From March 23 to 27, suspension manufacturer KW Automotive will be presenting its extended range of dampers and coilovers for classic and youngtimers at the Techno Classica in Essen.

Sascha Daucher, KW Klassik Brand Manager: "At first we thought that mainly drivers of older BMW and Porsche models were looking for a coilover suspension with adjustable lowering and damper characteristics, but then the demand just overtook us. More and more classic car enthusiasts and drivers of youngtimers want modern handling with their vehicles."

Coilovers with parts certificate
The majority of KW's classic suspensions have adjustable compression and rebound dampers, which are basically responsible for the fact that, for example, a BMW M3/E30 with a new KW suspension is almost as agile and comfortable to drive as a current model.

Until recently, KW did not have any coilovers with parts approval for the Mercedes models 500E/W124 and 190/W201 in its product range, but only ever produced these suspensions as special designs on customer request.

Special designs according to your wishes
But also for many other vehicles such as the models Audi Coupé, BMW 2002, Datsun 240Z and Opel Kadett C manufactures KW coilovers with parts approval.

The special feature here is that the chassis manufacturer has a flexible production structure at its plant in Fichtenberg, Swabia. Thanks to the built-to-order principle, all chassis are manufactured on a daily basis to order.

Coil spring struts and damper housing
At the KW booth at Techno Classica, visitors to the show will also learn about all the possibilities for customization. For example, KW also offers its classic suspension systems for cars such as the De Tomaso Pantera, the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, the Jaguar E-Type or the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 upon customer request. Depending on the application, aluminum and steel alloys or quenched and tempered stainless steels are used to manufacture the coil spring struts and damper housings.

kwsuspensions.ch

Last year, the only luxury brand in the Stellantis Group recorded an increase in global market share to 2.4 percent - in North America it was as high as 2.9 percent and in China 2.7 percent.

Global sales increased by 41 percent year-on-year to a total of 24,269 units. Net sales amounted to 2.021 billion euros.

Gran Turismo with all-electric drive system
Back in September 2020, Maserati announced the launch of the Folgore sub-brand - Blitz in German - at the "MMXX: Time to be audacious" event. Now the brand with the trident is ready to introduce Folgore and with it the new, 100 percent electric range.

Maserati also aims to be the first luxury brand to complete its electric range by 2025. The new Gran Turismo will be the first car in the brand's history with a fully electric powertrain. It will be produced at the Mirafiori plant, with market launch in 2023.

Grecale compact SUV goes electric
Next year, the new Grecale SUV will also be available in an electric version, and by 2025 all Maserati models will come in a 100 percent electric version: the MC20, the Quattroporte and the Levante. The Maserati plan is part of Stellantis' "Dare Forward 2030" strategy, which was announced on March 1, 2022.

maserati.com

Regular checks of the car at the garage increase the feeling of safety on the road. During such service work, the vehicle can then also be trimmed for optimum energy efficiency.

If less fuel is consumed, CO2 emissions are also reduced. The savings measures therefore benefit both your own budget and the quality of the air.

Car energy check in the workshop

Markus Peter, responsible for Technology & Environment at the AGVS: "Regular maintenance can improve fuel consumption by several percent. A car energy check can be carried out on the vehicle during the workshop visit, with a savings potential of up to 20 percent. This check is supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. It takes about half an hour, including a personal consultation with the garage owner."

Driving style is also crucial
The greatest savings potential lies in the driver's style of driving. With a restrained foot on the accelerator and a forward-looking driving style, consumption can be significantly reduced. But the tires also play an important role. During the energy check, the tire pressure is also checked and usually increased slightly to reduce rolling resistance.

Markus Peter: "This has no negative impact on driving safety, but at most is reflected in a slight change in suspension comfort."

Air conditioner consumes much energy
The use of the air conditioning system is also important for the car's fuel consumption. It consumes a lot of energy, especially in automatic mode, because the fresh air always has to be cooled first and then heated up again, depending on the setting.

Projected over the year, the use of LED daytime running lights instead of dipped headlights also brings savings. And, of course, unnecessary luggage should never be carried in the car, warns Markus Peter.

agvs-upsa.ch

The successful singer is the new brand ambassador for Volvo Car Switzerland. The singer from Valais with the strong voice has entered into a long-term cooperation. Stefanie Heinzmann is to carry Volvo's social interests and core values to the outside world.

Collaboration with international stars

Simon Krappl, Consumer Experience Director Volvo Switzerland: "Stefanie has remained authentic and down-to-earth despite major international successes. In addition, as a native of the Valais and a frequent driver, she is very familiar with challenging road conditions. All these qualities make her the perfect ambassador for Volvo."

Stefanie Heinzmann, who covers many kilometers by car, now drives a Volvo XC60 Recharge. Thanks to her musical flair and likeable manner, Heinzmann, who has already worked with Lionel Richie, Joss Stone and Udo Lindenberg, also served as a talent scout on the TV show "Stadt Land Talent" and as a judge on "The Voice of Switzerland.

Mobility solution with minimal responsibility
Volvo Car Switzerland is now launching the Hyra car subscription and rental system. With it, the car manufacturer offers a flexible and fast mobility solution. Hyra - the Swedish word for rent - offers a combination of the classic rental model and a car subscription without any additional costs. Taxes, insurance and maintenance costs are already included.

Natalie Robyn, Managing Director Volvo Car Switzerland: "This is our response to changing needs and an expansion of our mobility offering. Hyra is designed to serve customers who consciously forgo owning their own vehicle but still want a convenient mobility solution with minimal responsibility."

volvocars.ch

Two blue pylons form the starting point. Between them, the red ID.4 GTX is ready and waiting - although you can only tell that from the digital displays, because there are no engine noises to be heard in an electric car. The instructor gives the signal by radio, and off we go.

Unproblematic acceleration
The e-SUV surges forward with its 299 hp, because all the power is immediately available in an e-car. The car stays cleanly on track despite the icy surface. Great, hardly any steering interventions are necessary.

However, such unproblematic acceleration on snow and ice is in this case less due to driving skills than to the dual-engine all-wheel drive. This technology is used for the first time in the ID.4 GTX.

Snow slalom is an easy exercise
The next exercise set up by the Volkswagen Driving Experience instructors shows just how well the new all-wheel-drive system works: a snow slalom. The aim is to drift around the red and white cones as quickly as possible with as few steering wheel movements as possible. No problem with the ID.4 GTX.

After a few practice laps, the four-wheel-drive Stromer can be steered around the pylons easily and accurately. This makes driving fun even in winter.

Driving dynamics manager controls traction
The ID.4 GTX is also supported by the new Driving Dynamics Manager. The system is the electronic command center that monitors not only the all-wheel drive, but also control systems such as the XDS+ transverse lock, the DCC adaptive dampers, and the progressive steering, and coordinates them in fractions of a second to ensure maximum traction in every driving situation.

Over 70 percent of buyers want 4×4
With the dual motor concept, Volkswagen is transferring the all-wheel drive tradition to the new generation of e-cars. And in Switzerland, in particular, it's on the right track. Hardly any other country has such a high proportion of 4×4 vehicles: Around 50 percent of all new car buyers opt for a car that drives both axles. This figure is easily exceeded by the ID.4 - the GTX currently accounts for over 70 percent of orders.

ID.5 GTX with 490 kilometer range
Volkswagen's next electric all-wheeler is already in the starting blocks: The ID.5 GTX (see video) - like the rear-wheel-drive Pro and Pro Performance versions - can already be ordered. Prices start at 52,300 francs.

All three variants of the first all-electric SUV coupé are equipped with the 77 kWh battery. This gives the ID.5 GTX a range of up to 490 kilometers and it can be charged at a fast charging station with a maximum of 150 kW. It has the same dual-motor all-wheel drive as the ID.4 GTX, which delivers a maximum of 299 hp.

AutoSprintCH will soon report on how the big brother drives.

volkswagen.ch

With Juan Manuel Gómez, this first world championship title of the TCR Virtual Global Series goes to Argentina. The first champion thus not only took the attractive prize money. Honda factory driver Nestor Girolami was also able to congratulate him on site for winning a test drive on a race track in the Honda Civic TCR (top center gallery).

Winner flew 12 000 kilometers to the final
The champion also had the longest journey behind him. Juan Manuel Gómez left Argentina for the first time in his life. After all, the 23-year-old flew 12,000 kilometers to compete against the other highly motivated finalists in the TCR Virtual Global Finals on Lake Zurich.

The incredibly fast and equally talented Lukas Mateja from the Czech Republic finished second, while Bartosz Groszek from Poland completed the podium.

Really thrilling races at the Racing Center

Wani Finkboner, founder of RacingFuel Academy AG and organizer of the TCR Virtual Global Finals: "What we experienced at the races was truly gripping motorsport at its best. Star guest Nestor Girolami was also able to see this for himself. We congratulate all the finalists for their commitment and skill, and of course especially Juan Manuel Gómez. We can look forward to his feedback after the test drive in the real Honda Civic TCR."

The live broadcast from 12.03.2022

Photo: Philipp Schallenberg

honda.ch
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racingfuel-academy.com

One in twenty scooters on MotoScout24 is now electrically powered. Among the most popular models are those from the Niu brand. The motorcycle sector, on the other hand, is still lagging behind. Zero Motorcycles and Super Soco currently dominate the still modest e-motorcycle market.

E-shaft only for scooters for the time being
A look at the MotoScout24 website shows that not even one percent of motorcycles were electric in 2021.

José Lopez, Key Account Manager at MotoScout24: "The electrification of motorcycles is about two years behind that of cars. However, the electric age is arriving for scooters, which are mainly used in urban areas. "

According to MotoSuisse, the proportion of newly registered e-scooters last year was 9.5 percent, which corresponds to 1,775 vehicles. The range of e-scooters, which are mainly used in the city, is also growing on MotoScout24. While fewer than 500 vehicles were advertised in 2020, this figure rose to more than 700 in 2021.

The sound evokes emotions in bikers

For José Lopez, the hesitant development has to do with various factors.

José Lopez: "Unlike scooters, riding a motorcycle is a hobby for many people. The roar of the combustion engine arouses great emotions in motorcycle fans. In terms of sound, an electric motorcycle can't keep up."

In addition to the emotional aspect, many riders are reluctant to switch to an electric motorcycle due to the limited range, the different charging options and the long charging time. Nevertheless, he sees a lot of potential in the electric version.

José Lopez: "The riding experience is just as enriching with electric motorcycles. The e-models have high torque values and the elimination of gear changes ensures seamless acceleration."

motoscout24.ch

The so-called motor vehicle notice gives the garage owners, suppliers and other market participants, among other things, the possibility to carry several car brands. The garage owner has a certain protection against dismissal and garages get access to the technical information for vehicle maintenance.

Unilateral contracts for dealerships
The big challenge so far has been that the Competition Commission (Comco) has not been able to enforce the Motor Vehicle Notice due to a lack of resources. As a result, garage owners, independent car importers and suppliers who wanted to enforce the rules of the Motor Vehicle Notice against international manufacturers always failed in court.

At the same time, the tendency to bind dealerships to one-sided contracts and to increase dependence on manufacturers intensified

Success of a broad alliance of the industry
The motion of Zug National Councilor Gerhard Pfister (Die Mitte) was supported by a broad alliance of the Auto Gewerbe Verband Schweiz (AGVS), the Verband Freier Autohandel Schweiz (VFAS), the Verband der Schweizerischen Schmierstoffindustrie (VSS), 2rad Schweiz, the Automobil Club der Schweiz (ACS), the Syna and Unia trade unions, Carrosserie Suisse and the Swiss Automotive Aftermarket (SAA) industry association.

As the umbrella organization of around 4000 garage businesses, the AGVS has taken note of the Council of States' decision with great satisfaction.

agvs-upsa.ch

The name and character of the special series are inspired by the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan. Famous for its volcanoes, it is also home to Lexus' Shibetsu test track, where models like the LFA supercar were brought to perfection. The LC also received its finishing touches there by the Takumi test drivers.

Available in Flare Red, Sonic Platinum, F White or Graphite, the cars feature 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, grille and accents in black, and afterburner-style LED headlights and taillights.

V6 hybrid or a classic V8
Known as a luxury travel destination with forested mountain ranges and hot onsen spas, the Hokkaido region features breathtaking roads that are tailor-made for the LC's driving dynamics. The Hokkaido Edition is powered by the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid unit (LC 500h) or the 5-liter V8 (LC 500 and LC 500 Convertible).

The special LC Hokkaido Edition models will be on sale in Europe from April. Prices have not yet been set.

lexus.ch

From now until May 13, companies can register on the online platform www.family-business-award.ch apply for the Family Business Award. Swiss family businesses that stand out for their sustainable entrepreneurial spirit and employ more than 25 people are eligible for the award.

In addition, there must be at least one generation change, and the chairmanship of the board of directors or the operational management must be held by a family member. In addition, the majority of the capital must be owned by the family.

Ten-member jury of experts looks for the winner
The prize, which Amag has been awarding since 2012 in memory of the company's founder Walter Haefner, is intended to highlight the commitment of family businesses and underline their importance for the economy. After all, around 90 percent of all companies in Switzerland are family businesses. They create jobs, generate added value and ensure stability in the economy.

A ten-member jury consisting of experienced personalities is responsible for selecting the best company. The jury is chaired by Gabriela Manser, Co-CEO and President of the Board of Directors of Goba AG.

The judging process was developed by the Center for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability CCRS at the School of Management Fribourg.

amag.ch