Switzerland: A Land of Cars
In 2023, over 6.4 million motor vehicles were registered in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, including more than 4.7 million passenger cars. The automotive industry plays a central role in the economy and also has a significant impact on climate protection and road safety.

Importance for the Economy
The automotive industry is a key pillar of the Swiss economy. Car importers, garages, transport companies, gas stations, and insurance companies together secure around 224,000 jobs. With annual sales of over 94 billion Swiss francs, the industry contributes approximately 13 percent to the gross domestic product.

Energy Efficiency and Vehicle Fleet
Around one-third of passenger cars in Switzerland are older than ten years. In total, over 1.6 million vehicles are technically outdated. This has a negative impact on the environment and road safety. Modern cars consume an average of around 25 percent less fuel and offer better protection for occupants thanks to new technologies. Many current models meet energy efficiency categories A and B or have alternative drive systems.

Fuels and Alternative Drives
Gasoline remains the most important fuel for passenger cars. At the same time, alternative drive systems are gaining increasing importance. These include biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles. In 2023, vehicles with alternative drive systems already accounted for 57.4 percent of new registrations.

Technological Progress
Modern engines are significantly more efficient, cleaner, and quieter than earlier models. A comparison illustrates the progress: While a 1995 model with 90 hp consumed around 8 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, a comparable 2015 model with 150 hp requires only about 4.7 liters. The automotive industry is one of the most innovative sectors and is continuously developing new technologies, particularly in the area of ​​electric and hybrid drives. At the same time, the prices of electric vehicles are falling thanks to more affordable batteries.

Climate and CO₂ Emissions
Passenger cars are responsible for around 20 percent of CO₂ emissions in Switzerland. To reduce these emissions, manufacturers are implementing various measures such as lighter designs, more efficient engines, improved power transmission, and alternative drive systems. Since the turn of the millennium, the average fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of new vehicles have been reduced by more than a third.

Road Safety
Modern vehicles are equipped as standard with safety systems such as airbags, ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, and electronic stability programs. These developments have significantly contributed to the substantial decrease in the number of fatal traffic accidents. Although motorized road traffic increased by approximately 25 percent between 2000 and 2018, fatal accidents fell by more than 60 percent during the same period.

At the same time, there is a conflict of objectives: Increased safety often leads to heavier vehicles, which can increase fuel consumption. This tension between environmental protection and safety represents a key challenge for the future.