Swiss new vehicle sales are expected to fall by almost 10 percent for the full year of 2009, Auto-Suisse, the association of car importers said on Monday. The association expects the total number of models registered for the 12-month period to reach 260,000, 9.9 percent less than in 2008. The group, representing the interests of 34 importers of vehicles to Switzerland, is guardedly optimistic about higher sales in 2010. The expected decline in sales for 2009 is particularly marked for those of utility vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, which are expected to drop by 46 percent. Importers expect a stabilization of car and light-vehicle sales at a "weak level" next year, Auto-Suisse said.(ATS)