Where do most imported used cars in Switzerland come from?

By far from Germany. 55.1% of all imported used vehicles in Switzerland come from Germany – over 27,700 vehicles. The next countries are France (6.2%), Italy (5.8%) and surprisingly Denmark (5.2%).

Why are so many used cars imported from Germany?

Several factors: Germany has the largest European car market with high supply and often lower prices. Geographic proximity minimizes transport costs. Additionally, many Swiss prefer German brands like BMW, Mercedes and Audi, which are available in great variety there.

How can I tell where a used car originally came from?

The safest way is the vehicle registration document (part 1). The 'First registration' field shows the country of first registration. For imports, it shows e.g. 'DE' for Germany. Additionally, the service booklet or a CARFAX search shows the vehicle history.

Are electric cars more often imports than combustion cars?

Yes, significantly. 38.3% of all imported used cars are electrified (BEV, PHEV or HEV). For electric cars from Norway and Denmark, the share even exceeds 60%, as these countries invested early in e-mobility and now many used cars are coming onto the market.

Why do so many used cars come from Denmark?

Denmark has extremely high new car taxes (up to 150% of vehicle value), which creates a large used car market. At the same time, electric cars were heavily subsidized there. After use, many of these vehicles are exported to countries with stable markets like Switzerland.

What should I look out for when buying an imported used car?

Check: 1) Complete service history abroad, 2) Correct customs clearance and MFK inspection, 3) Converted odometer reading (miles vs km for US/UK imports), 4) Swiss warranty rights, 5) Possibly missing equipment (e.g. winter package for Southern Europe imports).

Where Do Swiss Used Cars Come From? Origin Analysis 2026

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Where Do Swiss Used Cars Come From? Origin Analysis 2026 | autoweg