The new faces at the 2026 Singapore Motor Show

A lot can change in a year. New legislations are passed in parliament, buildings go up or come down, businesses boom with profit or closure, friends come and go, you get my drift.

But we're not here to talk about the cost of living or life crises, we're here to talk about the "newCARmers" at the 2026 Singapore Motor Show.

The 2026 Singapore Motor Show sees a mix of rookies and "laojiaos" rubbing shoulders, or in this case, fenders

This year's edition saw a host of brands the average Singaporean might not be familiar with, as well as some that have already made an impact internationally before finally deciding to touch base on our sunny shores. You might be wondering: Are the brands here to stay or is this just another Neta in disguise? And if so, will they just be a one-model wonder and dip?

Belay those thoughts, for I, ever the "wonderlust", sought the answers to the questions at the back of your minds.

"Hey, isn't that the guy from The Matrix?"

NIO

I’m sure most local petrolheads will have seen or heard of firefly, the cute little hatchback from Chinese automaker NIO's sub brand of the same name, whose headlamps instantly remind me of a three-pin electrical outlet. Distributed locally by Wearnes Automotive, this will make Singapore the first country (and first Southeast Asian market) to see the firefly in a right-hand drive configuration.

But with only a single model showcased as of now, what plans does NIO have for its future in Singapore?

The firefly's headlamps does have a certain appeal to it unless you have trypophobia, in which case, look away

Let's start with the basics: Why Singapore? Kevin Loy, Assistant General Manager of Wearnes Automotive, states that "NIO itself positions well with Wearnes' premium offering", with this partnership tracing its roots all the way back to 2018.

Fair enough. And with the firefly known for its battery-swapping technology, I obviously had to ask. The answer is yes, these local models do allow for it, but there currently isn't an infrastructure to support this tech. In the future, perhaps? Kevin smiles apologetically and shrugs his shoulders: "No concrete plan," but he says that with NIO recently launching its fifth gen power swap stations in China, Wearnes will look into it. He also adds that any such move would have to meet LTA's approval, with an initial experimentation stage before anything is set in stone.

And if you were thinking of getting a little more up close and personal with the firefly, Kevin said that while Wearnes is currently doing private previews (by appointment only), the NIO brand is set to get its own personal space by Q1 2026.

Forland? Forbusinesses, actually

Forland

With most of the brands at the Motor Show offering products targeting consumers, it's pretty unique to see one that mainly targets businesses. I spoke to VJ Choo, Manager, Sales & Marketing of Liannex Ecotech, who mentioned that this is Forland's fifth Southeast Asian stop, with over 50 countries prior. Clearly, it's been around the globe and some.

But with the wide range of diesel trucks trundling on our roads, and with Forland's offerings all fully electric, how does the brand aim to navigate this potential roadblock? VJ stresses that while it may not be easy, "the most important part is the driver's mentality, mindset, and driving habit" regarding the switch in powertrain.

With the all-electric Forland ET5 offering a range of up to 400km per charge, VJ says that this is quite comparable to a normal diesel truck. He also mentions that accounting for the average distance a commercial truck is assumed to travel per day, Forland's trucks probably require charging at most every three days, at a rate of 2-3 times a week.

And while this may be a hassle to some users who would probably prefer sticking to a habit cultivated over the years (pump and go), VJ thinks that "a lot of incentives and rebates, plus ease of driving" might help them cross the hurdle. And with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 still very much in motion, this may come sooner than expected.

An SUV with over 1,000bhp? Colour me interested

Yangwang

In fairness, Yangwang did make an appearance at the previous iteration of the Motor Show (dancing U9, anyone?), which presumably left eventgoers anticipating more. Alas, the entirety of 2025 was met with radio silence from BYD Singapore's sub brand until now. This time, the U8 luxury SUV wowed visitors with its Tank Turn demonstration. But just like last year, that was it.

Unwilling to be left unsatisfied for the second year in a row, I simply had to find out if there was more to its appearance than just a single showcase.

According to a representative I spoke to at the event, BYD Singapore is, in fact, very much open to the idea of bringing in Yangwang models, but with regulations in place, such as restrictions to the weight of the car (due to its plethora of technologies and features that contribute to its performance), this is currently still a work in progress.

If you really think about it, the U8 can be a rich person's fidget spinner

While international sites dictate that the power outputs of both the U8 and U9 are well over 1,000bhp, the BYD representative stressed that Yangwang is primarily a luxury brand that, depending on what model it can bring in and offer, targets consumers looking for the "ultimate performance and top-notch technology", even beating out its own sister brands, BYD and DENZA, in this regard.

But unfortunately, in the local automotive scene, with great power comes greater prices. And so, we asked if Yangwang is looking to bring in any Cat A models. "It would be a very strategic decision we have to make," was the reply. Because by doing so, "that means we would have to compromise on its performance. So, for now, I wouldn't say that's in the plan." Fair enough. We also learn that if the brand and product are both ready, BYD Singapore will host a combined launch together with the showroom.

It's clear to see that performance matters to Yangwang, and I'm on the same page. Though how that would work in a sprawling metropolis, I'll leave it to the experts. 

"Isn't that President Xi's car?"

Hongqi

Hongqi can trace its roots all the way back to 1958, making it the oldest Chinese passenger car brand in existence. Originally a luxury item meant for high-ranking Chinese government officials, "Red Flag" (its name in English) initially ceased production in 1981, before a revival in the mid-1990s saw it return to prominence.

And with all this history and prestige behind its name (the Hongqi Guoli is Chinese President Xi Jinping's official state car), why has the brand - who will be locally distributed by Eurokars Group - decided to make Singapore the next stop on its global expansion?

Now this is a car worthy of a world leader

As Perry Yeo, Sales Consultant of Hongqi Singapore, puts it: "It's all about the diversified market in Singapore." And with Chinese automotive brands growing more favourable to the average Singaporean consumer, it does make sense. But does Hongqi think local buyers are open to the concept of Chinese luxury? Perry believes so. "I think nowadays, buyers are more open to Chinese technology." Referring to Hongqi, itself a state-owned company, he mentions that having the support and backup from the government itself signifies stability.

While there is currently nothing concrete yet, Perry states that Hongqi is planning its Singapore launch in Q2 2026 with both its showroom and its E-HS9 SUV. Any other models besides that? "No," Perry says. "We may be bringing in another entry-level model, but that will probably be by end-2026." And so, we can only wait with bated breath.

One small step for C&C, one giant Leapmotor for Singaporeans

Leapmotor

Last but not least, another Chinese automotive manufacturer, but arguably the more renowned name on this list: Leapmotor. In fact, the brand already has a model launched here in Singapore (courtesy of its official distributor, Cycle & Carriage), but it's still very much a relatively newcomer to the local automotive scene. So, we have to ask: Why Singapore?

"From our perspective, it's more of a partnership with Stellantis (Leapmotor's export channel partner)", said Bryan Heng, Divisional Manager, Head of Multi-Franchise Sales at Cycle & Carriage Singapore. And as Leapmotor puts much emphasis on the value and innovation that goes into its models, with most features (batteries, seat materials, etc) made in-house, it is able to control the cost and thus, price themselves competitively with the mass market. From a cost perspective, this also makes it more appealing for C&C to bring them in, along with the future local lineup that, according to Bryan, "looks very strong".

Could Leapmotor be the rising underdog in the current local market? Only time will tell

"Any plans for a future local lineup?", I inquire, to which Bryan animatedly explains that, following the C10, Singapore will see the launch of the B10 in about six to eight months, with the C16 (seven-seater local spec) and A10 to come after that as well. Looks like there is a well-established plan for the Leapmotor brand in Singapore.

Product choice is one thing, but will it appeal to local consumers? "The majority of Leapmotor's models are all Cat A and similarly priced, and in terms of the price bracket, are the biggest in size," Bryan states. He further emphasises by comparing the Leapmotor models to being of similar size to other brands' offerings like the Aion V and MGS6 but being of similar pricing to the Atto 3 and MGS5. In essence, bigger passenger space for a more affordable price. Astrophiles, rejoice.

Bryan also echoes the usual concern that consumers have about Chinese brands, with regards to being able to sustain and last in the long run financially. But, with the backing of a big group like Stellantis, C&C can't help but look towards the future with an air of confidence for the Leapmotor brand.

Epilogue

Well, there you have it. A little more insight into some of the newcomers at the 2026 Singapore Motor Show. And with presumably more to come throughout the year from all the brands currently involved in our local automotive scene, we're only just getting started.