Increase in March Offers a Glimmer of Hope for the Car Market
02.04.2026 | from auto-schweiz Association of Swiss Automobile Impor
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02.04.2026, The market for new passenger cars in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein showed signs of life in March 2026. With 23,258 new registrations in March, there was a growth of 7.2 percent compared to the very weak previous year month. This also slightly turns the annual balance positive: 52,982 new passenger cars were registered in the first three months, equating to an increase of 0.6 percent.
Purely electric models (BEVs) and especially plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are on a growth trajectory.
Compared to the previous year's quarter, the so-called plug-in vehicles (BEVs and PHEVs) have increased by 37.6 percent. They account for one-third of this year's new registrations. This continues the trends in propulsion: while pure diesel passenger cars are more than a quarter below the previous year's level since January (-26.8 percent), plug-in hybrids have recorded strong growth of 31.3 percent - almost a third more than in the same period in 2025. This growth also reflects a continuing hesitation towards purely electric mobility. Purely electric drives (BEVs) have grown moderately by 6.3 percent since the beginning of the year. Apparently, trust in the electric mobility ecosystem is still not strong enough among many potential buyers, even though the range of electric cars is increasing and they are becoming more affordable. This stance is understandable: over 60% of households live in rented accommodations and most of them currently cannot charge at home. Furthermore, electricity prices remain high. There is still urgent need for action here if Switzerland is to meet its climate targets.
Thomas Rücker, Director of auto-schweiz, assesses the development:
'Current figures are encouraging, although they remain at a low level. The coming months will show whether the recovery is lasting. It is to be expected that the development of fuel costs will have an increasing influence. The industry continues to hope for stronger demand to counteract the aging vehicle fleet. A rapid renewal of the vehicle fleet helps reduce emissions in road traffic and, thanks to modern assistance systems, increase safety for all road users.'
Detailed figures by brand are available at www.auto.swiss. The evaluations of auto-schweiz are based on federal surveys, and the data is possibly preliminary and not final.
Press contact:
Frank Keidel, Media Spokesperson
T 076 399 69 06
frank.keidel@auto.swiss
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auto-schweiz Association of Swiss Automobile Impor
auto-schweiz is the association of official automobile importers. Our members sell passenger cars and commercial vehicles, including buses and coaches, through approximately 4,000 brand dealers in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, with total sales exceeding 10 billion francs annually.
auto-schweiz provides services for its members and the public, including in areas such as traffic and environmental policy, statistics, and motor vehicle technology.
Politically, auto-schweiz advocates for the motor vehicle industry, motorized individual transport, and motorists.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: auto-schweiz Association of Swiss Automobile Impor, Press release
Original article published on: Plus im März beschert Automarkt kleinen Lichtblick