AGVS: Swiss garage owners become mobility consultants

SCHWEIZER GARAGISTEN Der Anteil des motorisierten Individualverkehrs beträgt inzwischen über 75 % der gesamten Verkehrsleistung in der Schweiz. Und er wird in Zukunft noch an Stellenwert gewinnen: Das ist die Bilanz des „Tag der Schweizer Garagisten“ in Bern vom 17. Januar. Nationalratspräsident Jürg Stahl wies in seiner Ansprache auf die oft unterschätzte Bedeutung des Schweizer Autogewerbes […]

Editorial - 19 January 2017

National Councilor Ulrich Giezendanner, former Federal Councilor Christoph Blocher and moderator Patrick Rohr (from left) in a three-way conversation.

In his address, National Council President Jürg Stahl pointed out the often underestimated importance of the Swiss automotive industry. And he also recognized new tasks: "In the area of environmental protection and energy reduction, the role of garage owners is becoming increasingly important."

This focus on energy efficiency and service corresponds precisely to the future role as it AGVS-Urs Wernli, President of the Central Office, sees for his members. The garage owner of tomorrow will become a mobility consultant. "Keeping someone mobile means recognizing customer needs in the area of mobility in good time and covering them as broadly as possible as a service provider," said Wernli. Thus, the "garage owner as an entrepreneur with a future" was the focus of the conference. And this future offers opportunities, despite ever-increasing requirements, declining margins and greater risks. This was also the view of the speakers and discussion participants from the world of politics, National Councillor Doris Fiala (FDP/ZH), former Federal Councillor Christoph Blocher, and National Councillors Ulrich Giezendanner (SVP/AG) and Jean-François Rime (SVP/FR), who assured the more than 600 garage owners and guests present of their support.

Stronger political commitment to the street
It is no coincidence that the largest and most important annual symposium of the Swiss automotive industry was held this year in Bern, in the immediate vicinity of the Federal Parliament building: on February 12, Switzerland will vote on the National Roads and Agglomeration Transport Fund (NAF) for which the Swiss automotive industry is strongly committed. AGVS Central President Urs Wernli urged the conference participants to mobilize in view of the vote. At the same time, he announced an even stronger political commitment on the part of his trade for the future, in line with the motto: "If you don't do politics, politics will be done with you".