In brief
In a city where owning a vehicle can cost up to $84,000 just for a permit, Singapore shapes its roads to limit congestion and pollution, making car ownership a significant status symbol.
Andre Lee, a 33-year-old insurance agent, bought a used Kia Forte to enhance his professional image. He likens his investment in the car to wearing fancy attire or a Rolex, symbolizing success. In Singapore’s unique automotive market, the costs soar far beyond typical prices in countries like the United States, where his car's price would have been much lower.The real kicker? In Singapore, drivers pay exorbitantly for a permit, officially named the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), necessary to buy and own a vehicle. This system was intended to manage the limited space of the city-state and keep pollution to a minimum. While Mr. Lee managed to snag a "cheap" permit for $24,000, others find themselves shelling out as much as $84,000.His experience highlights how deeply intertwined driver culture is with societal status in Singapore, sometimes prioritizing car maintenance over family expenses. Such expenses paint a picture of vehicles not just as modes of transportation but as valuable assets, contributing to a costly yet glamorous image of driving in the city.
