The ACS has supported Swiss motorsport since its beginnings. Even today, the club still organizes car races, offers driving and licensing courses and is involved in e-sports. It therefore goes without saying that the ACS has also supported the Swiss Rally Championship for many seasons. In 2024, the ACS Valais section and ACS Switzerland decided to join forces to become title partners of the Rallye International du Valais. Thus, the Rallye International du Valais powered by ACS was born.

International recognition

Sharing with the Rallye International du Valais (RIV) values such as passion, sportsmanship and the defense of the interests of the automobile in all its forms, the Club is proud to support the event created in 1960. The rally has earned its fame over the years thanks to challenging races in a setting and renowned national and international drivers.

The ACS would particularly like to thank Jean-Albert Ferrez and Lionel Muller, President and Vice-President respectively of the Association du Rallye International du Valais, for their trust. This agreement will enable the RIV and the ACS to work even more closely together to enhance motorsport in Switzerland.

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What began on a very small scale in 1978/79 has now developed into a major event that attracts around 1500 vehicles in good weather. This event has been taking place at Mollis airfield for a quarter of a century. In 2024, the meeting will once again offer a cross-section of many decades of British automobile construction. However, it is not just cars that attract interest, but also stands with automobilia, specialist books, spare parts and club presentations. Of course, there is also an opportunity for extensive petrolhead discussions.

Special guests in the Rootes Group

This year's special guest is not just one brand, but six of them, which were combined in the Rootes Group. They then sailed under the Chrysler UK banner in the 1970s, and at the end of the 1970s PSA took over the group, from which the last remaining products were offered as Talbot.

All owners of a three- or four-wheeled vehicle with an English brand name are very welcome at the BCM. The organizers are especially calling on owners of large-series English vehicles to take their rarities out of the garage and give them a taste of Mollis. For visitors without "English" cars, parking spaces are available outside the meeting area.

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Due to delivery traffic, light commercial vehicles are often involved in accidents with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

The almost identical small vans Citroën Berlingo, Fiat Doblò, Opel and Vauxhall Combo and Peugeot Partner from the Stellantis Group were awarded gold. They achieved 62 percent of the possible points.

Mercedes won with 87 points

With 68 and 78 percent, the VW Caddy and Renault Kangoo scored even better. They also received a gold rating. The VW ID.Buzz Cargo, classified one segment higher, was awarded platinum with 83 percent of the possible points and the Mercedes-Benz e-Citan was the test winner. It scored 87 percent. With

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Suzuki's many years of experience in automotive engineering and Sky Drive's expertise in aeronautical engineering form synergies that make it possible to overcome the challenges of developing flying cars. The partnership was initiated to produce the Skydrive SD-05, an innovative flying car that is attracting attention for its engineering and design. The plant where these vehicles are manufactured is located in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Options for individual transportation

The plans to use the Skydrive type SD-05 not only at Expo 2025 in Osaka, but also to sell it to private individuals, mark a turning point in the commercial use of flying cars. These vehicles are expected to revolutionize not only the way people travel, but also urban planning and infrastructure. They would open up new possibilities for private transport, public transport and goods transportation to enable a more sustainable and efficient use of urban space.

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The smallest model from the Swedish car manufacturer is also one of the three best vehicles in the world across all classes. The World Car Awards are presented annually by a jury of more than 100 specialist journalists (center gallery) from all over the world. This year, they selected the World Cars of the Year and the class winners in five categories from 38 new models.

Expectations exceeded

Jim Rowan, President and CEO of Volvo Cars: "We are delighted with the award for the Volvo EX30, which is a confirmation of our ambitious electrification strategy. The customer response to the Volvo EX30 has exceeded our expectations."

The title of World Urban Car is not the first award for the smallest member of the model family. The readers of several European trade journals have voted the small Volvo the best new release.

Taking into account the full order books, the EX30 immediately becomes one of the company's best-selling models this year. The smallest Volvo SUV to date has the lowest CO₂-footprint of all Swedish electric vehicles to date.

Three variants to choose from

As a true Volvo, the 4.23-metre-long entry-level model combines a Scandinavian-influenced design with high-quality workmanship and extensive equipment. Customers can choose from three drive variants: the 200 kW (272 hp) Single Motor with a 51 kWh battery, the Single Motor Extended Range with a 69 kWh battery and the Twin Motor Performance, which delivers up to 315 kW (428 hp). The maximum WLTP range per battery charge is 476 kilometers. The subsequent charging stop from 10 to 80 percent SoC takes around 26 minutes thanks to a charging capacity of up to 153 kW at the fast charging station.

Swiss prices start at 37,850 francs with the Core equipment.

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Lexie Alford (@LexieLimitless) has circumnavigated the world behind the wheel of the all-electric new Ford Explorer. After more than six months and more than 30,000 kilometers through 27 countries on six continents, the US-American has arrived back at her starting point in Nice. There she was able to celebrate another milestone on the same day: the sales launch of the new Ford Explorer. The all-rounder built at the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center can now be ordered in Switzerland at an entry-level price of 51,400 Swiss francs.

600 kilometers on one charge

With the Charge-around-the-Globe tour, the adventure traveler has set an officially certified world record. The Ford Explorer proved to be a suitable electric vehicle for the extreme long-distance journey. It can travel more than 600 kilometers on a single charge - enough to cope with power failures in Africa or a poor charging network in the Atacama Desert. During the round-the-world trip, Lexie used various options to top up the battery. These ranged from the 2.2 kW AC wallbox to DC fast chargers and portable battery packs.

Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

The Explorer is the first fully electric mass-produced passenger car that Ford has developed in Europe for Europe. It combines German engineering expertise with American design elements. Initially, it will be launched on our market with two drive options: with rear-wheel drive and 210 kW (286 hp) and with all-wheel drive and a 250 kW (340 hp) variant. Both models draw their power from an NMC lithium-ion battery. The all-wheel drive top model charges its battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 26 minutes at a 185 kW fast-charging station.

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For the 2024 collaboration, Dodge Europe is providing a fleet of five high-performance models, each with a World SBK look specially designed for the partnership and fulfilling different functions.

Two Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, equipped with the 6.2-liter Hemi V8 producing 717 horsepower, will assume the role of official safety vehicles of the competition. A Dodge Durango SRT with 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and 475 hp and a Dodge Durango Hellcat SUV, with 6.2-liter Hemi and 710 hp will serve as the official vehicles of the race management and the FIM safety officer.

Standard vehicles without modifications

All models are production vehicles without special modifications that are ready to take on the complexities of the racetrack. The American brand was also in the spotlight during the award ceremonies after each race. Matt McAlear, Senior Vice President Dodge Sales and Marketing: "We are delighted to begin this partnership with World SBK. It is a collaboration built on shared values and allows us to reach an audience that sympathizes with our brand."

Unlimited design variants

The star at the start is a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Jailbreak in Go Mango tones. The vehicle is one of the models to benefit from the Last Call homage. On this occasion, Dodge has decided to extend the Jailbreak package to the 717 hp Challenger and the Charger SRT Hellcat to offer enthusiasts unlimited possibilities to customize their own muscle car, where every detail can be made unique.

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With the restomod Volvo P1800 coupé, Cyan Racing offers a GT model with the classic silhouette of the legendary Volvo coupé and completely new technology. The development and production process is carried out hand in hand with the customer and takes around twelve to 15 months.

Outstanding power-to-weight ratio

The engine installed longitudinally at the front delivers 350 hp and is coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox from Holinger. The chassis of the basic vehicle delivered by the customer receives a comprehensive rust protection treatment at Cyan, as well as new front and rear wheel suspensions, before the new carbon body is fitted. In this way, the vehicle weight can be limited to 990 kilograms, as the wheels and front grille are also made of light metal.

Completely new in classic car look

Naturally, the entire wiring has also been renewed, and the instruments, switches and lighting units, although similar to the original components, are also new. Only state-of-the-art materials are used in the redesigned interior.

Such a customized conversion vehicle is then collected from Cyan in Gothenburg or transported to any location worldwide according to the customer's wishes. Prices on request.

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The 47th WorldSkills 2024 will start on September 10 in Lyon, France, and the Swiss national team is sending 45 talented individuals to compete - more than ever before. Expectations are correspondingly high, as Switzerland won 19 medals in 34 competitions in 2022. Sophie Schumacher with expert Jean Trotti (gallery right) and Nevio Bernet with expert Michel Tinguely (gallery left) will be competing in the automotive mechatronics discipline.

Apprenticeships in the spotlight

WorldSkills 2024 will put apprenticeships and young professionals in the spotlight. Around 1500 competitors from over 65 countries will come together to compete in 59 trades. WorldSkills will give young professionals the opportunity to showcase their skills and share their passion with hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Support from 42 experts

Preparations for the Swiss Skills National Team began in mid-January with a first weekend in Schwarzsee. The 45 participants will be supported by 42 experts. No fewer than 17 cantons and three of the four language regions will be represented in Lyon. Only one person from Italian-speaking Switzerland is missing from this year's line-up. With eleven women, around a quarter of the Swiss Skills team this year is female.

Around 1000 hours of training

In collaboration with the experts, employers and professional associations, preparation will be steadily intensified over the coming weeks. The individual competitors will invest no less than around 1,000 hours of training in the run-up to the competition in order to achieve the desired success. The preparation program together with the national team also includes several joint training weekends. In addition to competition-specific tasks, physical and mental aspects as well as dealing with the media will also be trained.

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The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is regarded as an automotive icon and is now once again underpinning its leading position among luxury off-road vehicles. It impresses with improved performance thanks to electrified drive systems, modern assistance systems, increased comfort and a plus in digitalization. Established in 1979, the model series offers a diverse drive portfolio and numerous customization options. At the same time, it retains its typical appearance.

The exterior of the G-Class has not changed significantly for 45 years. The exterior design of the new models is also only subtly modified. Visible innovations include a radiator grille with four instead of the previous three horizontal slats and bumpers at the front and rear. A new A-pillar trim and a spoiler lip on the roof trim contribute to improved aerodynamics and increased noise comfort.

Luxurious and functional

The interior is luxurious and functional. With the integration of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, the new G-Class is more digital than ever before. Keyless Go, temperature-controlled cup holders, the 3D surround sound system from Burmester and the MBUX high-end rear-seat entertainment system provide increased comfort on request. There are also additional and enhanced safety and assistance systems.

Benchmark in the off-road sector

The new G-Class is also based on the tried-and-tested ladder frame concept, three mechanical differential locks, off-road reduction, rigid rear axle and independent front suspension. The high ground clearance and long suspension travel form the basis for the outstanding off-road characteristics of this vehicle: climbing ability of up to 100 percent on suitable surfaces, ground clearance of at least 241 millimetres, maximum fording depth of 70 centimetres in water and mud passages, driving stability on slopes of up to 35 degrees and an angle of inclination of 31 degrees at the front and 30 degrees at the rear.

All engines are now fully electrified. As mild hybrids with 48-volt technology, they offer increased performance and reduced consumption. The first fully electric variant of the G-Class will complete the model portfolio at a later date.

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