The Federal Council and the over-regulation of the Swiss automobile industry

The Swiss Federal Council has decided to implement the CO2 Ordinance retroactively to January 1, 2025, despite warnings from the Swiss auto industry. This ordinance imposes stricter rules on the automotive industry than those in the European Union, which could cause significant economic damage.

The regulations include severe financial penalties for vehicle importers that do not meet the new standards. Legal experts and Auto-Suisse point out that these measures run counter to the wishes of Parliament and ignore the specific characteristics of the local market, such as the low demand for electric vans.

Auto-Suisse plans to take legal action, claiming that this regulation endangers thousands of jobs and the survival of many automotive companies. The industry says the move could increase costs for the economy as a whole and hamper the development of Switzerland's electric mobility ecosystem.