The Business Times
SUBSCRIBERS

Shariot’s woes reflect rough road for car-sharing in Singapore: observers

High and fluctuating costs, small scale and operational difficulties may have been factors

Summarise
Derryn Wong

Derryn Wong

Published Thu, Nov 27, 2025 · 05:44 PM
    • Shariot's sister company Autobahn Rent A Car has a fleet of 1,700 vehicles, which industry observers estimate cost at least S$100 million.
    • Shariot's sister company Autobahn Rent A Car has a fleet of 1,700 vehicles, which industry observers estimate cost at least S$100 million. PHOTO: DERRYN WONG, BT

    [SINGAPORE] With Shariot being the latest car-sharing venture to run into trouble, observers say that extremely high costs, difficulties in driving usage, and compelling alternatives mean car-sharing continues to be a tough business in Singapore.

    On Wednesday (Nov 27), Shariot and eight related companies – including two other car rental services, Autobahn Rent A Car and Shinsei Rent A Car – were confirmed to be exploring restructuring options, with debts of around S$180 million.

    Electric-vehicle car-sharing outfit BlueSG laid off staff and paused for an operational revamp in August, while Smove, which boasted the largest car-sharing fleet in 2018, went into liquidation in 2020.

    Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.

    AutomotiveCarsBankruptcyDebt restructuringUrban transportRoad transport

    Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.

    Reuse this contentFeedback
    Latest T-bills Treasury Bills Results & Interest NewsLatest SSB Singapore Savings Bonds NewsLatest COE Certificate of Entitlement News
    Latest Johor-Singapore SEZ NewsLatest BTO Build To Order & Sales of Balance NewsLatest STI Straits Times Index NewsLatest SGX Dividends, Share Price NewsLatest Bonds Market NewsLatest Singapore Stocks To Buy NewsLatest Singapore Economy News
    View More