More choice, lower prices: used cars and electric vehicles more attractive at the start of the year

In the first quarter of 2026, AutoScout24 recorded significant growth in vehicle listings, particularly for new cars. At the same time, average prices for used cars and electric vehicles declined, while vehicles overall sold more quickly.

In the first quarter of 2026, the total number of vehicles listed on AutoScout24 increased by 4.1% compared to the previous quarter. The supply of new cars grew by an impressive 8.3%, while listings for used cars rose by 3.4%. Among new cars, station wagons in particular saw strong momentum: supply increased by 29.4% compared to the previous quarter. Alternative powertrains also grew in the new car segment, especially plug-in hybrids (+13.8%) and fully electric vehicles (+7.2%).

Noticeable decline in prices
While average prices for new cars remained extremely stable at CHF 61,078 (+0.2%), buyers benefited in the used car market: prices for used cars fell by 3.4% compared to the previous quarter, reaching an average of CHF 36,884. The trend is clearly continuing in electromobility: new fully electric cars cost on average 4.2% less in the first quarter of 2026 than in the previous quarter (CHF 51,424), and prices for used models also decreased by 3.2% (to CHF 40,599). New plug-in hybrids also became cheaper (–2.8%).

Faster purchasing decisions
A positive trend is also evident in the average time vehicles remain listed, which shortened across the market. In the first quarter, listing durations were 4.6% shorter for used cars and 2.1% shorter for new cars compared to the previous quarter. The decline was particularly pronounced for used diesel vehicles (–5.8%) and new electric vehicles (–3.6%). “The fact that vehicles are currently selling faster indicates strong market dynamics. We provide our users with all the information they need to realistically assess vehicles,” says Alberto Sanz de Lama, Managing Director Automotive at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group.

Data basis
The analysis is based on listing data for passenger cars from the first quarter of 2026 (01.01–31.03.2026) on autoscout24.ch. For the analysis of supply and prices, the data was segmented on the one hand by new and used vehicles, and on the other hand by fuel types (also divided into new and used vehicles) as well as by vehicle categories (also divided into new and used vehicles).