting one fortunate winner.

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The partnership revolves around the concept of “Effortless Living,” blending Honda’s automotive innovation with Muji’s minimalist lifestyle philosophy.

At Booth 4208, visitors can explore the lifestyle display highlighting the practical features of the all-new Honda Freed. This showcase integrates Muji’s hallmark simplicity and functionality with the Freed’s versatile utility space.

The Freed’s interior is transformed into a haven of organisation and calm, with Muji’s foldable benches, tables, and versatile storage solutions like polypropylene boxes and wire baskets.

Adding to the aesthetic are Muji’s textiles, including cosy blankets and cushions, evoking the feel of a serene road trip or the comforts of home. For the adventurers, Muji bicycles, suitcases, and travel accessories suggest endless opportunities for exploration with the Freed.

Coinciding with Muji Week from 9 to 19 January 2025, shoppers can enjoy 10% discounts and a $5 shopping coupon when they accumulate over 100 miles in a single transaction via the Muji Passport app. 

Visit Booth 4208 at the Singapore Motorshow 2025 to witness this harmonious blend of mobility and design firsthand.

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This year’s motorshow welcomes new participants such as Deepal, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Jaecoo, Neta, and Zeekr, alongside established names including Audi, BMW, Hyundai and Toyota. In total, you can expect 31 brands at the venue.

The motorshow also serves as a platform for the unveiling of some of the automotive industry’s newly anticipated models. Key highlights include:

• Audi Q6 e-tron: The first vehicle based on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric, debuting alongside the A3 Sportback and Q7.
• BMW X3: A comprehensive update that aligns with Category A COE requirements, reflecting Singapore’s unique automotive landscape.
• Mazda CX-80: A luxurious seven-seater hybrid that combines sophistication with versatility.
• Zeekr 009: A premium electric MPV, featuring advanced technology and offering exclusive rebates of up to $8,888.

Beyond the automotive displays, visitors can anticipate engaging activities and exclusive opportunities:

• Celebrity Appearances: Renowned Mediacorp personalities, including Chantalle Ng, Desmond Tan, and Rebecca Lim, will make appearances.
• Lucky Draw: Attendees stand a chance to win a Subaru Forester i-S EyeSight e-Boxer Hybrid or a Nissan LEAF.
• Cultural Innovation: Zeekr’s booth (3108) will feature a robotic arm performing traditional Chinese calligraphy.

Important Information

Ticketing

General admission tickets are priced at S$10, while Limited Preview tickets (offering exclusive early access) are available on-site for S$20. Entry is complimentary for children under 1.2 metres.

Operating Hours

• 9 Jan (Thu): 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Preview); 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (General Public)
• 10 Jan (Fri): 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• 11 Jan (Sat): 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• 12 Jan (Sun): 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Attendees who make purchases during the event can redeem complimentary gifts, subject to availability, by presenting their receipts at the General Enquiry Counter in front of Hall 405, Level 4.

For more information and updates, visit the official event website at motorshow.com.sg. 

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The Singapore Motorshow is gearing up once again, spanning across two levels of the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. It’s the petrolhead’s playground, and you’re all invited.

2024’s rendition will be interesting as well, as we will get to see the entry of some new kids on the block. Seres and Omoda are the fresh faces from China who will be making their grand debut in Singapore. Seres is brought in by Hong Seh Evolution, and Omoda has Vertex Automobiles as their authorised dealer. 

Also in attendance will be MINI’s ASEAN premiere of the MINI Aceman Concept, Lexus with the newly launched LBX and Volvo with the hotly anticipated EX30.

And the Russ Swift Stunt Show is back to entertain fans with his precision driving and stunts.

By securing your entry, you also automatically enter a lucky draw where the grand prize includes a Subaru Crosstrek e-BOXER Hybrid worth S$126,800 or the Nissan Kicks e-POWER worth S$112,300 (both without COE).

The event is strategically timed, just a month before the 2024 Lunar New Year. You know what that means, right? Car dealers are out here to lure you into splurging on a shiny new ride to flaunt during the Chinese New Year holidays. Sneaky, but we love it.

Mark your calendars for December 1st, 2023. Starting from 10 AM, you can snag your tickets on the SISTIC website and app. General tickets are a steal at S$8 each, and kids below 1.2 metres get to roll in for free. If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can still grab your tickets at the entrance on show days, but brace for impending queues.

Check out the official Instagram page for Singapore Motorshow 2024 and stay updated on the event! For more information on the Singapore Motorshow, please visit the official website here.

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