The Swiss new-car market declined by 3.2 percent in July 2026, according to the importer association auto-schweiz for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This means the tentative recovery seen so far this year has already stalled again, as the year-to-date growth stands at just 2.1 percent after seven months.
New registrations remain weak after seven months
From January through July, authorities registered 135,542 new passenger cars. While this figure is higher than last year’s, the previous year’s level was low. The association therefore expressly does not see a sustainable turnaround. In addition, auto-schweiz points to the industry’s persistently difficult economic situation. The figures are based on federal surveys and are considered preliminary for now.
Plug-in vehicles reach a 36.6 percent market share
By contrast, demand for electrified powertrains is performing significantly better. Purely electric cars have accounted for 24.2 percent of new registrations since the beginning of the year. Plug-in hybrids account for another 12.4 percent. Together, this amounts to a 36.6 percent share. Both categories have grown by more than 20 percent each since January. This means that plug-in vehicles have caught up with hybrid powertrains for the first time. Until now, this category had led the Swiss market in terms of volume.
Diesel loses nearly a quarter of its share in the powertrain mix
In contrast, pure internal combustion engines are coming under increasing pressure. Diesel has been hit particularly hard, losing nearly a quarter of its share since the start of the year. According to the association, gasoline-powered vehicles are also continuing to lose ground. The powertrain mix in the Swiss new-car market is thus shifting noticeably.
auto-schweiz calls for an end to overregulation
auto-schweiz attributes the market weakness largely to regulatory requirements. Director Thomas Rücker also points to the range of models, driving ranges, and operating costs of electric vehicles.
The electrification of the vehicle fleet continued in July and is progressing steadily. Numerous measures taken by manufacturers and importers have made this possible: a wide range of options across all price and vehicle classes, sufficient driving ranges, and low operating costs. The July figures also show that the economic challenges facing our industry remain immense. That is why we will not let up in our fight against overregulation, as outlined at the beginning of the year in the eight demands from auto-schweiz. Swiss policymakers are called upon to strengthen the engine of the economy by improving the regulatory framework.
What the July Figures Mean for the Swiss Auto Market
For buyers, the selection of plug-in vehicles remains broad. At the same time, July’s figures show just how volatile demand currently is. However, a single month does not yet indicate a reliable trend. The figures will only become meaningful when compared over the course of the entire year. In addition, the federal government may still revise the final figures retroactively.
How did the Swiss auto market perform in July 2026?
According to auto-schweiz, new passenger car registrations fell by 3.2 percent compared to the same month last year.
How many new cars have been registered in Switzerland so far in 2026?
From January through July, 135,542 passenger cars were registered in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
What is the market share of electric cars in Switzerland?
Pure electric cars have accounted for 24.2 percent since the beginning of the year; together with plug-in hybrids, the figure is 36.6 percent.
Why are new registrations declining despite the growth of electric mobility?
auto-schweiz cites the economic situation and regulatory requirements as the main factors—an assessment from the importers’ perspective.
