This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 2/14/2019

Overview

U.S. automotive suppliers may export to one of the 300 Swiss companies (e.g., Autoneum, AMS, Mikron), that supply the global automotive industry.  With no domestic automobile production, Swiss automotive component producers, often in niche areas, are closely linked to German automotive supply chains. 

In 2017, Switzerland had 6.1 million registered vehicles, up 32% compared to 2000.  About 2.1 % of the working population in Switzerland is involved in the sale and after-sales services of cars in Switzerland.  More than 90% of imported cars enter the market through agents that trade exclusively in a particular brand.  Certain cars with a limited demand, including some U.S. models, may only be available upon request from an importer or through individual importation.  Between May 2017 and May 2018, the automakers with the highest number of registrations in Switzerland included Volkswagen (12.3%), BMW (8%), Mercedes (7.9%), Skoda (6.8%) and Audi (6.2%).  About half of newly registered vehicles had four-wheel drive capability, popular given mountainous terrain and winter driving conditions, and 4.1% of the newly registered cars were hybrid electric vehicles.
 
(In million USD)2014201520162017 (Estimated)
Total Local Production1856782748763
Total Exports2355389491523
Total Imports210,52710,44110,23510,477
Imports from the US2
 		648704699700
Total Market Size11,02810,83410,23810,717
Exchange Rates applied0.9150.9630.9850.985
(total market size = total local production + imports - exports)
1Swiss gross value-added automotive and parts production according to https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/volkswirtschaft/volkswirtschaftliche-gesamtrechnung/produktionskonto.assetdetail.3322003.html.  The growth rate for local production for 2017 was estimated at 2%.
2Imports and exports of cars (HS Code 8703) as outlined by Global Trade Atlas, based on data from census.gov and Swiss customs.

Leading Sub-Sectors

All products and services aimed at suppliers of the automotive industry.

Opportunities

Opportunities for U.S. companies exist in the following areas: engines, exhaust, fuel and cooling systems, drivetrains and gearboxes, steering and chassis, brake systems and wheels, safety systems, and electronics.

Web Resources

Swissmem (association of the Swiss mechanical and electrical engineering industries) provides a list of Swiss automotive suppliers: www.swissmem.ch
Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO): www.astra.admin.ch
Swiss Motor Trade Association: www.agvs.ch
Geneva’s annual International Motor show: www.gims.swiss
 

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.