December's first round of COE bidding exercise saw premiums across all car categories falling, in contrast to the last bidding exercise in which premiums across all three categories went up.
Premiums for Cat A, for cars up to 1,600cc in engine capacity and with an output of no more than 130bhp, fell by $2,211 (3.9 percent) to end the bidding tender at $56,989.
Premiums for Cat B, larger cars with more than 130bhp or engine displacement larger than 1,600cc, decreased by $1,102 (1.8 percent) and ended at $60,001.
In Cat E, the open category, prices went down $2,016 (3.4 percent), with premiums closing at $60,003.
The drop in COE premium across all categories can be attributed to the fewer bids received in all of the three categories. It could also reflect a slight shrink in demand for new cars.