At an extraordinary general meeting, the representatives of the Swiss Association of Car Importers,  auto-schweiz voiced clear criticism of the planned CO2 regulations. The automotive industry, which is considered the third largest import sector in the country, is calling on the federal and cantonal governments to realign their policies.

This should take greater account of the market reality of the industry on the way to emission-free drive technologies. Peter Grünenfelder, President of auto schweiz, addressed the major challenges facing the industry. «The Swiss automotive industry supports the goal of net zero by 2050 set by the people and the cantons and is on the way to emission-free drive technologies. Importers have already made great strides, but the market cannot absorb everything,» he explained.

Declining Share of Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids

He was alluding to the declining market share of electric cars and plug-in hybrids compared to the previous year: «The automotive industry is part of an overall system – we cannot manage the transition to electric mobility alone.»

In general, the Swiss automotive industry is facing a difficult year. Between January and the end of August, 155,575 new registrations were recorded — a 3.6 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.

Commitment to National Roads

Auto-schweiz is particularly critical of the high fines for failing to meet CO2 targets. Grünenfelder called for more flexibility in the timing of the regulation in order to do justice to the market situation — otherwise, there is a risk of damage to Switzerland as a business and mobility location. The association will do everything in its power to ensure that Switzerland remains a country of progress and movement and does not come to a standstill.

Another central concern of the association is the acceptance of the expansion step for the national roads. Director Thomas Rücker emphasized the importance of the proposal, which includes six concrete projects. «Traffic must be bundled on the national roads so that it does not flow through villages and residential areas, past schools. Improved traffic management on the motorways ensures greater safety and faster connections for tradespeople and commuters,» says Rücker.

Strengthening of the Board of Management

In order to do justice to the growing number of members, auto-schweiz is expanding its Executive Board. Sergio Solero, CEO of BMW Switzerland, has been newly elected to the Management Committee, and Helmut Ruhl, CEO of AMAG Group, is taking over the office of Vice President.

Alongside President Peter Grünenfelder, six representatives of member companies will form the board in the future. The other members are Claudia Meyer, Managing Director of Renault, Mercedes-Benz CEO Roland Schell, Donato Bochicchio from the Emil-Frey Group and Mazda-CEO Matthias Walker.