Even at the beginning of the 20th century, a trip across the Alps was a dream for many people. Karl Schmid, engineer and sales manager at Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH, and his newlywed wife ventured on this journey in October 1925 - in a Maybach car. In ten days, the Schmids covered around 2200 kilometers on their journey from Friedrichshafen (D) through the Black Forest, western Switzerland, over several Swiss Alpine passes and finally the Stelvio Pass to Merano (I) and back to their starting point. A well-preserved travel diary and a photo album document this in detail.

The automobile partner of the honeymoon couple from the Roaring Twenties was the Maybach Type 22 W3, as it was built between 1921 and 1928. Under the bodywork was an in-line six-cylinder engine with 70 hp and a displacement of 5.7 liters - enough to hold its own in the thin Alpine air. A highlight of the 1925 Alpine tour was the visit of the dogs named after the pass on the Great St. Bernard. Naturally, this meeting could not be missed at the revival event. The remake: well-behaved St. Bernard dogs pose in front of the still half-frozen lake and the overwhelming backdrop of Alpine peaks.

Years 1936 to 2025
The fleet of accompanying modern Maybach models included two of the recently launched SL 680 Monogram Series, two S-Classes and the GLS 600 and EQS 680 SUV models. Due to their age, the classic Maybach models SW38, a four-door convertible built in 1936 with a 140 hp 3.8-liter engine, SW 42 Standard Pullman Sedan, built in 1939/40, with a 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine and also 140 hp, and the family-owned Maybach 57, based on the Mercedes S-Class, built in 2002, with a 5.5-liter V12 and 550 hp, were on the road at "Maybach's 100 Year Honeymoon" at a much slower pace.

Cars, trains, ships and airships
However, the history of the Maybach brand goes back more than a hundred years. As early as 1901, Wilhelm Maybach designed a racing car that made the competition of the time look old, and from 1907 he and his son Karl developed their own engines. In the spring of 1909, a group of shareholders led by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin founded Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau GmbH, the predecessor company to Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH in Friedrichshafen, which was founded in June 1918. For many years, the company built engines for cars, trains, ships and airships.

Between 1919 and 1941, around 2,300 cars were produced in Friedrichshafen, spread across nine models with outputs ranging from 36 to 200 hp, with six and twelve-cylinder engines. However, only 180 of these still exist today. None of the 1925 Bergbezwinger Type 22 W3 still exists. In 1960, Daimler-Benz AG took over the majority of Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH, which was then sold again by Daimler Chrysler AG in 2005. Maybach was also revived as an independent brand between 2002 and 2013.

Committed to our heritage
Ulrich Schmid-Maybach, great-grandson of Wilhelm and grandson of Karl Maybach, is the fourth generation to stand for the values of the family business. In 2005, he called the Maybach Foundation into being. This foundation is active in the areas of society, ethics, science, technology, art and sustainability and also supports the next generation of the Wilhelm Maybach School in Heilbronn, whose representatives were involved in the 100-year crossing of the Alps in the Maybach SW 38. "The crossing of the Alps, which we reconstructed from the travel diary and photographs from 1925, underlines the pioneering spirit that shaped my family and the Maybach brand," commented Schmid-Maybach during the trip.

Also significant for the Maybach heritage is the Museum for historic Maybach vehicles in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Bavaria. The family has been collecting "engineering treasures" since the 1980s. In addition to 20 historic Maybach vehicles, the museum also exhibits engines, gearboxes and axles as well as documents from the company's eventful history in elegant surroundings.

It is an absolute horror scenario for every driver: The car goes under water and you have to get out of it to avoid drowning. Although such a scenario is fortunately rare, it is certainly realistic. Due to the increase in extreme weather events such as flooding and heavy rainfall, roads can be flooded and cars swept away within a very short space of time. Even without being completely submerged in water, it is necessary to act quickly. With a combustion engine, just 30 centimetres of water can lead to a total loss because the engine suddenly sucks in water instead of air and literally sinks.

Into the water with an electric car and combustion engine
From a water height of 50 centimeters, the vehicle can also float and can no longer be controlled. For this reason, flooded roads or underpasses should not be driven through. If you get into the water with your car, you should leave it through the side window within one minute, as it can sink completely within three to four minutes. In cooperation with the German ADAC, the TCS has sunk two cars in water several times. This involved investigating how quickly these cars sink, how the electronics react and how quickly occupants can or must free themselves. The Seat Exeo, a combustion engine, and the Citroën ëC4, an electric car, were used in the test on a military base in Bavaria (Germany).

Window regulator works under water
The best and safest option for leaving the car is to exit through a side window. In the Citroën with electric drive, the driver can do this easily, as the electric windows still work even in water. However, it is essential to act quickly. This is because the electric car sinks below the water's surface in just under three minutes. The sinking behavior does not differ significantly from that of a combustion engine. The diver, who remained in the car, also confirmed that the window lifters were still working during the test, even completely under water. The battery also withstood the water bath. Even after recovery, it showed no abnormalities in temperature and there is therefore no risk of electric shock.

Opening the door is practically impossible
The TCS and ADAC experts deliberately simulated that the power windows of the Seat Exeo combustion engine did not work. Because the vehicle has double-glazed windows, there is also no way to break the window. This means that the driver has to open the door, which is only possible once the pressure of the incoming water is no longer so high and the pressure has equalized. In the test, the driver's door can therefore only be opened after 4 minutes and 36 seconds! At this point, the occupant's head was already under water for 1 minute and 37 seconds. In an emergency, it would not be possible to hold your breath for long enough due to the adrenaline, cold and physical exertion. The only option: shortly after landing in the water, it may still be possible to open the door. However, this would put the car in an inclined position, which could pose additional danger to other occupants.

Quickly out through the side window
The practicality of breaking a single-glazed window was also tested. It was shown that it is possible to smash the window with tools such as an emergency hammer or a feather punch. However, unlike in Hollywood films, it is hardly possible with tools such as a car key or seatbelt buckle tongue. If a car gets into the water, it should therefore be possible to get out in less than a minute and the window lifters should be operated as soon as possible. In the event of an accident, however, it must be borne in mind that the occupants are in shock and the water may be significantly colder than in the test. It is important to remain calm, not to waste unnecessary energy trying to open the door, but to exit the car via a side window within the first minute of the water entering the vehicle.

Over 400 campsites and more than 200 other pitches - that sounds like a lot for our small country. But the camper boom ensures high occupancy rates; where it's nice, it's often full. This can quickly lead to wild camping. But beware: an unauthorized night in a motorhome (or in a "normal" car, the regulations are the same) can be expensive. Depending on the canton and municipality, fines often range from 200 to 2000 francs.

The relationship status "It's complicated" on Facebook describes it perfectly: every canton has its own rules and in many cantons every municipality has its own rules. As a general rule, wild camping - i.e. sleeping in a vehicle at night - is more often prohibited than permitted. You are never allowed to spend the night in nature reserves and national parks, hunting grounds or wildlife rest areas. Camping above the tree line and on private land is permitted with the owner's consent. Only the cantons of Aargau and Obwalden generally allow one night in a public parking lot.

The bottom line is: ask the municipality or the local police before spending the night wild camping. Sometimes there is no explicit yes or no, and then one (!) night is usually considered tolerated. An excellent overview by canton can be found in the TCS on its homepage. Tip: If in doubt, tables and chairs in the camper and awnings should remain retracted, because sometimes a night on public land is allowed, but not so-called camping behavior - and where it is not allowed, you can hope for significantly more tolerance if you camp more cautiously. The following applies to highway rest areas: The regulations vary and should be clarified on site.

Where are motorhomes allowed to park?
The parking of large motorhomes or caravans is a similarly vague area. A lot is tolerated, but little is really allowed. Things get tricky at the latest when the home on four wheels exceeds the size of a VW bus. The following applies: every vehicle must use the parking spaces intended for it and fit into the parking space. Campers must therefore use camper parking spaces or parking strips without subdivisions if they do not fit into a passenger car space. Theoretically, the vehicle outlines must be within the lines, in practice the bikes are sufficient within the lines. If no extra parking spaces are designated, parking in a truck space is more likely to be tolerated than occupying two car spaces. Our tip: Companies are often willing to accommodate a motorhome on their premises for a few hours on friendly request.

Robert is beaming. And how! Robert Knopf is the head of graphics at Autosprint. And a Skoda driver: his Octavia Combi commutes tirelessly to work, bravely packs up the kids and their belongings and tows the caravan on vacation. SUV, sport and fun? Robert couldn't care less. Or so we thought. Then the Kodiaq RS arrived for our test. Robert is beaming. And Robert asks. How much power? The RS has 195kW/265PS. Space? But yes, almost without end. Can I drive it? Well, for once.

Robert drives - and beams. Why? The Kodiaq RS may be cool, but it doesn't deny what Robert appreciates Skoda for in terms of sport: being before appearances. Practical details from the ice scraper in the fuel filler cap to the screen in the driver's door and the self-folding edge protection when opening the doors. Of course there are large touchscreens, but without any operating puzzles. There are buttons for important things, such as climate and driving modes - that's a good thing! Everything perfect? Nobody's perfect: the left lever on the steering wheel is overloaded. It's a matter of getting used to, says Robert. And enjoys the sports seats.

Sport without murder meets plenty of space
With its two-liter four-cylinder TSI, the all-wheel-drive car goes efficiently (0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 s, top speed 231 km/h), floats on the thick 400 Nm torque wave and grumbles quietly to roaringly depending on the driving mode - always in such a way that it doesn't disturb the neighbors and still beguiles Robert. Sure, the GTI engine doesn't turn 1.9 tons into a real rocket. But chasing around bends on the last groove is neither Robert's nature nor that of the 4.76-meter-long, optional seven-seater family SUV. Instead of over-aggressive steering or pseudo-sporty hard suspension, the RS strikes the perfect balance. Comfortable without sport mode. Robert says: That's how it should be. And so do we.

Our conclusion: The RS offers that extra bit of coolness and power that inspires - but sport without murder and style without remorse. An all-rounder for all occasions, whether office commuting or mountain passes. A few more figures? The petrol engine officially allows itself 8.3 l/100 km, although it quickly becomes more when driving at full speed. However, an average of 7.7 l/100km was enough for us in the test. And the price? It's fair for what's on offer: from 66,850, test equipment 72,470 francs. And Robert? Beaming. And dreams.

Expert opinion: Skoda Kodiaq RS
The RS is not a radical sports car, but an everyday all-rounder with that certain something.
Advantages
+ Very practical and spacious
+ Pleasantly harmonious drive
+ Very suitable for everyday use
Disadvantages
- not a real sportsman
- Overloaded steering column lever

Tread 2 - Overland Edition
Navigation device with high-resolution 8-inch display that can also be operated with gloves. For extreme weather conditions.
garmin.com, CHF 999.90

Car Bingo for children aged 6 and over
No more whining, no more boredom. Fun, games and activities for the passengers in the back of the car.
orellfuessli.chCHF 18.90

Metal petrol can
Powder-coated, fuel-resistant paint prevents rusting inside, completely sealed in any position.
brack.ch, CHF 39.00

Anaris tent from Hilleberg
Sturdy ridge tent with linked inner and outer sections made of polyamide for two people, 250 cm long, 290 cm wide.
transa.ch, CHF 869.90

Ranger 55, an indispensable tool
Ranger 55 Grip Onyx Black, pocket knife with locking blade and high-gloss finish, 13 cm long, 166 g heavy.
victorinox.com, CHF 149.00

Mobile washbasin
Box that is easy to transport and can be used anywhere. Pump, tap, tank and seals are always included.
boxio.deCHF 169.00

Don't let yourself down Relaxing, whether on a trip or at home, works perfectly thanks to our practical travel gadgets. You can also find cool accessories for your next vacation trip in the respective brand stores and at your garage.

Frying pan for on the go
The pan cannot slip on the hob. Good heat distribution, practical flip handle with safety lock.
buessli-shop.chCHF 79.90

Dog crate from Meiko
Lightweight aluminum transport boxes in various sizes, high stability, TCS-tested, easy to clean.
meiko.ch, CHF 525.00

Hard shell roof tent
High-quality Gen 3-R Expedition Alu-Cab roof tent with integrated loading rails and a sleeping area of 210×130 cm, weight with mattress 76 kg.
carcamp.ch, CHF 4255.00

Drinking bottle Original Alu 0.5 l
Original bottle from Sigg, with vintage charm in a modern design, made of 100 percent recycled aluminum, leak-proof.
sigg.chCHF 28.90

Thule Force XTM 400 liter box
Cargobox for roof mounting for numerous vehicle models, simple mounting, secure attachment, easy to open.
schlanser.ch, CHF 562.00

Whether campers, families, electric car drivers or people traveling with a pet, they all have different needs when it comes to rest stops. The TCS took this into account in its latest rest area test. The results show clear differences between the individual countries: France impresses with a high-quality offer, while Spain clearly lags behind in comparison. The overall result in Switzerland is good, but has room for improvement - more on this below.

In spring 2025, the TCS carried out a comprehensive field survey at 150 service stations along the main freeway axes in France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. This test followed on from an initial analysis that the club had already carried out at Swiss service areas in 2024. A TCS expert was specially on the road with a motorhome and a dog to assess the conditions on site from a practical perspective - a total of 14,000 kilometers were covered.

Large-scale comparison in four countries
The test included 58 service stations in Switzerland, 49 in France, 33 in Italy and 10 in Spain. The selection was made along the most important transit axes in southern Europe. All facilities were assessed according to a uniform evaluation scheme - including in the areas of signaling, parking situation (especially for campers and trucks), infrastructure for supply and disposal, availability and quality of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, playgrounds for children, equipment for animals, general cleanliness, safety level and the presence of stores or gas bottle offers. Each site was visited in person and documented and evaluated using practical tests.

Results by country: Light and shade
France scored particularly well overall. The rest areas are well designed, embedded in the landscape and offer a comprehensive range of facilities for different user groups. The Aire de Village Catalan on the A9 towards Spain achieved the highest rating with 98 percent - thanks to its modern camper infrastructure, a playground, regional products and a spacious dog run. Montélimar Est (91 percent) and Poitou-Charentes (90 percent) followed closely behind, thanks to their comfort, accessibility and infrastructure. Drumettaz (41%), Mouxy (39%) and St. Augustin La Grau (22%) were significantly weaker, with hardly any suitable facilities for campers, families or pet owners.

Light and shadow in Italy
Italy showed major differences between the facilities tested. While service areas such as Sillaro Ovest (87 percent), Somaglia Ovest (71 percent) and Arda Ovest (71 percent) scored well with charging facilities, green zones and animal friendliness, many others lacked clear signage and basic infrastructure for campers. Cecina (19 percent), Rubicone Ovest (15 percent) and Foglia Ovest (11 percent) scored the worst - with hardly any services for motorhome travelers or families.

Only one service station in Spain with solid value
Spain lagged far behind in comparison. Only one out of ten facilities tested achieved more than 50 percent. Most of the rest areas showed considerable deficits in terms of facilities and condition. The Area del Monsenyt on the AP-7 scored 50 percent with a dog run, a playground and a solid camper infrastructure. Montseny (43 percent) and El Gironès (39 percent) at least offered some family-friendly elements. However, Maçanet, Cespa-Valles (18% each) and Maçanet Nord (21%) did not have any charging infrastructure, green zones or special camper facilities.

Good balance sheet, but potential for improvement
Switzerland's overall score is good, but with room for improvement. La Côte Lac (85%), Neuenkirch West (84%) and Kemptthal (83%) stood out particularly positively - with good facilities for campers, charging infrastructure, recreational areas and dog zones. Pratteln North and South (16% each) and Weinland (14%) stood out negatively, with hardly any facilities for electric vehicles or motorhomes.

Recommendations for a mobile future in Europe
The TCS test illustrates the benefits of common standards at European level to improve the quality and functionality of service areas. The aim should be to guarantee a reliable minimum level of services - for example in terms of charging infrastructure, waste disposal facilities, child and animal-friendly equipment, cleanliness and safety. TCS calls for increased cooperation between national authorities, operators and European mobility clubs to make travel infrastructure more sustainable and user-friendly - for all road users, regardless of their chosen means of transportation

Before the premiere trip with the brand new VW camper, we naturally asked ourselves: Why should we travel far away when the good things are so close? On our tour along routes in the Lucerne and Aargau hinterland that are largely familiar but have nevertheless become attractive again in the camper, we want to experience "California Dreamin'" - with the sound of the global 1965 hit by The Mamas and the Papas in the back of our minds.

California is set to become more than a dream
As VW Commercial Vehicles already has a great deal of experience in building and equipping campers with the model named after the US state, we were able to embark on the test drive with correspondingly high expectations. As with all California versions, the Ocean Liberty with kitchen and camper van registration in the test vehicle is equipped with two sliding doors as standard, which opens up additional possibilities for both camping and everyday use. In the new three-room concept for the parking space, the interior is supplemented by the rooms to the right and left of the sliding doors. As the California is now technically based on the long-wheelbase version of the Multivan, it offers significantly more space. With a length of 5.17 meters, its wheelbase now measures 3.12 meters.

Where engine sound is still the order of the day
Our first flying visit took us into the realm of motor freaks and lovers of good food and powerful music, i.e. rock'n'roll, even heavy and with an adrenaline kick. The Ace Cafe Lucerne in Rothenburg LU, which has just celebrated its tenth anniversary, is a meeting place for "freedom lovers who want to have a great time and share many happy moments" in a relaxed atmosphere, according to the website. The Ace Cafe is also a meeting place for like-minded people who come together for automotive brand events. In summer, various classic car meetings are on the program. Like the original in North London, the Ace Cafe Lucerne aims to celebrate a very specific lifestyle.

Back to the car. The California comes with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, always combined with front-wheel drive and a convenient dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard. Our test vehicle was fitted with the tried and tested two-liter turbodiesel, which, with torques of up to 360 Nm and an output of 110 kW/150 hp, also provides propulsion in numerous other VW Group models - and, as it turned out, knows how to use fuel economically.

In the heart of Switzerland
The Swiss Museum of Transport is located on the eastern outskirts of Lucerne near the lake - the Mecca of Swiss road, rail and air transport from its beginnings to modern times. The museum not only offers a variety of exhibited means of transport, but also simulators, themed islands and exhibits to immerse yourself in the moving and eventful history of transportation on land, on water and in the air. The Road Transport Hall, for example, displays historical and current vehicles with two, three and four wheels. At the heart of this section is the display warehouse with 80 contemporary witnesses to the history of transportation. It is particularly worth taking a closer look at the history of the Swiss brand Monteverdi.

Star at Camping Sempach
Our California makes a grand entrance at TCS Camping Sempach. Shortly after we arrive, a cluster of interested people form around our camper, with lots of questions about the technology, driving comfort, equipment and - of course - the price. To get straight to the point: The base price for the VW California Ocean 2.0 TDI is 77,710 Swiss francs; as our Swiss special model Ocean Liberty 2.0 TDI, it is available from 68,710 Swiss francs. In addition to the fully-fledged kitchenette, this also includes features such as the Mélange Raven seat fabric made from recycled material, seat heating for the driver and front passenger seats, auxiliary air heating, automatic air conditioning and a large roof storage compartment above the trunk. The Ocean also has an exterior folding table and a 230-volt socket on the outside for an electric hob.

Place with Racing tradition
Where the canton of Lucerne is gradually becoming Aargau, we visit a small farming village that is known far and wide - not so much for its agricultural produce from the surrounding fields as for its for his hill climb: Reitnau AG. The smell of unburnt hydrocarbons, the sound of engines with exhaust systems that are not always MFK-compliant and the forecourts of houses filled with cars ready to race are therefore very familiar to the locals. The only 1.6-kilometre-long, but crisp racing lane leads from the end of the village from around 540 to 650 meters above sea level in easily manageable windings for the public. Efforts in the recent past to stop the event from taking place failed after a lengthy back and forth. In view of the enormous pleasure that the races always bring to the village population and spectators, it would also be a shame to ban the event and thus put a brake on the fun. The people of Reitnau don't want to be deprived of a bit of bread and games. The rocking classic by the British band Free will also be played there: "All Right Now".

Home sweet home
Of course, the California is not for the racetrack. But in terms of its actual purpose, comfortable traveling and comprehensive camper equipment, it shows no weaknesses. Its chassis perfectly combines the requirements of driving comfort and driving safety, the steering is as pleasant as in a car, and the whole range of standard assistance systems is available. The powerful torque, typical of a diesel, also ensures sufficient dynamic performance at all times, even if the maximum output of 150 hp is rather meagre for a 2.4-tonner. Our California Ocean Liberty, painted in Fortanarot Metallic, is equipped with a new camper control unit. All the essential features for camping are displayed and controlled via the five-inch touch display integrated into the living area. This includes information on the fresh water and waste water levels, the lighting functions in the interior, the status of the power supply, the refrigerator and the auxiliary heating. At the same time, most of these functions can also be controlled via smartphone using the California app and the in-car app in the infotainment system. A tilt display can also be called up to align the vehicle horizontally. So if you found your way to the VW camper via "California Dreamin'", you can now relax in the "Hotel California".

Expert opinion: VW California Ocean Liberty
The VW California Ocean Liberty offers four seats and four berths. It has a pop-up roof, a summer kitchen on the left-hand side of the vehicle with a hob, sink, drawer fridge, folding table and socket for a second hob. The vehicle weighs 2386 kg. The factory diesel consumption is 6.8 l/100 km. The warranty: five years or 200,000 kilometers.

Advantages
+ Plenty of space for a compact camper
+ Riding comfort
+ Equipped with two sliding doors

Disadvantages
- Engine power a little low with full payload
- Quite a proud price

You can't do without a car: for many vacation plans, the car is still the ideal mobility solution. Not only the family - and maybe even the dog - but also plenty of luggage and sometimes sports equipment can be comfortably accommodated. Of course, the vehicle's maximum permissible load must always be taken into account.

But vacation trips are also stressful for the car: in everyday life, it is usually only used for short distances, so that the drive and all other components are rarely pushed to the limit. Not so on a vacation trip. Long journeys, often higher speeds (for example in Germany), a full load, often significantly higher temperatures - all this requires the vehicle to be in top condition. Who wants to break down on vacation? So the car needs to be put through its paces before the journey.

More air pressure in hot weather
Some checks can easily be carried out by yourself - such as checking the various fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, windscreen washer fluid), the condition of the windscreen wipers (cracks or streaks), the tire pressure and the tread depth (minimum 1.6, preferably 3 mm). Good to know: At very high temperatures and when the vehicle is fully loaded, the pressure must be increased. Information on this can be found in the owner's manual. A good rule of thumb to remember: It is better to have too much pressure than too little. When the tires are warm, 0.2 to 0.3 bar more pressure is always correct and reduces wear and fuel consumption. When the outside temperature is hot, it needs to be even higher. Therefore, it is important: Never let the pressure down in the summer heat, otherwise it is usually too little later on.

Vacation check in the garage
When it comes to air pressure, it is clear that professional advice is required. That's why a check in the garage is the obvious choice. Many garages offer special vacation checks, which are quick and reliable and vary greatly in scope and price, but start at low double-digit sums. The professionals then take a close look at the condition of the vehicle on the lift. Particular attention is usually paid to the lighting, braking system, tires and air conditioning. Take tires, for example: professionals often discover previous damage before a flat tire occurs. It is also important that the battery and electronics are in good condition. The inspection usually ends in the trunk: Does the spare wheel have pressure? Are the breakdown triangle (mandatory) and first aid kit (optional) there?

Other countries, other rules
When traveling abroad, the car must comply with the legal requirements of the destination. The mandatory equipment may vary depending on the country. At the top of the list is the CH sticker, which must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle. A missing sticker can result in a hefty fine in Italy, for example. In many countries, one or even several high-visibility vests are mandatory. In Great Britain or Ireland, special headlight cover stickers are required due to left-hand traffic. They prevent other road users from being dazzled. Your garage will know more about this topic.

Threat of fines in low emission zones
In many European countries, the use of the road network is free of charge - with the exception of certain tunnels and bridges. In some countries, the purchase of a vignette is required to use the highway. France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia and Greece operate a toll system with varying charges. Payment can be made in cash, by credit card or via payment systems such as Télépéage in France, Telepass in Italy, VIA-T in Spain or Easy Toll and Toll Card in Portugal.

More and more frequently, you will also encounter restrictions on driving through cities abroad. Access is then only possible with an environmental sticker, which, depending on the country, must be stuck to the car (e.g. Germany) or purchased online (e.g. Italy). Attention: The fines are high. In some countries (such as Italy or France, where twelve environmental zones were previously turned into 42 this year), the regulations vary from city to city. In some cases, infringements are automatically recorded by camera and fined automatically (e.g. in Italy). The Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) offers a lot of information on such topics, toll regulations and many general tips (such as vacation checklists, entry regulations, charging stations): tcs.ch.

The carXpert network
The name says it all: Behind the name carXpert is a Switzerland-wide network of over 280 independent quality garages and over 40 independent body stores - all experts for your car. In these multi-brand garages, every car feels at home with the qualified specialists because it is serviced and repaired according to the manufacturer's instructions with original equipment parts - guaranteed to keep the warranty! The premium network offers the highest level of expertise and service quality as well as, for example, assistance and used car warranties. The carXpert partners are also ideal contacts for topics such as vacation checks and starter batteries! Many offer a vacation check at reasonable fixed prices. This usually involves checking the starter battery. If a replacement is required carXpert partner a wide range from economy to high-tech premium batteries. carxpert.ch

*The content was created by the Autosprint editorial team in collaboration with carXpert. Cars of all makes are welcome in the carXpert garages and body shops.

The idea of electric vehicles without range concerns has recently experienced a renaissance: why not install a small petrol engine in the electric car instead of a huge battery, which generates electricity when needed? As in the C10 REEV from Leapmotor: the extremely spacious, 4.74 meter long family SUV in Skoda Kodiaq format is only available with a battery (425 kilometers standard range) or as a range extender electric vehicle (REEV): It always drives electrically with 158 kW/218 hp. Not a rocket, but fast and quiet.

The battery charged at home officially lasts 145 kilometers, practically almost as far. The four-cylinder engine then generates enough power for another 800 kilometers. This works well in the test. Because the petrol engine is perfectly insulated and does not always run, a smooth e-feeling dominates. Test consumption: 5.6 liters plus 13.7 kWh/100 km. The chassis sometimes feels wooden in town, but comfort, cornering and steering are a good everyday mix. Inside, everything is neat and very well finished, the equipment is lavish.

We get used to the almost purely digital operation. The only annoying thing is the overzealous assistance systems. They can be switched off but, thanks to the law, are switched on again after a restart. Then the lane departure warning intervenes far too aggressively, even warning the car of bends or tunnels, and the navigation system gets confused and says "drive through the first exit". Tesla-style fine-tuning is to follow via over-the-air updates. Bad? Forgivable in view of the bargain price: The basic C10 costs 35,900, the REEV also from 35,900, and the top version 37,900 francs. With a five-year warranty. That should go down well.

Expert opinion on the Leapmotor C10 REEV
The C10 is a spacious electric family SUV without range worries at a budget price.
Advantages
+Very good workmanship
+ convincing drive
+ very favorable price
Disadvantages
- Hyperactive assistance systems
- Chassis could do with some fine-tuning

Liv is the best example: the up-and-coming car influencer (Instagram: @withliv), real name Livia, is 28 years young - and still a classic car fan. Nevertheless? Yes, because the scene is in danger of running out of new blood. Liv talks glowingly about what fascinates her about classic cars: "You still have to work and think while driving." She talks about the emotions, but also the hurdles of the scene. "You have to get to know people first. So I proactively went to events."

It is precisely this exchange and access that a new platform aims to create. The fact that older men dominate the scene is a networking problem: where can I meet people with the same passion? Which old or youngtimer is suitable? Where can I buy it, who can repair it? What events are taking place? The classic car umbrella organization Swiss Historic Vehicle Federation (SHVF), supported by the classic car trade fair Swiss Classic World (SCW), has taken matters into its own hands and launched a campaign and website for the SCW in Lucerne.

The SHVF's young4vintage.ch platform aims to break down fears. "It will not be a commercial platform," emphasizes SHVF President Daniel Geissman. The idea is for everyone who wants to get into the hobby and is looking for information, advice and community to meet up here - and all the protagonists of the scene who want to promote it, whether clubs, vehicle owners, garages, event providers and so on. There are also plans to hold 30 to 40 events a year at locations such as shopping centers where young people can look at old cars, drive them and talk to people who know the scene.

A good example of the campaigns is "Old cars for young people" by the Lucerne Museum of Transport and SCW: young people could apply to drive a VW Beetle or Porsche 944 for a year. SCW founder Bernd Link: "We have to tackle the problem of young talent. For example, by making classic cars more accessible and organizing more events with youngtimers." And Daniel Geissmann adds: "Today, only two percent of classic car owners are female." So the event is also aimed at young women. Livia is already involved - and click here to go to young4vintage.ch.