Anyone travelling on Swiss roads today will notice them more and more frequently: sleek, ultra-modern new electric cars from manufacturers whose names weren't even on the radar a few years ago. Whether it is a compact runabout or a spacious electric SUV – Chinese cars are currently shaking up the entire automotive market. Every new Chinese brand brings a breath of fresh air and creates a lot of movement. The cars impress with an attractive design, state-of-the-art high-tech equipment, and an excellent price-performance ratio.

Yet, despite all the enthusiasm, one specific, burning question remains in many people's minds: "What exactly do I do when the car needs to go to the workshop, a regular service is due, or the invitation for the MFK inspection arrives in my letterbox?"

The good news right upfront: the great fear of being left completely without help or stranded in the rain is entirely unfounded. Here is a step-by-step guide on how the whole process works smoothly in Swiss practice.

Where Do I Take the Car for Servicing?

The biggest everyday concern is usually: "After all, there isn't a huge dealership of exactly this brand anywhere near me!" However, that is only partially true. While many Chinese manufacturers deliberately skip a traditional, nationwide dealership network of their own, they work very closely from the start with highly established partner companies that are already well-known and deeply rooted in the Swiss automotive landscape.

• BYD: Does it extremely cleverly. The manufacturer relies on a highly specialised dealer network and cooperates with well-known Swiss industry giants like Garage Galliker (Carplanet). Through these experienced, regional service partners, the entire workshop network is perfectly secured across Switzerland at all times.

• Leapmotor: Benefits greatly from the massive Stellantis Group (which includes brands like Fiat, Opel, Peugeot, and Citroën). The entire import and distribution in this country run via the Emil Frey Group, providing you as a customer with an extremely dense network of official, competent group workshops.

• Zeekr: The innovative premium brand from the well-known Geely Group (which also includes traditional brands like Volvo or Polestar) also utilises the massive infrastructure of the Emil Frey Group. Additionally, Zeekr relies on exclusive service points and even provides mobile technicians who come directly to your home for smaller jobs.

What applies to BYD and Zeekr in Switzerland can also be observed in the German market. Large corporations like Great Wall Motors (GWM) with cars like the Ora 03, or the brand MG Motor, show that Chinese car brands have already established solid structures and workshop partners in Germany. This professionalisation is now spilling over into Switzerland one-to-one. In this country, too, every Chinese manufacturer is eager to offer dense service networks and reliable customer service.

How Does the MFK Inspection Work?

To put it briefly: exactly the same as for any other car on our roads.

Every single car officially sold in Switzerland has a fully valid European Type Approval (the so-called COC document). This means the car is officially approved for Swiss roads without any ifs or buts.

During the official MFK inspection at the road traffic offices, the exact same relevant points are checked as always: the brakes, the suspension, the entire lighting system, and the general condition of the high-voltage battery. Since these modern cars regularly achieve absolute top scores and best ratings in the demanding European Euro NCAP crash tests, there are usually no special hurdles or problems to fear during the official inspection.

And What About Spare Parts?

In the early years, the topic of spare parts for completely new brands on the market was indeed a critical issue here and there. Today, however, the situation is significantly better and more relaxed. Many manufacturers now have huge, strategically located European warehouses. As a result, all common wear-and-tear parts usually arrive at your Swiss workshop within just 24 to 48 hours.

Nevertheless, a small distinction is important for you as a consumer: large, established mega-corporations like BYD or the mighty Geely Group (to which Zeekr belongs) stand on extremely stable financial feet. With smaller start-ups, on the other hand, it can occasionally take a bit longer in rare individual cases, especially for very specific body parts after an accident.

The Insider Tip: Hand Over the Risk Completely

If you find the new, innovative technology extremely exciting, but are still a bit unsure about the eventual resale value, future cost risks, or long-term planning, a car subscription from Carvolution is the perfect solution for you.

With a car subscription, you easily pay a fixed monthly amount that already includes absolutely everything: insurance, taxes, seasonal tyre changes, as well as all service and workshop costs. After your chosen term expires, you simply return the car or easily switch to another new model. And if you like your car particularly well, Carvolution even gives you the option to buy it and keep it permanently.

This way, you remain flexible at all times and never have to worry about the resale value or a potential residual value risk.

Our Verdict on BYD, Zeekr & Co.

You definitely do not need to be afraid of BYD, Zeekr, Leapmotor, or other new Chinese car brands. Thanks to reliable service partners, well-developed dealer networks, and official European approval, you are perfectly secured in Swiss everyday life.

And if you want to make your entry into the world of modern electric cars particularly relaxed, flexible, and risk-free, a car subscription from Carvolution is the ideal solution. It allows you to test the latest models in everyday life without making a long-term commitment or worrying about resale.

Do you have any questions about Chinese electric cars or the car subscription? Our team is always here for you. Simply arrange a personal consultation appointment or call us directly at: +41 62 531 25 25

🚗 And here you can find our current car selection if you would like to browse for your future dream car in a car subscription first.