Stable car sales in Ticino, electric vehicles rise

Context

In brief

• Car sales stable in Switzerland: -0.2% in April 2026
• Electric +35%, market share 25%
• Petrol 22%, diesel 5%

Key facts

• What: New car sales in Switzerland
• When: April 2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Auto-Switzerland
• Amount: 18,600 cars, -0.2% vs April 2025
• What: Market share of alternative propulsion
• When: April 2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Auto-Switzerland
• Amount: 73% (66% April 2025)
• What: Market share of electric vehicles
• When: April 2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Auto-Switzerland
• Amount: 25% (19% April 2025), +35%

New car sales in Switzerland remained substantially stable in April 2026, with a slight decline of 0.2% compared to the same period the previous year. According to data provided by Auto-Switzerland, 18,600 new vehicles were registered in the fourth month of the year. This figure reflects a situation of stability in the Swiss automotive market, despite economic pressures and challenges related to the transition to more sustainable vehicles.

Alternative propulsion on the rise

Alternative propulsion continues to gain ground, representing 73% of the market, compared to 66% in April 2025. In particular, electric cars have seen significant growth, with a market share of 25%, up from 19% last year. This increase corresponds to 4,700 electric cars registered, with a 35% rise. Plug-in hybrids have also seen growth, rising from 11% to the current 12%.

However, petrol vehicles have lost ground, falling from 27% to 22%, while diesel has further decreased from 7% to 5%. Conventional hybrids, while remaining the most widespread alternative propulsion with 36% of the market, have seen a slight decline from 37% the previous year.

Impact on the Ticino market

For cross-border workers in Ticino, these data can have various implications. The growth of electric and hybrid cars could influence purchasing choices, especially considering operating costs and tax incentives available for low-emission vehicles. Furthermore, the stability of the Swiss automotive market can be an indicator of broader economic stability, an important factor for those living and working across the Italian-Swiss border.

Future prospects

According to Thomas Rücker, director of Auto-Switzerland, the electrification of the vehicle fleet continues to grow, even if the number of e-cars does not yet meet expectations. Pressure on the automotive sector remains high, as the overall market has not yet seen a recovery. New cars are a fundamental element in achieving climate goals, significantly contributing to the renewal of the vehicle fleet and the reduction of CO2, fine particle, and noise emissions. Moreover, thanks to modern driver assistance systems, they increase road safety.

Conclusion

In summary, the Swiss automotive market shows signs of stability, with significant growth in the sales of electric vehicles. For cross-border workers, these trends can offer new purchasing and savings opportunities, especially in a context of increasing attention to sustainability and emission reduction. It is crucial to monitor the evolution of the market and any tax incentives for low-emission vehicles, in order to make informed and advantageous purchasing decisions.

Operational details

• ## Practical analysis: implications for cross-border workers

Operating costs and tax incentives

For cross-border workers employed in Ticino, purchasing an electric or hybrid car can represent a savings opportunity. Electric cars, in fact, benefit from lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles, thanks to lower fuel expenses and reduced maintenance. Furthermore, in Switzerland, various tax incentives are available for low-emission vehicles, which can make the purchase of an electric or hybrid car even more convenient.

Comparison between petrol, diesel, and alternative propulsion

For those considering the purchase of a new car, it is important to compare operating costs and available tax incentives. For example, an electric car may have a higher purchase price compared to a petrol vehicle, but the savings on operating costs and tax incentives can offset this difference. Furthermore, electric and hybrid cars offer superior performance in terms of comfort and safety, thanks to modern driver assistance systems.

Purchase scenarios

For cross-border workers living in Italy and working in Switzerland, purchasing a new car can be a complex operation, especially in terms of taxation and insurance. It is important to inform oneself about the current regulations and any available incentives, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, in Switzerland, electric cars are exempt from circulation tax, while in Italy, incentives vary depending on the region of residence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing a new car in Switzerland can represent a savings opportunity for cross-border workers, especially if opting for a low-emission vehicle. It is fundamental to inform oneself about the current regulations and any available incentives, in order to make informed and advantageous purchase decisions. Furthermore, it is important to monitor the evolution of the Swiss automotive market, in order to seize any savings and investment opportunities.

Recommended tools

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Key points

Action: what to do to buy a car in Switzerland

Step-by-step guide to buying a car in Switzerland

1. Learn about current regulations: Before buying a car in Switzerland, it's important to learn about current regulations regarding taxation and insurance. In particular, you need to check if the car bought in Switzerland can be registered in Italy and what the costs and procedures are.

2. Compare operating costs: It's essential to compare the operating costs of different types of cars to evaluate the most convenient solution. For example, an electric car may have a higher purchase price compared to a gasoline vehicle, but savings on operating costs and tax benefits can offset this difference.

3. Check tax benefits: In Switzerland, there are various tax benefits for low-emission vehicles. It's important to check what benefits are available and how to request them to maximize savings.

4. Choose the dealership: It's important to choose a reliable and competent dealership that can offer assistance and support during and after the purchase. Additionally, you can compare prices and offers from different dealerships to get the best quality-price ratio.

5. Complete the purchase: Once you've chosen the model and the dealership, you can complete the purchase. It's important to verify all documents and contractual conditions to avoid unpleasant surprises. Additionally, you can request assistance and support from the dealership to complete the purchase quickly and safely.

Useful tools

To facilitate the purchase of a car in Switzerland, you can use various online tools, such as the convenience calculator and the car comparator. These tools allow you to compare operating costs and tax benefits of different types of cars to evaluate the most convenient solution. Additionally, you can consult the guides and FAQs available on the site to get detailed and up-to-date information on current regulations and purchase procedures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a car in Switzerland can represent a savings opportunity for cross-border workers, especially if you opt for a low-emission vehicle. It's fundamental to learn about current regulations and any available benefits to make informed and advantageous purchase decisions. Additionally, it's important to monitor the evolution of the Swiss automotive market to seize any savings and investment opportunities. Use the convenience calculator to evaluate costs and available benefits and make a conscious and advantageous purchase.

Source: tio.ch