Growing interest in Chinese car brands in Switzerland
According to a recent survey by AutoScout24, one in five Swiss people looked into Chinese cars last year. The willingness to buy is particularly high among men, people with lower incomes, and in French-speaking Switzerland.
Around 4 percent of those surveyed in German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland already own a car from a Chinese brand. Of the remaining respondents, a remarkable 40 percent could imagine buying a Chinese car. The willingness to buy is particularly pronounced among people with a monthly household income of less than CHF 4,000, among men and among respondents from French-speaking Switzerland and outside the conurbations.
Skepticism and quality concerns
Those respondents who could not imagine buying a Chinese car mainly justified their reluctance with a fundamental scepticism about China and concerns about quality and safety. A clear preference for European vehicles was also frequently mentioned.
Positive perception of innovation
In the assessment of Chinese cars, the statement "Chinese cars are innovative" received the highest level of approval at 55%, closely followed by the assessment of a good price-performance ratio (52%). However, around half of respondents trust Chinese cars less than European models when it comes to quality.
Price-sensitive purchasing decision
The price difference is an important factor for potential buyers: on average, a Chinese car should be 38 percent cheaper than a comparable European model. A fifth of respondents would consider a Chinese car even if it were the same price as a German car.
"In view of the reported willingness to buy of 40 percent, the increasing search queries on AutoScout24 and the general trend towards electromobility, there is much to suggest that Chinese car brands will gain in importance on Swiss roads in the coming years," says Alberto Sanz de Lama, Managing Director AutoScout24 at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group.
