Autobahn Rent A Car halts business 'due to operational constraints'

Vehicle leasing group Autobahn Rent A Car, which also runs car-sharing service Shariot, has suspended its operations and plans to drop its High Court appeal for protection against creditors' recovery action.

- Lee Nian Tjoe Senior Transport Correspondent

The appeal followed a Dec 26, 2025, High Court decision dismissing the company's application for temporary protection from creditors. Collectively, the group of companies owed creditors more than $300 million, a significant part of which was for hire-purchase of motor vehicles.

In a statement to The Straits Times on Jan 6, Mr Clarence Lun of law firm Fervent Chambers, which represents Autobahn Rent A Car and its associated companies, said: "Our client has decided to pause business due to operational constraints and insurance cancellation.

"Our client will continue to work with hirers and creditors to return the vehicles for a seamless transition."

Mr Lun added that Autobahn had already notified its creditors about the withdrawal of the appeal.

At least two creditors confirmed to ST that they were informed on the afternoon of Jan 6.

Autobahn's creditors include major banks and finance companies. Among them, DBS Bank is owed $103 million, UOB $17 million and OCBC Bank $12.5 million. The debt relates to hire-purchase agreements, business loans, mortgages and fees.