This article was translated using the help of AI
In 2025, the Swiss automotive market was shaped by new trends and developments. Through studies, analyses, and market observations, AutoScout24 gained a comprehensive picture of what is driving Switzerland on its roads. The following review highlights the year’s most important findings: data-based, fact-oriented, and practice-focused.
Already in January, it became apparent that 2025 would be a year of major shifts. Matthias Bischof, Director Business Customer, expected an oversupply of used cars – partly due to the reduction of CO₂ target values from 118 to 93.6 g/km. Dealers and importers would therefore sell more vehicles with alternative drivetrains, while falling prices were forecast for the used car market. The first quarterly review confirmed this assumption: the number of listings increased for both new and used cars, with vehicles featuring alternative propulsion technologies appearing more frequently on AutoScout24. This trend continued in the half-year review. In the third quarter, supply and demand for new cars rose noticeably, while both declined slightly for used cars compared with the previous quarter. Vehicles with alternative drivetrains in particular drove this growth, with new plug-in hybrids recording a year-on-year increase in listings of more than forty per cent.
How Switzerland Perceives Electromobility
In February, AutoScout24, together with the market research institute YouGov, focused on public attitudes towards electromobility. The results revealed clear differences between genders: while more than half of men said they intended to buy an electric car within the next two years, this applied to only just under one third of women. Particularly surprising was the strong preference among the younger generation for petrol engines. Despite intense public debate around electromobility, many respondents aged 18 to 29 continued to favour traditional drivetrains. Place of residence also played a role: homeowners showed significantly more interest in electric vehicles than people living in flats. At the same time, the challenges of electromobility remained evident. Limited range, battery disposal, high purchase costs and inadequate charging infrastructure were key barriers for many respondents.
Sustainability Between Aspiration and Reality
In summer, an AutoScout24 survey highlighted the gap between environmental aspirations and actual behaviour. Amid political discussions about a potential nationwide SUV tax, AutoScout24 sought to understand public attitudes. The majority of respondents clearly opposed the tax. Strikingly, many people stated that they would still choose an SUV for their next vehicle purchase despite ongoing sustainability debates. Reasons such as space, safety and comfort outweighed ecological considerations, once again revealing how strongly emotions and everyday practicality influence purchasing decisions.
SUVs, Status and Strong Emotions
Another YouGov survey commissioned by AutoScout24 examined the topic of sports cars. The results showed that, in the minds of many Swiss people, the major legendary brands dominate the picture. Ferrari and Porsche lead the field, followed by Lamborghini, BMW M, Audi RS and Mercedes-AMG. Despite these strong brand associations, interest in actually owning a sports car remained moderate. Although most respondents expressed no concrete interest, a smaller proportion had already seriously considered a purchase. The dream was particularly strong among young adults.
Chinese Automotive Brands on the Rise
With the increasing focus on electromobility, Chinese automotive brands gained more attention. As early as March, AutoScout24 recorded a marked increase in searches for BYD, which had quadrupled compared with the previous year. A representative survey by the TX Online Panel in September showed that around forty per cent of respondents could, in principle, imagine buying a Chinese car, particularly due to the attractive price–performance ratio. At the same time, a degree of caution remained. When choosing between two equally equipped vehicles, most would still opt for a European model, although Chinese brands surpassed US brands for the first time.
High Potential for Fleet Electrification
In October, AutoScout24, together with YouGov, turned its attention to company fleets. The study revealed that electrification in Swiss businesses is still at an early stage. Only a small proportion of company cars are currently electric, and few businesses have internal policies mandating the purchase of exclusively electric vehicles. By comparison, at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, which includes AutoScout24, 82% of the fleet is already electrified. By 2028, the entire company fleet is expected to run on electric power.
“The study shows that Swiss company fleets still have room for improvement when it comes to electrification. For dealers, this gap presents an opportunity to support their customers through this transformation,” says Alberto Sanz de Lama, Managing Director AutoScout24 at the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group.
The Night as an Automotive Quality Seal
The importance of commitment, quality and innovation in the automotive market became evident at the festive presentation of the AutoScout24 and MotoScout24 Awards in November. The event honoured garage owners whose exceptional achievements in the past year had set new standards. The award-winning dealers were recognised as role models for a sector that continues to evolve. High participation and positive feedback highlighted the significance the awards have now gained as a mark of quality.
Guidance Amid Change
AutoScout24 sees itself as a strong partner for dealers and a reliable source of information for private individuals. In a market that spans traditional craftsmanship and an increasingly data-driven environment, studies, analyses and practical content provide valuable guidance. In 2026, AutoScout24 will continue to support customers and dealers with sound insights, easy-to-understand advice and data-based recommendations – helping them confidently navigate digital buying and selling processes.