In February 2026, the car market grows in Ticino

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.

📊 Concrete numbers and impacts in Ticino This growth in Italy directly impacts the car market in the Canton of Ticino, where many cross-border workers invest in vehicles to facilitate their daily commutes. With over 75,000 cross-border workers active in 2026, cars play a crucial role in ensuring mobility between major municipalities, particularly towards economic hubs like Lugano, Chiasso, and Mendrisio. For example, in Lugano, the number of cross-border workers using private vehicles grew by 7% compared to 2025, now representing approximately 65% of cross-border commuters. It’s no surprise that many opt for fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicles to optimize transportation costs.

💡 Regulations and incentives As of January 1, 2026, Switzerland has introduced new regulations for importing cars from EU countries, simplifying the bureaucratic process for cross-border workers. Customs costs for vehicles registered in Italy have been reduced by 10%, with an average fee of CHF 300 for standard vehicles. Additionally, the Canton of Ticino offers incentives of up to CHF 3,000 for the purchase of electric or hybrid cars, an initiative that has already attracted approximately 2,500 motorists in the first months of 2026.

⚠️ Operational checklist for cross-border workers

• Verify customs requirements for importing Italian cars (required documents: EU origin certificate, Italian registration, VAT payment).
• Check the opening hours of main border crossings (Chiasso-Brogeda and Ponte Chiasso).
• Consider maintenance and car insurance costs in Switzerland: on average CHF 1,200/year for economy cars.
• Take advantage of cantonal incentives for eco-friendly cars within the established deadlines.

As the importance of private mobility increases, especially between Italy and Ticino, the growth of the automotive market offers new opportunities for both dealerships and cross-border workers, fostering positive economic dynamics in a strategic area for both countries.

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.

📊 The used car market continues to be a cost-effective choice for many. A significant example is the success of hybrid and electric models: in February 2026, 45% of used car sales in Ticino involved vehicles with alternative powertrains, with an average price of CHF 18,500.

💡 To avoid bureaucratic issues, buyers are encouraged to consult the official websites of the cantonal authorities and take advantage of promotions offered by local dealerships. Those looking for a good deal can find affordable second-hand models in Chiasso, where several dealers offer comprehensive packages with registration assistance.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

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:

• Compare purchase prices between dealerships in Lugano, Locarno, and Bellinzona.
• Check leasing options: a 4-year lease for a CHF 30,000 car involves monthly payments of around CHF 450.
• Calculate additional costs (circulation taxes starting at CHF 150/year, mandatory periodic inspections every 2 years).
• Explore incentives for electric cars: up to CHF 4,000 in cantonal subsidies in 2026.

With the increase in mobility between Italy and Switzerland, thanks also to the enhancement of cross-border infrastructure such as the Ceneri Base Tunnel, the Ticino car market continues to evolve. Cross-border workers, who make up over 30% of the canton’s workforce, play a central role in this dynamic. According to data from the Ticino Chamber of Commerce, 62% of cross-border workers opt for fuel-efficient or hybrid cars, demonstrating a growing focus on sustainability and savings.

Despite economic challenges, cross-border workers and residents confirm the trend of investing in their own vehicles, highlighting the importance of cars not only as a logistical necessity but also as a strategic element for family economic management.