SUV report: 56% of new cars are SUVs
SUVs dominate Swiss roads: accounting for 56.2% of new registrations, they broke a new record in 2023. The most popular makes are Audi, Škoda and BMW.
21.11.2024
1. What does the SUV report show?
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are in greater demand on Swiss roads than ever before. The newly published SUV report from Comparis (not available in English) shows that the share of SUVs in new registrations increased to 56.2% in 2023 – breaking a new record.
In the last 13 years, the market share of SUVs has risen sharply. In 2010, it was still at 16.9%. The 50% mark was crossed in 2022.
The continuing upward trend in SUV registrations shows that drivers continue to attach great importance to spacious vehicles and an elevated seating position.
2. Which SUVs are the most popular?
Motorists in Switzerland often choose German car makes – and are increasingly opting for electric SUVs.
Audi leads the SUV registrations in 2023 with 13,011 new vehicles – the Audi Q3 is particularly popular. This is followed by Škoda with 12,736 new vehicles and BMW with 11,932.
German makes traditionally dominate the SUV rankings. But Škoda has been in the top five since 2019 thanks to successful models such as the Enyaq and Karoq.
What makes SUVs so popular?
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) offer a raised seating position, greater ground clearance and a body shape that resembles an off-road vehicle. However, SUVs do not necessarily have to have certain off-road capabilities.
Electric SUVs at the forefront
If we don’t look at the makes, but at the models, the Tesla Model Y is in pole position – followed by the Škoda Enyaq. Both models are electric cars.
The success of these e-SUV models is not surprising: those who drive an electric vehicle usually choose an e-SUV due to the large range of SUVs on offer.
Small electric cars, electric station wagons and compact models with a sufficiently large range are less represented on the market.
SUVs are becoming a design trend
The Comparis analysis shows that previous classic compact vans and station wagons are increasingly based on the design of SUVs. This is particularly true for European manufacturers.
For example, the Citroën C4 used to be considered a station wagon, but today it is an SUV coupé. The Renault Espace, popular with families, switched from a van to an SUV in 2023.
The classic family car is a discontinued model. It is increasingly being replaced by SUVs.
3. What is the downside of the SUV boom?
The triumph of SUVs brings challenges: SUVs are larger and heavier than other cars. This leads, for example, to higher fuel consumption, a higher load on road infrastructure and space problems in cities. In addition, SUVs are more dangerous for other road users than smaller cars.
The phenomenon is also becoming a problem beyond the Swiss border. In Paris, for example, an increased parking fee for heavy vehicles was introduced to alleviate pressure on the city.
Similar measures are being discussed in Swiss cities such as Basel and Zurich.
Additional parking fees or restrictions on heavy vehicles could weaken the appeal of SUVs in cities. This, in turn, would reduce demand on urban space in the medium term.
All car deals in one place?
Whether SUVs, compact cars, station wagons or coupés: at Comparis, you can find the listings of the major Swiss car marketplaces at a glance.
