Car market down: political uncertainty to blame

The Swiss automobile market experienced its weakest start to the year of the millennium in January 2025. Only 14,788 new passenger cars were registered in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, a decrease of 2.9% compared to the previous year. This situation is explained by consumers' reluctance to buy, linked to the uncertainty surrounding the CO2 Ordinance. The Federal Council could avoid retroactive application, and favour a market-aligned programme for electric mobility.

CO2 emissions from new vehicles must be reduced by 20% by 2025. However, the lack of clarity on this regulation worries economic players. In the absence of a decision, importers risk high penalties. In January, the share of electric cars increased slightly to 19.7%, while plug-in hybrids reached 9.2% of registrations. Achieving the 50% electric vehicle targets seems difficult without an appropriate legislative framework.