Question 1

What is an EU new car?

Accepted Answer

An EU new car is an original vehicle from a car manufacturer that was produced for a European market and is then imported into Switzerland directly or in parallel.

The essential difference is therefore not who built the car, but the distribution channel through which it comes to Switzerland.

We purchase vehicles selectively on various European markets and then handle the professional import and registration process in Switzerland.

You are not buying a “different” car from us - but an original vehicle from the respective manufacturer via a different purchasing channel.

Question 2

Are EU new cars technically identical to Swiss new cars?

Accepted Answer

For the same model, engine and vehicle variant, these are original vehicles from the same manufacturer with the same technical basis.

There can be differences in standard equipment and equipment packages, as manufacturers offer their vehicles differently depending on the European market.

That is exactly why our work begins long before the import: we select our vehicles specifically for the Swiss market and configure some of our new cars ourselves when placing the order.

In doing so, we pay particular attention to safety and assistance systems as well as comfort features that matter to Swiss drivers.

So we don't simply buy wherever a car happens to be available cheaply. We buy and configure vehicles with a view to what our customers in Switzerland actually expect.

Question 3

What is a CoC document for an EU new car?

Accepted Answer

CoC stands for “Certificate of Conformity”, the EU certificate of conformity.

Put simply, the CoC documents the vehicle's technical data relevant for type approval. It is issued by the manufacturer and, depending on the vehicle, contains information such as vehicle type, variant, engine, power output, weights, dimensions as well as emission and consumption figures.

The CoC, or the corresponding electronic vehicle data, helps to document the technical conformity of the specific vehicle in a traceable way and plays an important role in the registration process.

Since 2026, the electronic CoC, or eCoC for short, has also been gaining importance in the Swiss registration process.

The technical vehicle data is therefore not simply based on our sales description, but on the official vehicle data.

Question 4

Can an EU new car be registered in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided the specific vehicle meets the applicable Swiss registration requirements.

Direct and parallel imports are provided for in Switzerland and regulated accordingly.

At Car Trade24, we take care of the necessary steps around import and Swiss registration. Depending on the vehicle, this includes the import formalities, the vehicle documentation and the vehicle data required for registration.

For you, this means: you don't have to organise the import process yourself.

Question 5

Do EU new cars have a manufacturer warranty in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Our vehicles are offered with the manufacturer warranty stated for the respective vehicle.

Duration, start and scope can vary depending on the brand, model, first registration and the manufacturer's respective warranty conditions. That is why we state the warranty information transparently for each specific vehicle.

If you have questions or in the event of a warranty claim, you can contact Car Trade24 directly. Depending on the manufacturer and the warranty conditions, the claim can also be handled through an official brand dealership.

Even after the vehicle handover, you have a point of contact with us.

Question 6

Can I take an EU new car to an official brand dealership?

Accepted Answer

In principle, you can take your vehicle to a corresponding brand or specialist workshop for maintenance and servicing.

For warranty work, the respective warranty conditions of the manufacturer or of the specific vehicle apply.

If anything is unclear in the event of a warranty claim, you can contact Car Trade24 directly. We support you with the further handling.

Question 7

Why are EU new cars often cheaper than Swiss vehicles?

Accepted Answer

A car doesn't have to cost the same in every European country.

Manufacturers and distribution companies calculate prices differently for different markets. Factors include competition, local market conditions, currencies, taxes, distribution structures, promotions and the respective market positioning.

We know this principle from other industries too: electronics, cosmetics, clothing and other branded products can have different prices depending on the country. Even for medicines, an official comparison with prices abroad plays a role in setting prices in Switzerland.

A different selling price therefore does not automatically mean that it is a different or inferior product.

This is exactly where our strength lies: we monitor various European vehicle markets, examine offers and configurations, and buy where price and vehicle fit together for the Swiss market.

Not simply buying the cheapest car - but the right car at the right price.

Question 8

Does a lower price mean there is something wrong with the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

No. The selling price alone says nothing about whether a vehicle is of better or worse quality.

What matters is the specific vehicle, its origin, the vehicle identification, the technical data, the equipment, the registration status, the warranty conditions and the documentation.

That is why we make sure that before you buy, you can understand which vehicle you are buying, what equipment it has and which warranty conditions apply.

With our EU new cars, the price advantage comes primarily from our purchasing and from different market conditions - not from deliberately cutting corners on important aspects of the vehicle.

Question 9

Are EU new cars less well equipped than Swiss vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Not as a rule. What matters is not the country of origin, but the specific configuration of the vehicle.

Manufacturers sometimes offer their models in different European countries with different standard equipment and equipment packages. This has to do, among other things, with the needs of the respective market.

A simple example: in Switzerland, heated seats and other winter comfort features are part of the expected equipment for many buyers. In southern markets, such features sometimes have a different significance.

This is exactly where our purchasing comes in: for every model, we check which equipment makes sense and is in demand for the Swiss market. We configure some of our new cars ourselves when placing the order. For vehicles that have already been produced, we specifically select suitable configurations.

We pay particular attention to important safety and assistance systems as well as comfort features that Swiss drivers value and that, for certain vehicle models or vehicle classes, are practically indispensable for us.

The equipment the specific vehicle actually has is stated transparently in the respective offer.

Not simply buying cheaply in Europe. But selecting the right new cars for Switzerland.

Question 10

Do I have to pay customs duty, vehicle tax or CO₂ levies on top?

Accepted Answer

With our advertised vehicles for end customers, we want you to know from the start what your vehicle costs.

Car Trade24 handles the necessary import process and takes into account the import and levy steps required for the specific vehicle in accordance with the respective offer.

The specific services and the final price are stated transparently to you before the contract is concluded.

No unexpected import costs at the vehicle handover.

Question 11

Do I get a Swiss vehicle registration document with an EU new car?

Accepted Answer

After successful Swiss registration, the vehicle receives a regular Swiss vehicle registration document.

The fact that a vehicle originally came to Switzerland via a direct or parallel import does not change the fact that it is registered in accordance with the applicable Swiss regulations.

Question 12

Is an EU new car harder to sell on later?

Accepted Answer

How much a vehicle will be worth years later cannot be seriously guaranteed, regardless of the original distribution channel.

Many factors play a role in resale - for example brand and model, age, mileage, condition, equipment, service history and current demand.

A vehicle imported by us is driven regularly in Switzerland after successful registration and has a Swiss vehicle registration document.

That is precisely why we pay attention to traceable vehicle documentation and equipment that suits the Swiss market.

Question 13

Are your EU new cars really new?

Accepted Answer

We state the status of every vehicle transparently.

Depending on the offer, it is a new car, a vehicle with a day registration or a vehicle that has already been registered for the first time and has a very low mileage.

If a vehicle has already been registered, this is stated accordingly in the specific offer.

Our principle: you should know what you are getting before you buy - not only afterwards.

Question 14

Who takes care of importing the vehicle into Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Car Trade24 handles the professional processing of the vehicle import and the necessary steps up to Swiss registration.

Car Trade24 is registered as a major importer with the Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO/ASTRA).

For you, this means: you don't have to search for, buy, transport and import your desired car abroad yourself, or deal with the corresponding import formalities yourself.

From purchasing in Europe to handover in Switzerland - we take care of it.

Question 15

Do I have to make a deposit when buying a new car?

Accepted Answer

No. At Car Trade24, no deposit is required to buy a vehicle.

You receive the relevant vehicle and contract information and can review it at your leisure before signing.

For us, transparency doesn't only begin at the vehicle handover.

Question 16

Can I buy an EU new car entirely online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you wish, you can complete your vehicle purchase conveniently online.

Would you rather see your desired car in person, arrange a test drive or get personal advice? Then visit us at Car Trade24 in Wohlen AG.

With us, you decide which way suits you better.

Online from home or in person with us in Wohlen AG.

Question 17

Can I reserve a new car free of charge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can reserve available vehicles at Car Trade24 free of charge for 24 hours.

This gives you time to review the vehicle details and clarify any open questions with us.

Question 18

Why should I buy an EU new car from Car Trade24?

Accepted Answer

Because with an EU new car, price should not be the only deciding factor.

It also matters who purchases the vehicle, which configuration was selected, how import and registration are handled, and who your point of contact is after the purchase.

Car Trade24 is an ASTRA-registered major importer based in Wohlen AG. We deal with European vehicle markets every day, select models and equipment specifically for Swiss customers and configure some of our vehicles ourselves at the time of purchase.

We take care of purchasing, import, vehicle documentation and Swiss registration and accompany you through to the vehicle handover.

And if a question comes up later, your point of contact is not somewhere abroad.

The car comes from Europe. Your point of contact is in Wohlen AG.

Questions about EU new cars?We explain it transparently.

Still have questions about your EU new car?