In February 2026, the car market grows in Ticino (cross-border guide)

Context

TL;DR

• Italian car market grew 14.04% in February 2026
• Ticino saw 7.8% increase in car registrations
• Cross-border workers drive demand for fuel-efficient cars
• Switzerland offers incentives for electric/hybrid cars

Key facts

• Car registrations: 157,334 in Italy, February 2026
• Used car transfers: 513,810 in Italy, February 2026
• New car demand: 23.44% of total car market in Italy
• Cross-border workers: Over 75,000 active in Ticino, 2026
• Customs costs: Reduced by 10%, average CHF 300 for standard vehicles
• Cantonal incentives: Up to CHF 3,000 for electric/hybrid cars in Ticino
• Used car sales: 45% hybrid/electric in Ticino, February 2026
• Average used car price: CHF 18,500 for hybrid/electric in Ticino

February 2026 marked a significant growth for the Italian automotive market and, consequently, for the Canton of Ticino, where cross-border mobility remains a central aspect for many workers. According to data from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, 157,334 cars were registered in Italy, reflecting a 14.04% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. Additionally, the transfer of ownership of used cars also saw a rise, reaching 513,810 units, a 3.15% increase compared to February 2025. In this context, the demand for new cars represents 23.44% of the total, while the remaining 76.56% pertains to used vehicles.

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Operational details

The increase in car registrations in the Canton of Ticino is a positive signal for the local economy, especially in a still uncertain global economic context. In February 2026, the number of new registrations recorded a 7.8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, with over 5,300 vehicles registered according to data provided by the Traffic Office of the Canton of Ticino. This data reflects a recovery in both the new and used car markets, facilitated by easier access to incentives and growing demand from cross-border workers.

Car registration regulations in Switzerland and Italy require in-depth knowledge and careful management of the necessary documentation. For cross-border workers, for instance, it is essential to comply with provisions related to insurance and emissions. In Switzerland, every vehicle must meet EURO 6 standards, and the Traffic Office in Bellinzona provides detailed information on costs and requirements. For cars imported from Italy, one must consider the import tax, which amounts to 4% of the vehicle's value, in addition to the Swiss VAT of 7.7%. In Lugano and Mendrisio, registration assistance centers have reported a 12% increase in consultation requests in the first quarter of 2026.

Here is an operational checklist for cross-border workers interested in purchasing and registering a vehicle:

• Verify compliance with EURO 6 emission standards.
• Submit the European Certificate of Conformity (COC) at the time of registration.
• Pay Swiss VAT (7.7%) and the import tax (4%).
• Register the vehicle with the cantonal Traffic Office within 30 days of entry into Switzerland.

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Key points

In February 2026, the car market grows in Ticino

For cross-border workers and residents in the Canton of Ticino, choosing a car is a crucial economic decision influenced by numerous factors. In 2025, Ticino recorded a 3.8% increase in car registrations compared to the previous year, with a total of 25,400 new registrations. This positive trend seems to continue in 2026, reflecting greater consumer confidence and tangible economic recovery.

📊 Total cost of ownership: When considering a car purchase, it is essential to evaluate the total cost of ownership, which includes the purchase price, insurance, maintenance, and fuel. For example, for a mid-sized car like a Volkswagen Golf, the average annual ownership cost in Ticino is estimated at around CHF 7,500, broken down into CHF 3,000 for depreciation, CHF 1,500 for fuel, CHF 1,200 for insurance (mandatory liability and comprehensive coverage), and CHF 1,800 for maintenance and taxes.

💡 Useful tools: To help cross-border workers and residents plan their family budget, online tools like our salary calculator can provide a detailed analysis of monthly expenses. This is particularly useful for those working in Ticino but residing in Italy, where the euro-franc exchange rate and daily travel costs significantly impact the budget.

⚠️ Insurance comparison: As of January 1, 2026, a new regulation has imposed a 5% increase in insurance premiums for vehicles registered in Switzerland, making it even more important to compare offers from different companies. For example, in Lugano, the average cost of a liability insurance policy for a standard vehicle is about CHF 800 per year, while in Chiasso, it can vary up to CHF 1,000 due to differences in accident rates.

📌 Operational checklist for buying a car in Ticino:

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