IS THAT REALLY NECESSARY? The Federal Council has implemented its planned plan to extend the automobile tax to electric vehicles as early as 2024, much to the regret of the importers' association auto-schweiz.
Editorial - November 9, 2023
New prices will apply to all-electric vehicles from January.
With the corresponding amendment to the ordinance, battery-electric cars and vans in particular will be subject to the four percent levy in just a few weeks. The Association of Swiss Automobile Importers is disappointed that the Federal Council has not been persuaded by the arguments for extending the exemption. This will make e-vehicles artificially more expensive and do a disservice to electromobility - at the expense of the climate targets approved by the electorate.
Anti-consumer decision
Peter Grünenfelder, President of auto-schweiz: "This deterioration in the framework conditions for e-mobility is in stark contrast to the CO2 reduction targets for new vehicles set by the same politicians. The transport sector must reduce its CO2 emissions by 57 percent by 2040 compared to 1990. With such anti-consumer decisions at the expense of those who want to buy an electric car from 2024, this target is a long way off. At the same time, it sends the worst possible signal at a time when the automotive industry is trying to convince more and more customers to switch to a zero-emission vehicle."
ADVICE For most classic car enthusiasts, the active driving season ends in the fall, as this is the only way to safely protect their automotive treasure from the damaging effects of low temperatures and salted roads.
Editorial - November 8, 2023
A few important care measures should be observed when winterizing your classic car.
The corrosion protection of older cars is often poor. A thorough vehicle wash should therefore be carried out before winter storage. Ideally, the subsequent drying should be supplemented by carefully blowing out the body joints with compressed air. To prevent rust forming inside the fuel tank, it is sufficient to fill it up to the overflow limit. The tire pressure can also be increased to the recommended maximum at the same time.
Antifreeze and oil change
However, classic car owners should refrain from jacking up the car to protect it from flat spots. There is too great a risk that the permanent relief of the chassis will lead to damage to joints, bushings and bearings. Special mats or half-filled sandbags offer additional protection here.
When it comes to changing the oil, opinions differ as to whether this should be done at the end of the season or immediately before the start of the new season. More important than the timing is that the oil is changed at all. It is also advisable to replace the oil filter. You should also check whether there is enough antifreeze in the coolant. Door rubbers and seals can be treated with a glycerine stick or rubbed with powder to keep them supple.
It is important to ventilate regularly
Heated garages are not recommended because the heating creates a dry indoor climate that makes rubber and plastic parts brittle and causes them to age more quickly. On the other hand, humidity can collect in cold garages and settle on the car. Regular ventilation and dehumidifiers can help to prevent this. The battery should be disconnected and connected to a charger. If this is not possible, the terminals should be greased to protect them against moisture. This is particularly important for 6-volt batteries, as they tend to outgas.
UNIQUE Mercedes-Benz Trucks has handed over a converted truck for heavy-duty transportation to the company Viktor Baumann. The maximum trailer load of the special Arocs SLT 4463 AS 8×6 is 1000 tons.
Editorial - November 8, 2023
With more than 130 years of experience, Baumann is one of the leading heavy-duty specialists in Germany.
For the transportation of particularly large loads, the truck will operate in combination with several coupled trucks. The combined weight of the vehicles and the freight can therefore be well over 1000 tons. The heavy haulage company Viktor Baumann GmbH, which specializes in such operations, will use the special truck to transport transformers and heat exchangers, among other things.
All-wheel drive and wide cab
The Arocs SLT 4463 AS 8×6 is the only all-wheel-drive model in the Arocs series with a wide cab. The retrofitted big-space cab enables two-man operation during longer operations. This important step in the conversion process was carried out by Paul Nutzfahrzeuge. Mercedes-Benz Trucks contract partner RKG Truck Service, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth and the Mercedes-Benz conversion plant in Molsheim were also involved in the conversion of the vehicle.
Trailer load up to 1000 tons
In Baumann's extreme heavy-duty operations, two, three or more trucks coupled together pull a multi-axle platform, such as a low-loader or a boiler bridge, from the front, while another truck pushes from behind. The new Mercedes-Benz Arocs SLT 4463 AS 8×6, with a towing capacity of up to 1000 tons on the trailer coupling, is intended as the last towing vehicle and thus as the link to the trailer. The vehicle already had a reinforced frame and the appropriate drive train ex works.
Almost a year after the production of the base vehicle, the specially converted truck has returned to Wörth am Rhein. Just in time for the handover, specialists from TÜV approved the special vehicle in an individual inspection. The vehicle is immediately ready for use and rolls along the Rhine to Viktor Baumann's company headquarters between Bonn and Cologne as soon as it has been handed over.
ANNIVERSARY Mattel and Porsche celebrate the 70th anniversary of Matchbox together. To mark the anniversary year, the two brands are not only referencing the past, but also venturing a look into the future.
Editorial - November 8, 2023
In addition to the photographic interpretation, there is also the opportunity to experience both brands in analog form.
At the heart of the activities is the Matchbox vision of making dreams come true. The campaign motif "Driving your Dreams. From Childhood visions to reality" plays with the reality of the Matchbox model and the beauty of a real Porsche. In front of the Porsche Brand Store in Stuttgart, car fans can discover a 911 Turbo 3.3 like never before. Instead of a miniature in a box, as is familiar from Matchbox, it is now a real-size Porsche in oversized Matchbox packaging
Car dreams come true
The fascination for models such as the Porsche 911 is undisputed. At the same time, Matchbox has been delighting its fans for 70 years with its detailed models. The affordable miniature cars make it possible to experience the car of your dreams long before you have your driver's license in your hands. It is precisely this vision of making dreams come true that is at the heart of the joint campaign for the Matchbox brand's 70th anniversary. Together, the connection between the Matchbox 911 Turbo and its real-life counterpart was explored.
With this cooperation, Mattel and Porsche Matchbox are celebrating history and looking to the future at the same time. The brand has established itself as a synonym for affordable driving fun and remains firmly anchored in its mission to make dreams come true. For young and old - in small and large.
Porsche Esports: Thomas Schmid showed the master again 🎥
AND ANOTHER WIN 28-year-old Thomas Schmid from Jonschwil secured his third title in the Porsche Esports Carrera Cup Suisse, the official Swiss championship for simulation racing.
Editorial - November 7, 2023
Nikolaj Rogivue (27) from Uster came second at the season finale held at Auto Zürich, while last year's champion Leonard Heidegger (22) from Geneva secured third place. The three-day live event in the Zurich exhibition halls marked the end of a record-breaking season for the Porsche Esports Carrera Cup Suisse: Almost 300 participants competed in this year's season - more than ever before.
In the decisive eight-lap race, Schmid secured the lead at the start and did not relinquish it until the finish. With a total of three titles (2020, 2021 and 2023), the former mountain and rally driver is the most successful Swiss Simracer.
The 5.8-kilometer Formula 1 racetrack in Monza Park (Italy) served as the virtual venue for the final.
Thomas Schmid is the most successful Simracer in Switzerland.
The best of the ladies and the over 45s
While the 30-strong Pro class (gallery left) crowned the official Swiss champion, 20 other drivers in each of the Ladies and Over 45 classes battled it out for prizes in the digital Swiss Porsche one-make cup. Bettina Buess (center gallery) came out on top in the women's field, while Martin Bodmer (right gallery) was the best over-45 driver of the year.
Digital version of the 911 GT3 Cup car
Porsche Switzerland was once again an official partner of the Swiss Simracing Series, which was held for the fifth time in 2023. On ten high-end racing simulators, the participants drove a digital version of the approximately 515 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. The Swiss Simracing Series is under the sporting sovereignty of the national motorsport association Auto Sport Schweiz, which is part of the FIA.
Sporting competition on the computer
Simracing is short for simulation racing and is a form of sporting competition using computer games. Amateurs and professionals drive on virtual tracks that correspond to real racetracks. The e-athletes do not have a controller in their hands, but drive with a steering wheel and pedals in a racing simulator.
Porsche is also involved in sim racing and, for example, organizes the international Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup, the digital version of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which takes place as part of selected Formula 1 races. There is also the Porsche Esports works team founded in 2022. It will compete in the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans, for example.
Swiss teams: victories and points at the WEC finale
HUT AB Sébastien Buemi is WEC World Champion for the fourth time with Toyota. Louis Delétraz also took the title in LMP2. There was also a sensational victory for Rahel Frey in the GTE.
Editorial - November 7, 2023
Sébastien Buemi (center) is delighted with his fourth title in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Former Federal Councillor Adolf Ogi would have put it in a nutshell with his standard saying "Joy reigns! What the Swiss achieved at the finale of the World Endurance Championship in Bahrain deserves respect.
Sébastien Buemi's fourth world championship title was never in danger. Buemi started from pole position, won the start and handed over the Toyota with the #8 in the lead. His two team-mates Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa did the rest. After eight hours and 249 laps respectively, the Vaud native was crowned the 2023 world champion.
Consistency brought success
Sébastien Buemi: "It's a great feeling to win the world championship again and I'm really grateful to the team. I think we deserved it this year. Of course it was difficult not to win Le Mans, but we proved our strength and won the championship in front of such strong competition. It's always special to win, but this title was won with consistency. Even though we weren't always the fastest car, we scored points everywhere, even in the difficult races."
Endurance Trophy for Louis Delétraz
However, Buemi was not the only Swiss driver to celebrate in Bahrain. His French-Swiss colleague Louis Delétraz (right gallery, left in picture) also popped the corks in the LMP2. Like Buemi, Delétraz celebrated another class victory and secured the Endurance Trophy. It was the last regular race in the LMP2 class as part of the World Endurance Championship. In future, the class will only compete in Le Mans within the WEC.
Rahel Frey won with Iron Dames
And that's not all the Swiss success stories! Although it wasn't quite enough for Rahel Frey (center gallery, in the middle) to win the LMGTE title (it was already clinched before the final), the LMGTE era ended with a premiere: the Iron Dames with Frey, Michelle Gatting and Sarah Bovy celebrated their first ever WEC victory in the final race. The Iron Lynx Porsche with the #85 prevailed in a thrilling duel against the Aston Martin #777. Frey thus successfully defended second place in the overall standings.
Nico Müller in eighth place
The WEC season finale ended as follows for the other Swiss drivers: Nico Müller (gallery left) finished eighth in his comeback with Peugeot, Neel Jani finished 10th in the Proton Porsche, while Le Mans class winner Fabio Scherer ended the season with a sixth place, which put him second overall (behind Delétraz) in the final standings. Thomas Flohr narrowly missed out on the podium in Bahrain in the AF Corse Ferrari. However, he also made it onto the podium in the championship with third place.
SUSTAINABLE Peugeot is expanding its entire range of light commercial vehicles in one fell swoop. E-Partner, E-Expert and E-Boxer are part of the manufacturer's strategy to fully electrify its models.
Editorial - November 6, 2023
All light vans from Peugeot, such as the Partner, are now also available with electric drive.
As a major player in the light commercial vehicle market, Peugeot is currently carrying out an offensive that will see the Partner, Expert and Boxer model series each receive a 100% electric version. The brand has set itself the goal of offering an electric version of every model in its product range by 2025 and becoming a 100% electric brand in Europe by 2030.
E-Partner brings it up to 100 kW
The 4.40 or 4.75 meter long E-Partner offers a WLTP range of up to 330 kilometers. The load volume remains the same despite the battery. It is up to 4.4 cubic meters, while the payload of 700 kilograms and the towing capacity of 750 kilograms should set new standards.
The i-Cockpit has a new 10-inch touchscreen and the seats are covered in a more durable fabric. The maximum drive power is 100 kW (136 PS), the maximum torque is 270 Nm and the battery capacity is 50 kWh. With a 7.4 kW or 11 kW onboard charger, the E-Partner enables efficient charging regardless of the infrastructure. Fast charging with up to 100 kW is also possible. Alternatively, there are still petrol and diesel versions in the Partner range.
E-Expert offers more space inside
The E-Expert has a revised design and offers a useful volume of 6.6 cubic meters and a payload of 1200 kilograms. The range is 350 kilometers. In the interior, the driver's seat, dashboard and steering wheel have been redesigned. There are also more storage compartments that offer more space, especially in the upper part of the dashboard and in the center console.
Thanks to new driver assistance systems, the E-Expert has also become even safer. With the 100 kW motor (136 hp), it reaches a top speed of 130 km/h. The 50 kWh battery can be charged to 80 percent in 38 minutes at the public 100 kW charging station. The E-Expert is available as a standard panel van with a length of 4.98 meters or as a long panel van with a length of 5.33 meters and with five or six seats. Internal combustion engines are also still available for the Expert.
E-boxer with a range of 420 kilometers
With the 200 kW electric motor (270 hp) and a range of up to 420 kilometers thanks to the 110 kWh battery, the E-Boxer is entering a new era. It retains the qualities that have made it so successful in Europe. The loading volume of up to 17 cubic meters and the maximum payload of 1400 kilograms also remain the same. The E-Boxer is available in different versions. Based on a wheelbase of 4.04 meters, panel vans are available in two lengths. However, the vehicle is also well suited for conversions, as requested by many tradespeople.
The battery can be charged to 80 percent in 55 minutes at a public 150 kW charging station. In addition to the E-Boxer, Peugeot also offers a wide range of Boxer models with combustion engines.
The Swiss prices and equipment are available on request.
PERFORMANCE Adidas and Bugatti have developed a soccer shoe together. The X Crazyfast Bugatti will be produced in a limited edition of 99 pairs. It is designed for speed and lightness.
Editorial - November 6, 2023
The exclusive new collection is based on the Adidas X Crazyfast with laces and draws on some of the features that define Bugatti. They are not only designed for speed, but also follow the design philosophy of Form Follows Performance to maximize performance. And as with every Bugatti, these models will be rare and coveted by collectors for years to come.
The fast football boots will soon be celebrating their premiere on the pitch.
Lightweight structure and stable base
While the heart of the Chiron is its incomparable W16 engine, the Speedframe sole technology from Adidas forms the center of the shoe. It provides a lightweight structure while offering a stable base for fast acceleration. The carbon insole in the shoe is based on the carbon fibers that are also used in the vehicle.
On the side of the shoe are two phrases that characterize the core values of both companies: "Impossible is Nothing" for Adidas' relentless pursuit of performance and "Create the Incomparable" for Bugatti's commitment to building hyper sports cars. The insignia of Ettore Bugatti is repeated on the back of the shoe and is a subtle nod to the founder.
Exclusive digital shoe box
The shoes will be delivered in a box with an exterior inspired by carbon fibers. To ensure that Adidas and Bugatti enthusiasts worldwide have an equal chance to purchase one of the 99 pairs in the collection, the shoes will be auctioned via the Adidas Collect Web 3 platform. The auction will run from November 8-11, after which all winners will receive an exclusive digital shoe box that can be redeemed for an additional physical pair and a digital twin via Adidas Collect starting November 13.
The shoes will be presented on the pitch for the first time in November by Rafael Leao and Karim Benzema.
ENTRY MODEL The smallest SUV ever built by Volvo is called the EX30 and is just 4.23 meters long, but comes with a powerful drive. This is transmitted either to the rear wheels or to all four wheels.
Stephan Hauri - November 6, 2023
Volvo uses 25 percent recycled aluminum, 17 percent recycled steel and 17 percent recycled plastics to manufacture the body of the compact EX30. The interior also uses numerous more ecologically compatible materials such as flax fabric, recycled textiles and PET bottle recyclate for trims and panels as well as vegan leather for seat covers. This is how Volvo is traveling to a cleaner car world.
The all-electric Volvo EX30 looks very elegant despite its compact dimensions.
Twin engine with all-wheel drive
Economically, the new EX30 is set to play a decisive role in the Swedes' model portfolio. By the middle of the decade, fully electric models will account for half of Volvo's global sales, and from 2030 only electric cars will be sold. With an entry-level price of 36,800 francs, the EX30 fortunately hardly stands out from comparable models with a combustion engine. The powerful Twin Motor version with all-wheel drive costs at least 46,700 francs.
High format touchscreen
The interior designers have dispensed with a conventional instrument cluster. All vehicle and driving information is displayed on the portrait-format central touchscreen. This means that the driver only has to look slightly to the right to read the current speed. This takes some getting used to, but is not a problem, as there is also no head-up display for space reasons.
While even tall people will find plenty of space in the front seats, the rear seats are cramped, meaning that only children or small adults should be expected to travel comfortably on long journeys.
With 315 kW of power in abundance
With 200 kW (272 hp), the small Volvo with rear-wheel drive, called Single Motor, is generously motorized compared to similarly sized, conventionally powered models. And the twin-engine Twin Motor Performance version offers even more power. Its maximum 543 Nm and 315 kW (428 hp) suggest a sports car rather than an efficient compact SUV. The performance figures of 543 Nm and 315 kW also reveal the fact that the EX30 comes with the same underpinnings from the Chinese Geely Group as the Smart Brabus models #1 and #3.
3.6 seconds to 100 km/h
In everyday traffic, the car drives perfectly - both the single and twin-engine versions. The twin-engine version reaches 100 km/h just 3.6 seconds after the start, but the EX30 single engine also feels very agile. The steering in both models supports the impression of pleasant handling, and with a turning circle diameter of 11.1 meters between walls, manoeuvrability is also impeccable. The suspension is comfortable and firm enough to transfer the drive power safely to the road.
Production in China and Europe
Even the basic Single Motor version proves to have a good engine and the range of around 350 kilometers is actually sufficient. If you need a little more range with the same drive, choose the Single Motor Extended Range version, and if you don't want to do without all-wheel drive, order the Twin Motor Performance, which can tow up to 1600 kilograms. The range is estimated at around 450 kilometers.
EX30 variant as Cross Country
Production of the Volvo EX30 started in September in Zhangjiakou, China. The first deliveries can be expected at the end of the year. Volvo has already announced that a European production facility will also start operations in Ghent, Belgium, from 2025 due to the high demand. The EX30 Cross Country variant is also already on the agenda for next year.
FOURTH GENERATION Lots of car, modern technology, amazingly clever ideas in the details and an appealing design - Škoda is continuing its recipe for success with the next Superb, even with the top model.
Stefan Donat - November 5, 2023
The Czech VW subsidiary has sold 1.6 million of the upmarket mid-range vehicles since 2001 - primarily to customers who appreciate the space, comfort and modern technology. Drives and chassis come from the Volkswagen pool. Škoda also thrives on its image of being the cheaper alternative to VW and Audi - often with better build quality.
In Switzerland, the Superb will only be available in the Combi version.
Development also for the Passat
The new Superb will not be able to claim this for itself, because for the first time it comes from the same plant as its VW Passat brother. What's more, while the first three Superb generations were developed on the basis of the Passat, this time it's the other way around: Škoda developed the Passat in parallel with the Superb.
Gear selector lever on the steering column
The completely new interior concept includes a free-standing infotainment display with a screen diagonal of up to 13 inches. The gear selector lever has been moved to the steering column, creating a tidy, neat and even more spacious center console. For the first time in the Superb, a head-up display is available as an option. The innovative Škoda Smart Dials (digital dials) allow quick access to numerous functions. In addition, the new Superb adopts the Design Selections introduced with the Enyaq. They offer themed option packages as well as individual equipment options.
Back-friendly ergonomic seats
The new features include a phone box with an inductive 15-watt fast-charging option that cools the smartphone at the same time. Also new: back-friendly ergonomic seats with ten pneumatically controlled massage cushions. The electrically controlled luggage compartment cover in the Superb Combi is one of several new Simply Clever details - there are 28 in total.
All interior fabrics are made from recycled material. The optional leather upholstery was tanned using waste water from olive processing.
Petrol and diesel with all-wheel drive
In Switzerland, the 2.0 TSI with 265 hp, the 2.0 TDI with 150 hp, the 2.0 TDI with 193 hp and the plug-in hybrid with 204 hp have an electric range of around 100 kilometers. The most powerful petrol and diesel versions are also available with all-wheel drive. Škoda combines all engines with an automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG).
Market launch is at the beginning of 2024, Swiss prices have not yet been set
