New car sales fall in July as BYD overtakes Tesla in Switzerland

In July 19,000 new cars were registered in Switzerland, 3.2% fewer than in the same month of 2025. The figure comes from Auto-Schweiz, the importers' association.

Within a slightly shrinking market the composition is changing quickly. Alternative powertrains reached 76% of registrations, against 68% a year earlier.

In detail, hybrids stand at 37%, up from 35%. Electric vehicles rise from 21% to 26%, with 4,500 registered and growth of 20%. Plug-in hybrids move from 12% to 14%. In the opposite direction, petrol falls from 24% to 18% and diesel from 8% to 6%.

The first seven months

From January to July, total registrations came to 135,500, up 2.1% year on year.

Hybrids reach 49,600 units, with growth of 2%. Electric vehicles come to 32,900 units and grow by 20%. Plug-in hybrids stop at 16,900 with an advance of 21%. Petrol falls to 28,600 units, down 13%, while diesel loses 23% and stands at 7,600. The share of SUVs and off-road vehicles rises from 50% to 53%.

In the brand ranking Volkswagen remains in front with 15,300 cars, ahead of Skoda with 12,900, BMW with 11,200, Mercedes with 10,700, Audi with 9,300 and Toyota with 7,500.

The sharpest movement concerns BYD. The Chinese manufacturer sold 3,300 cars in the first seven months, against 300 in the same period of 2025. Growth stands at 1,197%. In July sales came to 600.

Tesla stops at 3,200 units since the start of the year, with a rise of 2%. In July it registered 100 vehicles, 78% fewer. In the electric segment BYD therefore overtakes its American competitor.

The director of Auto-Schweiz, Thomas Rücker, notes that the electrification of the vehicle fleet continued in July and is advancing gradually.