TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's vehicle ownership nearly doubled over the past decade, rising 96.8% from 4.135 million to 8.138 million vehicles between 2015 and 2025, the Ministry of Finance's Statistics Department (財政部統計處) reported Monday (March 23). Growth slowed sharply in 2025 to just 1.7%, however, as U.S. reciprocal tariffs dampened demand for new vehicle purchases across the island.
Vehicle license tax revenue reached NT$58.01 billion (around US$1.81 billion) in 2025, with passenger cars accounting for more than 95% of collections. Gender disparities in ownership narrowed significantly, with women holding 46.4% of taxable vehicles and 42.2% of tax-exempt vehicles. Women paid an average of NT$8,612 (around US$268) in vehicle license tax, exceeding the NT$7,482 (around US$233) average for men.
Middle-aged Taiwanese between 40 and 59 years old represent the largest vehicle ownership demographic, contributing 51% of license tax revenue. Adults aged 60 to 69 account for 18.6% of revenue, while those aged 30 to 39 contribute 15.2%, reflecting vehicle ownership concentration among economically established households. The data underscores how Taiwan's vehicle market centers on working-age and retirement-age populations with stable incomes.
Older Taiwanese hold the majority of tax-exempt vehicles, primarily due to higher disability-related exemption applications among senior citizens. Female vehicle ownership rates increase with age, peaking at approximately 50% among women aged 50 to 69. The trend reflects shifting economic independence among older Taiwanese women and expanded disability accommodation policies. ◼