Shy start to the automotive spring in Switzerland and Liechtenstein

The new passenger car sector in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein experienced a month of March slightly below the performance of the previous year, with a drop of 6.8% in registrations. In March 2024, 23,467 new cars were registered, compared to 25,184 in the same period in 2023, marking a delay in spring business.

The first three months of the year saw a 2.7% decrease in new registrations, totaling 57,224 units. However, the share of alternative propulsion has increased, reaching almost 60% of the market. These technologies include hybrid, electric, gas and hydrogen engines, with a notable predominance of non-plug-in hybrids.

The late adoption of the new CO2 law is causing optimism in the sector. With its entry into force planned for 2025, this legislation should align average CO2 targets with European standards, thus avoiding costly regulations specific to Switzerland. This was welcomed by auto-suisse, emphasizing the importance of keeping mobility affordable while promoting policy coherence.