By Christopher Tan, Senior Correspondent

CAR showrooms have reportedly collected at least 3,000 orders over the weekend - three to four times the normal volume - and many have started raising prices.

Most bookings were for models with engines up to 1,600cc. This group's certificate of entitlement (COE) premium crashed to $2 last Wednesday, triggering price cuts and a buying frenzy.

Toyota agent Borneo Motors, said to have collected the most bookings after slashing prices by as much as $6,000, has made a few increases since last week. The price of the basic Corolla Altis, for instance, had been raised three times to $53,988, from $52,488 at its lowest. Borneo managing director Koh Ching Hong said the crowds were still fairly big yesterday, 'which is surprising for a Monday'.

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