The regular 68th General Assembly of auto-schweiz was marked by the significant challenges facing the Swiss automotive industry in a stagnant market. The members present unanimously approved all statutory business and discharged the board. President Peter Grünenfelder was confirmed for another three-year term. Claudia Meyer (Renault Group) was also re-elected. Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Schweiz AG, was newly elected to the board. The association is further strengthened by the addition of two new brands, reinforcing unity and cohesion within the industry. With 63 member brands, the association now covers more than 90 percent of new vehicle registrations. Peter Grünenfelder thanked the members for their trust: "The unanimous re-election strengthens our position to continue representing the traffic and climate policy interests of the Swiss automotive industry with emphasis in Bern."
No Swiss Exceptionalism in CO2 Regulations
In his speech, Peter Grünenfelder pointed out the difficult situation of the Swiss automotive industry. While numerous European car markets are recovering and the European Union is adjusting its regulations to market realities, car importers in Switzerland are facing a declining market, rigid regulation, and multi-million-dollar penalties. For auto-schweiz, rapidly adopting European flexibility measures in CO2 fleet regulations is a top priority. Switzerland must not continue disadvantaging its automotive industry through additional burdens compared to its European neighbors. Thomas Rücker, Director of auto-schweiz, added: "Switzerland cannot afford a regulatory Sonderweg. We need more technological openness, more pragmatism, and a policy that aligns with market realities rather than ideological expectations. Additional burdens for businesses and consumers, as well as an increasing gap between political objectives and market reality, are consequences of the current regulation."
Deregulation and Relief Instead of New Burdens
In addition to adjusting the CO2 regime, auto-schweiz is calling for a consistent reduction of the regulatory jungle that increasingly burdens the industry. The Swiss automotive industry relies on planning and investment security. Instead of new regulations, there is a need for market-economic conditions that promote innovation and investment. The association is therefore advocating for comprehensive deregulation. The scope ranges from reviewing unnecessary declaration obligations to reducing market-distorting regulations. At the same time, auto-schweiz is calling for relief from taxes and charges. Motorists and the automotive industry already contribute almost 13 billion francs annually in taxes and charges. Against this background, auto-schweiz firmly rejects additional burdens and advocates for the abolition of the automobile tax.
A Balanced Mobility Policy Demanded
Auto-schweiz critically assesses the increasing imbalance in federal infrastructure investments. Although about two-thirds of all passenger and freight transport takes place on the road, a large part of the additional planned investments within the Verkehr'45 framework is to be directed towards rail transport. Meanwhile, traffic jams and bottlenecks on the road network are reaching record levels. A balanced traffic policy is needed, which takes into account the actual mobility needs of the population and the economy. Efficient roads remain a central prerequisite for prosperity, supply security, and the competitiveness of Switzerland as a location.
"We will continue to advocate for a competitive automotive industry, affordable mobility, and market-economic framework conditions. Switzerland needs more movement instead of more bureaucracy," concluded Peter Grünenfelder.
Press Contact:
Frank Keidel
Media Spokesperson
T 076 399 69 06
frank.keidel@auto.swiss