Sales: Slight increase at last in August
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL The market for new passenger cars in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein grew by 1.2 percent in August. With 16,456 new registrations, there were 196 more than in the same month a year ago. At the same time, the prioritization of electrically powered vehicles in the production of almost all manufacturers is paying off: Almost [...]
At the same time, the prioritization of electrically powered vehicles in the production of almost all manufacturers is paying off: Almost one in four new cars that hit the roads in August was an electric car or a plug-in hybrid.
Massive impact on deliverability
The chip crisis continues to have a massive impact on the deliverability of new vehicles. Accordingly, the Swiss auto market was unable to break away significantly from its low prior-year level in August.
Compared to the level of August 2019, which was without negative external influences, last month was short 2981 enrollments, or 15.3 percent of the market volume. Nevertheless, the interim balance of the current year remains positive.
By the end of August, 160,425 new passenger vehicles had been registered - a figure 12.9 percent higher than the comparable year-earlier result of 142,102, which was heavily impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic.
Almost half hybrid models and electric cars
One in ten new cars in 2021 will have zero local emissions. Almost half of the new passenger cars registered in August have an electrified drive system. The 8131 hybrid models and electric cars account for a record 49.4 percent of the total market. Of these, just under half are plug-in vehicles and can be recharged via the power grid.
Since the beginning of the year, the proportion of electric and hybrid vehicles has been 40.1 percent (64,400 new registrations); in addition, there are 231 gas and fuel cell vehicles and other alternative drive systems.
Little Japanese inspires Swiss family
The Toyota Yaris continues to ride a wave of success after its launch and once again leads the ranking of the most popular models in Switzerland in August 2021 with 335 sales. It is followed by the Audi Q3 (305), Skoda Octavia (303), Fiat 500 (294) and VW ID.3 (289).
With 2655 vehicles already registered, the European Car of the Year 2021 from Japan also ranks high in Switzerland's current annual bestseller list.
